The UNIgreen university alliance, of which the Agricultural University of Iceland is a member, announces an innovation competition, the UNIgreen SURES Challenge Lab, that offers the perfect platform for students who want to develop their ideas further.

This year, participants can also use the same project to take part in two international competitions simultaneously. In addition to the UNIgreen SURES Challenge Lab, participants will have the opportunity to join the Bio-based Innovation Student Challenge – Europe (BISC-E), a European competition focused on the bioeconomy and sustainable solutions.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking innovative ideas related to areas such as:

• sustainable agriculture

• biotechnology and the bioeconomy

• food and food security

• climate solutions and the circular economy

Ideas may be at any stage of development. What matters most is that they demonstrate novelty, are grounded in sound scientific or technological principles, and have realistic potential for further development.

Opportunities through BISC-E

Projects that meet the criteria may also participate in the BISC-E competition. This competition highlights solutions based on biological resources or processes that promote sustainability, reduce emissions, and increase circularity in the economy. Projects are developed in interdisciplinary teams and aim to connect academia, industry, and society.

Who can participate?

• Students at the BSc, MSc, or PhD level

• Recent graduates within one year of graduation

• Students in the vocational program in agricultural sciences

What do you gain from participating?

By joining, you get the chance to advance your own idea, work in a team, and receive professional feedback. You gain training in entrepreneurship, project management, and pitching, and you build a valuable network both in Iceland and internationally. Participation will also be granted academic credits.

Process

The application deadline is 30 April 2026.

Selected teams will take part in a workshop on 18 May, where they will work systematically on developing their ideas with guidance from innovation experts. The following day, 19 May, teams will present their projects to a jury, which will select the two best teams to advance and hand out awards for the participation.

These teams will have the opportunity to participate in the UNIgreen final in Paris in October 2026 and, where applicable, also in the European BISC-E final.

Applications

Applications must be submitted by completing the application form no later than 30 April 2026 here: UNIgreen Innovation Challenge - Application Form – Fill in form

The competition contact is Jóhanna Gísladóttir: [email protected]

The jury is comprised of:

Dr. Alexander Schepsky, Managing Director of GLEIPNIR, the Innovation & Development Center, a collaborative project in West Iceland focused on innovation & development in the fields of agriculture, new food, sustainability, & climate change.

Áshildur Bragadóttir, Director of Innovation and Continuing Education at the Agricultural University of Iceland

Dr. Jón Grétar Sigurjónsson, Head of Academic Affairs, Agricultural University of Iceland

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Take the step and seize the opportunity to develop an idea that can make a real impact – both in Iceland and across Europe.