Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Minister of Social Affairs and the Labour Market, signed an agreement on co-operation with the KLAK about the community growth space Startup Social and this is the first time that the Ministry has worked with KLAK.
"We are really pleased to see the ministry come into the project with so much energy. Innovative companies engaged in social innovation often see the state as their first customer, and it is important to know the challenges and expectations of the Ministry. They come in not only with financial support but knowledge and experience that matters Startup Social no less important" – Kristín Soffía, Managing Director KLAK
Startup Social is intended to highlight, promote and support new technologies and mechanisms that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals and solve emerging challenges in society.
Startup Social is a collaborative project between Höfði Reykjavík Peace Centre, the City of Reykjavík and the University of Iceland. The supervisor is KLAK – Icelandic Startups, which has years of experience in innovation and the development of business ideas. For participation in 2022, ten start-ups were selected.
Startup Social is working in partnership with American University MIT and experts from the university come to the country and work with participants. In addition, the teams meet experienced entrepreneurs, investors and other industry experts. After 16 weeks, participants should be in a position to present their projects to investors.
Guðmundur Ingi Guðbrandsson, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour:
"We are delighted to be involved in supporting entrepreneurs who are burning for new welfare and social solutions. A wide range of challenges call for a wide range of solutions and it is important that such a platform exists where hopefully good solutions will arise."