A veritable whirlwind of ideas swept through Húsavík during the KRUBBI idea sprint on 28-29 March. The Hraðið Innovation Centre hosted the event in collaboration with SSNE and the University of Akureyri. Its aim was to boost the innovation scene in North Iceland and contribute to the development of industries in the region. The idea sprint saw record participation, and it is safe to say that innovation in North Iceland has gained momentum.
In this two-day competition, the focus was on ideas for solutions related to tourism and the image of Húsavík. Companies and organisations in the area presented real-world challenges for which participants worked on solutions. Norðurþing, PCC Bakki Silicon, Húsavík Tourist Office and the Hraðið Innovation Centre put forward challenges that included utilising the region's waste heat in tourism, making Húsavík an attractive tourist destination all year round, creating a landmark for the town, and more.
Participants received instruction and training in innovation thinking, assistance with forming teams, developing ideas and encouragement to take initiative. They worked in teams, using inspiration and data to develop ideas for new solutions. In total, fifteen teams presented their ideas to a judging panel, the culmination of the Krubbs journey and the beginning of their journey to becoming a reality.
The winners of the competition were Eva Björk Káradóttir and Kamil Dąbrowski with the idea. Aurora trail. It is all about experience and outdoor activities at the darkest time of the year, where the region's outdoor gems are opened to the public with special lighting that resembles the Northern Lights. They were awarded an annual membership to Hraðinn, along with splendid gift vouchers for accommodation and activities in Húsavík and the surrounding area.
Other ideas that received awards were Húsavík Design Standard which Sigurborg Ósk Haraldsdóttir and Björn Hákon Sveinsson developed and presented, their proposal centred on the holistic design and planning of the site with a special emphasis on its character.
Robert Bjarnason, Agnieszka Szczodrowska and Arna Þórarinsdóttir received an award for the idea. Viking hut. They developed the idea of a special cove.A leisure centre in the harbour area of Húsavík, which also serves as an educational centre and an entertainment venue for tourists, students and others.
Baldur Kristinsson and Sigurður Páll Tryggvason received an award for their idea. Gold bath, but that idea is about a special experience on a floating platform on the Golden Fish Pond. At The pram offers a steam bath and hot tubs while guests float around the pond with the goldfish.
To concludeGunnar Vilhjálmsson and Þorgeir K. Blöndal received an award for their idea. Ash. Their concept is based on creating a glass dome that utilises waste heat from the PCC. The idea for the dome was to create a year-round Mediterranean climate where plants will be grown and various services, such as restaurants, relaxation facilities, etc., will be offered.
Krubbur draws its name from the well-known Crubbsveðri in Húsavík, a storm that kept people indoors. It is safe to say that a veritable storm raged in the minds of the participants, and that numerous brilliant ideas took flight in it.