QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The innovator of ALDIN Biodome is Hjördís Sigurðardóttir, CEO

 

“I’m driven by a passion for creating a healthier future. I was raised in the Icelandic countryside, but have lived in many places, home and abroad. I can vividly remember the magical springtime evenings of my youth when my mother stayed up late to tend to her garden. I can still remember the smell, the beauty and taste of freshly picked carrots and turnips that I ate straight from the soil. I have always used nature to find peace and invigoration. I love plants and I dream about owning a greenhouse.

 

I lived in Holland for three years, from 2010-2013, where I was doing my masters in landscape architecture and planning at Wageningen University and I am a certified urban planner. I am a single mother, and I settled there with my four children while I was studying. It was an informative time for me, both in relation to my studies but also in regards to learning about a new country and culture and gaining a fresh perspective on my own country. My vision became clear regarding the opportunities our green energy provides in Iceland and the challenges we face regarding weather conditions, lifestyle and sustainability.

 

I have a B.S. degree in food science and environmental planning and my MSc thesis was about combining the two fields through study on urban agriculture. It was while writing my thesis that the idea for ALDIN Biodome came to life and it has since its conception developed and matured. Sustainable planning, reducing transport of fresh food and the concept of circulation where everything is re-used was a guideline throughout my studies in addition to creating an environment that promotes joyful and healthy lifestyles.

 

I worked for over a year in a  design studio office  mostly on projects involving planning and environmental analysis.

 

One thing led to another and I started working on ALDIN Biodome in late 2014. I applied to the business accelerator Startup Reykjavík in 2015 and my company; Spor í sandinn was accepted got in. It was there I got to know the key people working on the project still to this day. We initiated a conversation with Reykjavík city about a location for the project and it got a positive, conditional promise for Stekkjarbakki in autumn of 2016. Formal planning between the city of Reykjavík and Landslag landscape architects started in early 2017.

 

The project got a special award for exceptional innovation and social capacity building (EUWIIN/GWIIN) and was nominated for a European innovation award by the same organization. Partially as a result of that we started collaborating with WilkinsonEyre Architects in London which are leading in designing climate-controlled buildings. In addition to that we have an outstanding team of advisors. Both the building and operations of ALDINAldin Biodome follow strict standards about properties concerning sustainability and wellness (BREEAM and WELL)

 

Numerous workshops and meetings have been held with stakeholders and collaborators over the past years. In the development phase of the concept we have listened and responded well to criticism and made adjustments accordingly. An important milestone was reached when we made an agreement with the city of Reykjavík on July 4th. At that time it was four years since the conception of the idea and two and a half years since the site planning process started.

 

We aim to start construction in 2020 and for ALDIN Biodome to open its doors to the public two and a half years later.”

You can in many ways describe humanity today as if there has been a disconnection between man and nature. This is especially true in urban environments where man stands alone and far away from nature. This disconnection has brewed climate change, unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle diseases.

  Change in weather and climate have a negative effect on ecosystems and therefore people’s quality of life. The environmental and lifestyle problem is sprung from the same roots. Obesity and mental illnesses such as stress and depression are a common problem in western civilisations. The modern person attends to many tasks and every day they struggle to harmonise their lives. It can be difficult and, in a way, overwhelming to get everything done while at the same time enjoying what life has to offer. 

  Despite priceless natural resources in the form of clean energy, Icelanders as a nation are, compared to other nations, energy heavy with one of the largest carbon footprints of all nations according to the “Global footprint network” methodology. On average, the footprint of an Icelandic person is double that of other Europeans. Careless extravagance is considered to be one of the main factors (according to Sigurður E. Jóhannesson, expert in environmental studies, 2017)

  The most common cause of death for Icelanders are chronic diseases that could be prevented by a change in lifestyle such as diet and exercise. The sad fact has arisen that 27% of the population are overweight according to an article in Iceland’s Medical Journal (June 2019). According to the Directorate of Health, stress and depression are common with children and teenagers, and a quarter of young people experience anxiety and 6% of them have serious symptoms. Loneliness is also a common problem, particularly amongst senior citizens.

