Energy utilisation
and sustainability
in food production

Orkídea is a joint venture project to promote innovation and investments in South Iceland in food production and biotechnology. Orkídea is owned by Landsvirkjun Power Company, Association of S-Iceland municipalities, the Agricultural University of Iceland and Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate.

Orkídea focuses on value creation through valorisation of biological renewable resources. We strive to establish strong cross-sectoral collaboration, to address and solve real problems and challenges.

The name Orkídea is derived from the Icelandic word „orka“ (energy) and „ídea“ (idea). South Iceland covers a large area (30966 km2), that consist of 15 municipalities with various resources and options for green energy (geothermal, hydropower). Tourism, food production and services are currently the main occupation in this area.

Staff

Managing Director

Sveinn Aðalsteinsson

sveinn@orkidea.is

(+354) 698 9644

Sveinn Aðalsteinsson is Managing Director of Orkídea. He holds a PhD in Plant Physiology and MSc in Business Administration. He has an extensive experience of innovation, research and projects in the field of horticulture. Additionally, Sveinn has experience in establishing Start-Ups and pitching ideas to investors. Project management in national and international projects including MSCA projects.

Research and Development Manager

Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir

helga@orkidea.is

(+354) 698 7739

Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir is Research and Development Manager of Orkídea. She holds a PhD in Food Technology. She has extensive experience of innovation and research in food science and public health. Experience in project management in national and international projects including FP6, FP7, H2020 and MSCA projects.

Our collaborators in national
and international projects

Small companies & entrepreneurs
Municipalities
Universities
Innovation incubators/clusters
Research organisations
Governmental bodies

Our contribution to international project
collaboration e.g. EU projects

We have direct contacts with sector organizations, individual innovators and SMEs in agriculture and fisheries. These contacts would like to promote resource-efficiency and circular economy e.g. through valorisation of biological renewable resources
We can find partners for Case studies and demonstration of new solutions and technologies etc
We can support activities relating to actor engagement/linkage, networking, training, address relevant policy areas, compilation of existing knowledge, sharing of best practice. Hence, Orkidea can contribute to multi-stakeholder and co-creation approach in EU projects.
We can join and/or support research teams in our field of expertise

How do we promote innovation in food production and biotechnology in South Iceland?

We assist entrepreneurs in different ways e.g. by assisting them with larger grant applications to fund their product development, marketing and/or development of their business idea
We connect entrepreneurs, companies and/or investors
We introduce the opportunities of South-Iceland to investors and companies seeking opportunities in green energy and food production
We disseminate interesting energy opportunities, innovative ideas and entrepreneurs to the general public through different channels including social media
We take part as mentors in start-up accelerators

Energy utilisation and sustainability in food production