The innovation projects Kraftý Cafe and Hólmur Heilsa/Steinunn Saunagus are among
Fourteen projects have been selected to participate in the Startup Land 2026 business accelerator. The accelerator is designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses in rural areas, and Heklan and SSS are among the project's partners.
The projects from the South Coast are diverse. Behind Kraftý Café are Alexandra Ósk Laxdal and Inga Hrönn Kristjánsdóttir. The project involves establishing a creative café that strengthens community and cultural life. Hólmur Heilsa/Steinunn saunagus is a health and arts center in the Southlands with a focus on creativity, balance, and a connection to nature. It is run by Unnur Svava Sverrisdóttir, Jóhannes Harðarson, and Soffía Kristjánsdóttir.
A total of fourteen projects from across the country are participating in the accelerator this year. They span a diverse range of fields, including food production, health promotion, technology, tourism, and the creative industries.
Kraftý Café
Education, advice, and networking
Startup Landið is a seven-week business accelerator that aims to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and value creation in rural areas. Participants get access to education, expert advice, and a network that helps them develop their ideas and build a sustainable business.
On September 25 and 26, participants, advisors, and partners gathered in Borgarnes for a two-day workshop where the focus was on networking, creative thinking, and the ongoing development of the projects.
In the coming weeks, the teams will work on, among other things, business model development, financing, and marketing with the help of experienced mentors.
The accelerator concludes with a joint final event in Selfoss on November 6, where participants will present their projects.
Hólmur Heilsa/Steinunn saunagus
Startup Landið is a collaborative project of regional organizations and business development corporations from across the country, including Austurbrú.
More information can be found on the Startup Landsins website.