Ever been to an unConference?

Our Embassy participated in Iceland’s first Innovation Unconference. It was a partnership between Landsbanki and the University of Iceland and Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council where entrepreneurs can meet investors and mentors to discuss new business ventures and how to drive further innovation in Iceland. The lead presenter was Joshua Kauffman who energized participants and helped to define the key challenges and opportunities facing Iceland’s innovators. I believe that there is a natural synergy between Icelandic ideas and American venture-capital funds and markets. This latest event is one more indication of the opportunities before us to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and startups. It is a win-win for both the United States and Iceland.

U.S. and Iceland partner in glacier research

I visited a NASA aircraft and its crew of scientists who are in Iceland to conduct glacier research. They are mapping two glaciers and learning about the dynamics of glacier movements. The research is a partnership that involves NASA, the California Institute of Technology, and the University of Iceland. NASA’s involvement with Iceland goes back to the time when we were preparing to send the first mission to the moon and over the years it has expanded to include many areas including climate change research. The current crew is looking to return in the winter.