Toppstöðin station is a center for innovative people housed in an old power station in Reykjavik. The station was founded as a re­action to the changed economic scene following the global recession in the fall 2008. Toppstöðin is a non-profit organi­zation and the city of Reykjavik con­tributes to the project with free rent of the building.

 

Toppstodins agenda

Toppstodins main aim is to bridge the gap often found between design and technical knowhow, fo­cusing especially on sustainable solutions and innovations.

Toppstodins goal is to support innovators to develope their ideas with minimal cost, and thereby in­creasing the possibilities for surviving through the initial phase.

 

The station aims at educating and spreading awareness on the importance of variation, sustainability and quality through lectures, courses, exhibitions and workshops. Innovators within Toppstodin bring together a wast variety of knowledge, educaton and experiences. Each of them contributes to the stations society, whilst working on their own project/company.

 

The Past

Toppstodin power station was built in 1948 as a part of The Marshall Plan.

The station was used to boost energy supply when the local energy system was not sufficient. The name Toppstodin means “the peak station” , as it was only used at peak levels of energy use.

In the sixties technology within use of sustainable energy improved, thereby rendering the station superfluous. Since the eighties the station has been empty and unused.

 

The Present

In autumn 2009 Toppstodin opened again for business, but a new kind of business.

The station’s current operations take place in 600 m2 where 22 innovators have their offices, work­shops and production area. This is only a small part of the whole building, which is 6400 m2.

The station now houses architects, designers, businesspeople, inventors, and manufacturers.

The station hosts exhibitions, lectures, courses and workshops open to all interested in learning more about innovation, sustainability and design.

Current projects

Current projects include innovative ideas within the transport sector, lighting design, product de­sign, fashion design and the toy industry amongst others.

Collaboration is being formed with a wide group ranging from other innovation centers and schools, to the University of Iceland and companies within the local industry.

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