Why Reykjavík Science City?
Together, we are building the perfect environment for you, your business, and your family.
Unique location
Reykjavík Science City is ideally located in the heart of Reykjavík between universities, the national hospital, and the Gróska Creative Community. It is a connected and diverse business and research environment, where a startup mentality is constantly cultivated. While Reykjavík is proudly one of the world's smallest capitals, it possesses one of the most innovative, flexible, and creative workforces you can find.
Geographic
Iceland draws inspiration from both sides of the Atlantic, combining an entrepreneurial, can-do attitude with a high-quality Nordic lifestyle. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a place where you live side by side with forces of nature, and people have learned to think differently to survive and thrive. A place that is always in the right time zone, and you are never more than a phone call away from a leading expert.
Closer than you think
Iceland is closer than you think! Direct flying time from JFK to Keflavík (KEF) is about 5.5 hours. Almost the same as JFK to LAX (or SFO, for that matter). Daily flights to Iceland connect with most major gateways in Europe (2.5-3 hours) and North America (5-6 hours). Downtown Reykjavik is 45 minutes from the airport.
Nature calling
Wherever you may be in Iceland, you are not far from the sea or the mountains. A 20-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík and you can find some alone time for a hike in the mountains or walk along the beach. There are countless sightseeing opportunities with a wide variety of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, golf — and frisbee golf courses, and even surfing! Geothermally heated pools are located throughout the country and are perfect for exercise and unwinding. Icelanders are very good at finding time to get outside at the end of the day, especially during the long summer nights. Stunning scenery awaits you!
Connected
Because Iceland has such a small population, it's no surprise there is a strong sense of culture, family, and community. These social ties extend to collaborative efforts between entrepreneurs, the sciences, academia, business, and creative industries to solve pressing global challenges. These networks are invaluable for connecting people and ideas into action and solutions.
Modern society
Safe
Those who follow many of the global indexes recognize how high Iceland consistently places in many of them. Iceland consistently ranks top on the United Nation's Human Development Index, is 1st in the Global Gender Gap Index, and is LGBTQ+ friendly. Iceland has a low crime rate, with violent crimes practically non-existent, and tops the IEP's Global Peace Index. In fact, Icelandic police do not carry guns. Children play outside unsupervised from an early age, often only returning when their dinner — or curfew starts!
Progressive
Like its northern neighbors, Iceland is a robust and inclusive Nordic welfare state. The social benefits of healthcare, childcare, parental leave, and affordable, high-quality education promote individuals to pursue their passions and explore opportunities without fear of "falling through the cracks." Many startups have flourished with Icelandic "island" ingenuity, discovering novel local solutions that meet global needs. Iceland ranks #4 in the World Economic Forum's World Talent Ranking 2020.
Sustainable
Iceland is a leader in sustainable energy and is powered 100% by hydroelectric and geothermal energy. Today, nine out of ten Icelandic homes are heated with geothermal waters. Green energy and the lack of polluting industries have left Iceland's water, soil, and environment remarkably pristine. A diet rich in fish, clean air, and pure water has helped Icelanders reach an average life expectancy at birth of 83 years!