The company is still mostly owned by its original founder. Hjördís Sigurðardóttir founder and CEO owns 84%. A company owned by Ágúst Freyr Ingason owns 7% and Startup -Reykjavík Invest owns 6%.

ALDIN Biodome is a privately funded innovation project. For the first years most of the investment has been in the form of a lot of work by the founder and collaborators. Financing is still in process but a conditional promise has been made for a part of the financing. It should also be mentioned that a lot of individuals have contributed by donating their work and inspiration which is invaluable in itself.

Founders Ventures Invests in ALDIN Biodome to Create Geo-Climate Infrastructure in Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland — [November 22, 2024] — Founders Ventures, a leading seed fund empowering visionary entrepreneurs, is proud to announce its investment in ALDIN Biodome (ALDIN), a pioneering project creating sustainable geo-climate infrastructure in Iceland. ALDIN aims to deliver a transformative experience, combining the beauty of subtropical ecosystems with cutting-edge environmental design, all within the context of Iceland’s cool climate.

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ALDIN symbolizes the future of climate-adaptive infrastructure. As inclement weather becomes increasingly common due to the impacts of climate change, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that provide safe, sustainable, and human-centric spaces. Located in Reykjavik, ALDIN will offer a year-round retreat into lush greenery, warm temperatures, and vibrant biodiversity—elements typically inaccessible in colder regions like Iceland.

ALDIN Biodome is more than an escape from the weather; as a future infrastructure for cities, ‘circular’ is at it’s core, it is a beacon of sustainability and innovation. Designed to integrate renewable energy sources and sustainable materials, the ALDIN showcases how human ingenuity can solve environmental challenges while creating spaces for connection, learning, and well being.

Bala Kamallakharan, Managing Director of Founders Ventures, underscored the importance of this investment, stating:

With inclement weather becoming a norm, we need geo-climate infrastructures that are environmentally sustainable and safe for humans. ALDIN Biodome is a visionary project that demonstrates how innovation can mitigate the challenges posed by extreme weather while enriching human lives and fostering environmental awareness.

Bala Kamallakharan, Managing Director of Founders Ventures

The concept of geo-climate biodomes is poised to become a global trend as communities in colder climates recognize the value of controlled environments for recreation, agriculture, and biodiversity preservation. By leveraging advanced technology and sustainable practices, ALDIN aligns with Founders Ventures’ mission of supporting mission-driven founders solving hard problems.

Hjördís Sigurðardóttir, the founder and CEO of ALDIN Biodome states:

“We are increasingly reminded of how important it is for our health and well being to be in good connection with nature, to value its power and preserve rare species.  ALDIN will mainly grow food plants and trees,  at the same time create a safe haven from our hectic 21st century lives – both for city inhabitants and our guests.  ALDIN is about lifestyle and wellness and will be serving a growing number of people seeking ways to better their ways of living for their own health and mother nature.  We are indeed happy to have Founders Ventures with us on this exciting journey” 

Hjördís Sigurðardóttir, the founder and CEO of ALDIN Biodome

About ALDIN Biodome

ALDIN Biodome is a cutting-edge geo-climate infrastructure project based in Reykjavik, Iceland. By combining advanced environmental technology with stunning architectural design, a facility is created for urban farming, health activities, green working spaces and an amazing venue for events.  ALDIN will create a unique ecosystem that offers subtropical weather conditions in the heart of Iceland. Its mission is to inspire a deeper connection with nature while addressing the growing need for resilient, climate-adaptive spaces. Learn more at aldin-biodome.com.

About Founders Ventures

Founders Ventures is a seed fund focused on partnering with mission-driven founders to build the future. With a commitment to trust, transparency, and collaboration, Founders Ventures invests in startups tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. To date, the firm has a track record of successful investments, including transformative exits and industry-shaping innovations.

The original article can be found on Startup Iceland.

This report, linked to below is issued by the City Planning Department, gives a thorough overview of present situation and terms for ALDIN. (Only in Icelandic)

City Planning Report

This report, linked to below is issued by the City Planning Department, gives a thorough overview of present situation and terms for ALDIN. (Only in Icelandic)

City Planning Report

This report, linked to below is issued by the City Planning Department, gives a thorough overview of present situation and terms for ALDIN (Only in Icelandic)

City Planning Report

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