innovation residency

19 July - 15 Aug 2026

The Iceland Eclipse Innovation Residency is a month long immersive experience for builders, dreamers, and bold visionaries who are ready to shape what comes next. Timed with Iceland Eclipse 2026, this residency is more than a creative retreat; it is a cultural exchange at the edge of the world, where natural inspiration meets future innovation,

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CO-CREATION BEFORE THE COSMIC CELEBRATION

For one unforgettable month, we'll gather on Iceland's wild Snæfellsnes Peninsula to develop meaningful, future-facing work inspired by the region's dramatic landscape, rich culture, and the rare timing of the total solar eclipse.

Blending elements of a hackathon, think tank, and experience lab, the residency brings together a curated group of artists, technologists, scientists, and cultural catalysts to co-create installations, activations, and stories that will come to life during the eclipse festival.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

The residency is not a rigid, top-down program. It's an open framework designed to spark organic magic.

FLEXIBLE &
MULTIDISCIPLINARY

FLEXIBLE &
Collaborative

Focus on one track or collaborate across them. Residents have the freedom to shift between focus areas as their ideas evolve.

Create & Build

Create &
Build

Participants will have access to shared workspaces and artist studios which they can use to bring their projects to life.

HACK & PROTOTYPE

Collaborate on experimental concepts. Push the boundaries of art, science and technology.

LEAD & EXPLORE

LEAD &
EXPLORE

Facilitate outdoor experiences that foster connection and creativity.

THINK & STRATEGIZE

Engage in workshops and roundtables with experts in fields like astronomy, ecology, design, mythology, and cultural futurism.

PLAN & EXECUTE

PLAN &
EXECUTE

Work directly with the Iceland Eclipse 2026 production team to evolve concepts into fully integrated moments during the festival.

ENGAGE & INSPIRE

Share your work through public showcases, pop-up demos, talks, or even impromptu gatherings.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Replenish both body and spite by joining guided breathwork, yoga, and nature walks that nurture balance, resilience, and lasting creativity.

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LOCATION & LOCAL EXPLORATION

As part of the residency, we'll be exploring many of the natural and cultural sites around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. These adventures are a chance to recharge, reconnect with nature, and let Iceland's extraordinary landscapes spark new ideas. Spend your days discovering an infinite volcanic landscape — soak in thermal pools, hike across glaciers, or wander through ancient lava tunnels — all within a short trip from the main festival site in Hellissandur.

Key Tracks & Focus Areas

To provide some structure, the residency will be organized into a set of thematic tracks. Each track focused on a particular frontier of innovation, complete with mentors, suggested resources, and workshop opportunities specific to that theme. Participants can choose to dive deeply into one track, or float between several, and collaboration across tracks is highly encouraged.

IMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY

EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN

SPACE EXPLORATION & EARTH SCIENCE

MUSIC & SONIC ARTS

STORYTELLING & MYTH-MAKING

MEDIA ARTS & PHOTOGRAPHY

WELLNESS & BIOHACKING

MUCH MORE

Imersive Technology

Imersive Technology

Experiential Design

Experiential Design

Space Exploration & Earth Science

Space Exploration & Earth Science

Music & Sonic Arts

Music & Sonic Arts

Storytelling & Myth-making

Storytelling & Myth-making

Media arts & Photography

Media arts & Photography

Wellness & Biohacking

Wellness & Biohacking

Much more

Much more

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We welcome a diverse mix of participants and partners who share a passion for creativity, innovation, and purpose. Whether you're an individual creator or represent an organization, if the vision of this residency excites you, there's a role for you to play.

Builders & Collaborators

Creative doers, learners, and emerging talents who thrive at the intersection of disciplines.

We welcome:
• Technologists & Makers
• Artists and Storytellers
• Scientists & Explorers
• Community & Wellness Practitioners
• Much More…

Project Leads & Visionary hosts

Experienced creators, innovators, and thought leaders who want to spearhead a project or thematic area during the residency.

Roles:
• Set the Creative Agenda
• Mentor & Inspire
• Prototype at Scale
• Shape Festival Impact

Brand & Mission-alligned Partners

We invite innovative companies, non-profits, foundations, and research institutions to join us as partners.

Key Industries:
• Immersive Tech & Media
• Environmental & Clean Energy
• Outdoor Gear & Apparel
• Health & Biotech
• Audio & Visual Technology

Who Should Apply?

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application process

Apply

Click the Apply Now button below to access a form where you can share your skills, interests, background, and what you’re excited to explore during a month in Iceland.

Review

We will review all applications, aiming to assemble a diverse and dynamic cohort. You can expect to hear back from us in early 2026.

Confirmation

We know a month-long residency is a big commitment, so before you confirm your spot we will provide detailed information you need: expected costs, housing and travel guidelines, and any preparation required.

Apply

Click the Apply Now button below to access a form where you can share your skills, interests, background, and what you’re excited to explore during a month in Iceland.

Review

We will review all applications, aiming to assemble a diverse and dynamic cohort. You can expect to hear back from us in early 2026.

Confirmation

Apply

Click the Apply Now button below to access a form where you can share your skills, interests, background, and what you’re excited to explore during a month in Iceland.

Review

We will review all applications, aiming to assemble a diverse and dynamic cohort. You can expect to hear back from us in early 2026.

Confirmation

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted through the end of 2025

Selction & notification

Selection & notification

Residents will be selected and notified by the Iceland Eclipse team in early 2026

CONFIRMING YOUR SPOT

If accepted, you'll have a few weeks to confirm your participation

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FAQ

What is Iceland Eclipse?

A cosmic gathering in the land of fire and ice, Iceland Eclipse 2026 is an immersive experience where visionaries, artists, and seekers join at the intersection of space, music, exploration, and wellness. This transformational gathering takes place during Iceland’s once-in-a-century total solar eclipse in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.

When is Iceland Eclipse ?

Iceland Eclipse is a four-day transformational festival unfolding August 12–15, 2026. The Total Solar Eclipse peaks at 17:47 UTC on August 12, bringing over two minutes of full darkness, perfectly aligned with the Perseids meteor shower. The Iceland Eclipse Innovation Residency will take place 19 July - 15 Aug 2026.

Where is Iceland Eclipse?

In and just outside the town of Hellissandur, located on Iceland’s geologically diverse Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Surrounded by lava fields, black beaches, and glaciers, it’s one of the best places in the world to view the eclipse.

How do I get there?

Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. We’ll provide guidance for shuttles, rideshares, and road trips to Hellissandur.

How can I get involved?

Thanks for wanting to join us in Hellissandur! Please fill out our partnership inquiry form as a first step for participating.

What is Iceland Eclipse?

When is Iceland Eclipse ?

Where is Iceland Eclipse?

How do I get there?

Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. We’ll provide guidance for shuttles, rideshares, and road trips to Hellissandur.

How can I get involved?

Thanks for wanting to join us in Hellissandur! Please fill out our partnership inquiry form as a first step for participating.

What is Iceland Eclipse?

When is Iceland Eclipse ?

Where is Iceland Eclipse?

How do I get there?

Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. We’ll provide guidance for shuttles, rideshares, and road trips to Hellissandur.

How can I get involved?

Thanks for wanting to join us in Hellissandur! Please fill out our partnership inquiry form as a first step for participating.

innovation residency