Deep Tech Centre
Preparations are underway to build a deep tech centre within the UI Science Park. We aim to have it operational in 2028.
The deep tech centre is a type of infrastructure. Like roads or airports, it benefits the whole of society and allows for our economy to flourish. The DTC will house highly specialized equipment for the companies and institutions who might require it.
All of the universities can use the DTC facilities for basic research, whether locally or internationally funded. That way, the DTC will make European funding more accessible and ease institutional co-operation across borders.
Companies can use the DTC for their research and development and run shorter or longer-term projects within the centre.
The DTC will thus function as a hub for the academic community, start-ups and larger companies; arguably it’s most important role.
“The planned Deep Tech Centre will introduce further opportunities for interdisciplinary co-operation. Furthermore, the concept builds upon the University of Iceland’s policy of furthering basic research and publishing more while improving our facilities.”
— Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland
What is the Deep Tech Centre?
“In my field, surgical technology, deep tech centres are integral to progress.”
– Ásþór Tryggvi Steinþórsson, Reon Tech
The Deep Tech Centre is necessary for Iceland to develop its economy to prepare for the fourth industrial revolution.
The DTC is a sort of infrastructure, like a port, an airport or roads. Everyone is free to use infrastructure, it is a shared asset and we it them for the economy to flourish. Similarly, the DTC will house equipment and tools that require expertise for their operation. Some of the tools will be highly specialised, so that there is no need for more than one in such a small country. Anyone in need of such machinery will have access to it in the DTC.
The DTC is available for basic research on behalf of all the universities in Iceland, both locally funded research and projects supported by European funds. Icelandic companies can have access to develop complex technologies and agreements can be reached with international actors as well, for long or short-term access.
Furthermore, the DTC will act as a center to co-ordinate academia, start-ups and larger companies. It will be founded on the priniciple of interdisciplinary co-operation, shared knowledge and practical experience. Therein lie our opportunities for the future.
“Today, scientific work revolves around international co-operation. The Deep Tech Centre will make participating much easier.”
– Sigurður Magnús Garðarsson, chairman of UI Science Parks
Why build the Deep Tech Centre?
a) to meet the requirements of the infrastructure fund by having easily accessible infrastructure for research.
b) to give the authorities a better overview of the management and use of publicly funded infrastructure.
c) to create freely available facilities and infrastructure.
d) to make better use of current facilities.
e) to boost the visibility of research and innovation.
f) to further co-operation between higher education institutions, thus meeting the government’s goals on research investment.
g) to increase Iceland’s competitiveness when it comes to grant-based funding and international co-operation. To attract international research and development teams in the private sector.
Tímalína
Preparations for the Deep Tech Centre have been underway since 2021. From 2024 onwards, work will continue on the business plan while laying the groundwork for interdisciplinary work and declarations of interest across numerous academic fields. Meanwhile, preparations for the actual construction will take place.
“A building is just a building; only concrete. The Deep Tech Centre is nothing without the people working there and their knowledge.”
– Hans Guttormur Þormar, former project manager for the Deep Tech Centre
Bjargargata 1
102 Reykjavík
Iceland
Kt. 420204-2350
General information:
visindagardar@hi.is
Invoices:
vhi@deloitte.is
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