Rakel Solvadottir

Founder and CEO, Skema

WITI NextGen Program

Rakel is the Founder and CEO of Skema, an award-winning computer education program for children, based in Iceland. She has developed teaching methods and curriculum that enable children as young as 6 years old to learn the basics of computer programming through computer game creation. Rakel believes that teaching methods can be adapted to enable both children with and without learning disabilities to effectively learn computer skills. Additionally, Rakel is spearheading an ongoing study to analyze the impact of computer programming on cognitive development and well-being of 9 - 10 year old children.

Prior to Skema, Rakel worked as a senior programmer for the Icelandic Social Insurance Administration, as a software developer for Mentis where she oversaw all database development. She also served as the team leader at Teris, for second level support in software development. While working at Teris she studied psychology that encouraged her to combine technology and psychology to build up education in line with technological advancements.

Rakel is an active member of Iceland's startup scene and sits on the board of The Federation of Icelandic Startup Companies. She was recently a featured speaker at TEDx Reykjavik.