Science City
The life sciences sector, including biotechnology and health sciences, is a growing and exciting industry in Iceland. With strong government support, an impressive academic network, advanced health care system and the country’s natural energy resources, The capital area offers great opportunities for knowledge-based industries such as biotechnology.
Reykjavik Science City is located next to downtown Reykjavík. The city district consists of the University of Iceland, The National University Hospital of Iceland and the University of Reykjavík. The science park also includes Reykjavik domestic airport connecting the park with rural Iceland, Greenland and the Faeroes Islands. The Science city is beautifully located next to the ocean on one side, the Öskjuhlíð public park on another and the Reykjavik pond on the third. The area is originally a wetland and there are still pockets of nesting areas for birds in the park such as next to the Alvar Aalto designed Nordic house.
Reykjavik Science City is a walking distance from downtown Reykjavík with its lively café and bar scene. US medical company Amgen has a subsidiary company, Decode Genetics, in the science park. Alvogen pharmaceuticals has build new 120,000 sq.ft. international headquarters and production facilities in Vatnsmyri. There are several development plots available at the science park for interesting international companies which fit into the strategy of the park. The possible size of buildings on the plots ranges from 40,000 sq.ft. to 90,000 sq.ft. In Reykjavik Science City there are several large development plots both for knowledge driven industry as well as housing.