For Startups

The startups are the heart of this festival. You are our first, our last, our everything. At Iceland Innovation Week you will get the opportunity to pitch, meet investors, learn about industry trends, meet like-minded people, attend crazy parties, and enjoy Icelandic nature.

Founder’s day

↪ May 13th 10:00-16:00 @ Gróska

We’re kicking off Iceland Innovation Week 2025 with a special Founder’s Day on Day 0, hosted in collaboration with Science Park and Mýrin Innovation Center. 

This exclusive day is all about empowering founders like you with the tools, insights, and connections to take your startup to the next level. With a Startup Ticket, you’ll gain access to exclusive workshops hosted by our amazing partners—think deep dives into funding, scaling, and leadership strategies tailored for innovators.

Alongside these workshops, there’s a full lineup of side events open to everyone. It’s your chance to connect, learn, and network with the entire Icelandic startup community in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.

Exclusive Founder & Investor Mixer

↪ May 13th 16:00 @TBA

At Iceland Innovation Week 2025, we’re hosting an invite-only Founder & Investor Mixer designed to bring together the brightest founders and top investors for real, meaningful connections. Forget AI-powered matchmaking—this is your chance to engage in genuine conversations, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities in an intimate, relaxed setting.

Founders can apply for an invitation to this exclusive event. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on the chance to network with the best in the industry. Get your application in early!

Founder’s stage

↪ May 14th for festival pass holders @IIW official Festival Venue

This year, the Founder’s Stage at Iceland Innovation Week is all about creativity, celebrating the innovators who think outside the box and redefine what’s possible. Expect inspiring talks, interactive sessions, and stories from founders who’ve turned their creative visions into reality.

Fermented Shark Tank🦈

↪ May 14th and May 15th @ Official Festival Venue

The Fermented Shark Tank is a unique pitch opportunity open to startups from Iceland and abroad. Semi-finals will take place during Takeover Day on May 14th.

Here’s the twist: participants must take a bite of fermented shark before each round of pitching. The clock will be ticking as they pitch, with one minute allowed per bite. This continues every minute, and each participant has a maximum of 3 minutes to pitch their company.

The top 5 startups will advance to the finals and pitch on the big stage of the festival on May 15th.

Are you ready for the challenge? Apply to pitch!

Maximize Your Festival Experience: Become a Startup Partner!

↪ Your event during IIW will be featured in our event calendar

↪ Your logo visible on our partner page

↪ 1 startup pass

↪ 40% discount on extra festival passes for your team

↪ 20% discount on a booth (based on availability)

↪ Eligibility to apply for the Startup/Investor mixer

FAQ

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FAQ 〰️

  • The Startup Pass grants access to exclusive workshops on the Founder’s day, two days of a packed festival program and access to pitching opportunities.

  • Founder’s day is a special day taking place in Mýrin Innovation Center offering workshops, talks, and networking opportunities designed to support and empower startup founders.

  • Become a startup partner and all the necessary information will be sent out to applicants in the weeks leading up to the festival.

  • For hosting a side event and becoming a part of IIW’s official event program you need to become a startup partner. All the necessary information will be sent out to partners in the weeks leading up to the festival.