From Volcanic Power to Superfood

We are...

Our Story

Mýsköpun was founded in 2013 by prof. Hjörleifur Einarsson with the support of the local community. The aim was to identify whether any microalgae species where found to be living naturally in the geologically unique lake Mývatn. By year 2018 two strains had been found, namely Spirulina (Arthospira Plantensis) and Chlorella (Chlorella Vulgaris).

Mýsköpun commenced production of the two microalgae strains in closed tube photobioreactors to find the ultimate growing conditions (in terms of nutrition, light, 
heat, carbon dioxide and acidity).

In 2022, after being able to produce Spirulina to exceptionally high nutritional value, Mýsköpun obtained a license for its production for human consumption.

Mýsköpun, since its formation, has mainly be funded by research grants. However, in 2023 there was a capital increase of 100 million ISK which was led by the Icelandic Business Innovation Fund as well as prominent local businesses and existing shareholders.

Today Mýsköpun has a new fully automated production system from growing to harvesting. With abundance of fresh clean Icelandic water and affordable and sustainable geothermal energy from the local power plant, we can guarantee steady production whole year around.

The National Power Company of Iceland supports Mýsköpun with facilities and resources 
in Bjarnarflag until at least year 2024.

The future aim of Mýsköpun is to build a big production facility in the Mývatn area whereby we would be able to produce microalgae in a sustainable and affordable way 
on a large scale.

Location

The Lake Mývatn and Laxá river ecosystem is one of Iceland’s main natural treasures. It´s situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. 


The lake and its surrounding wetlands have an exceptionally rich fauna of waterbirds, freshwater fish and algae.

Cultivation
methods

To ensure top quality, high biomass productivity and low cost of harvesting we use closed tube photo bioreactors. 


With abundant of fresh water and affordable green geothermal energy from Krafla power plant- we can guarantee steady production whole
year around.

News

Our Products

To be in harmony with our environment we 

only grow algae strains that have been isolated from Lake Mývatn area.

Behind our algae production we have years of extensive research 

and laboratory testing.

Product

Why Spirulina?

Nutrition

High in protein (60-70%) with 
all the essential amino acids.

Antioxidant

Boasts powerful antioxidant 
and anti-inflammatory
properties.

Vitamin

High in minerals and vitamins
(B complex, E, Beta Carotene)

Uses

Has various uses – not only in nutraceuticals but also
cosmetics, agriculture and aquaculture, textile,
pharmaceuticals and food & beverages.

The team

Júlía Katrín Björke
M.Sc Geochemistry

Head of R&D and Production
Julia@myskopun.is

Ingólfur Bragi Gunnarsson
Ph.D. Biotechnology

Lucie Tavan
M.Sc. Chemical Engineering

Head of Production
Lucie@myskopun.is

Contact us

If you have any questions or if you are interested in knowing more about our company please send us a message.