We are redefining the future of industrial sustainability, where performance meets responsibility.
About
Álvit is a commercial-stage innovator, transforming the metallurgical sector with sustainable solutions - including revolutionary bio-based alternatives to coal tar pitch. Created from renewable resources, our solutions offer a safe and effective replacement that is proven to withstand extreme conditions, while meeting the safety and performance demands of the industry.
• Sustainability: We are leading the charge to eliminate the health and environmental risks associated with coal tar pitch, particularly its high PAH content.
• Innovation: Our renewable green binder represents a revolutionary step forward for industries like aluminum smelting, steel production, and carbon material manufacturing.
• Vision: Our goal is to drive the shift toward bio-based materials that are not only environmentally friendly but also deliver the reliability and durability, demanded by the toughest industrial applications.
The Team
With combined decades of experience in material sciences, Álvit’s founding team has a proven track record of developing advanced solutions, delivering high-performance that meet the rigorous demands of today’s metallurgical, geothermal and manufacturing sectors.
Founders
Sunna Ólafsdóttir Wallevik
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer
Sunna is an established entrepreneur, with roles including the co-founder of energy consultancy Gerosion and a university lecturer. A material scientist by training, she holds a M.Sc. degree in inorganic chemistry from the University of Iceland, as well as an MBA degree from the same university. She has worked on green solutions for industrial applications for nearly 2 decades.
Kristján Friðrik Alexandersson
Co-founder & Chief Product Officer
Kristján is an experienced specialist in materials science, with expertise in cement-free binders, cementitious materials, well cement slurries, and waste management. He has worked extensively on concrete technology, non-cementitious binders, and raw material agglomeration. Kristján has been leading pioneering research and development in new materials for a decade. He holds a D.Phil. in theoretical chemistry from the University of Oxford.
Sigrún Nanna Karlsdóttir
Co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer
Sigrún is a tenured professor in mechanical engineering at the University of Iceland, as well as the co-founder of numerous ventures, including Gerosion and Rockpore. She holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iceland, and a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the University of Michigan.
Gestur Péturson
Co-founder & Peer Advisor
Gestur is currently the CEO of Iceland’s Environment and Energy Agency (EEA). Before joining the EEA, he was the CEO of silicon metal producer PCC BakkiSilicon, as well as holding various leadership roles at ferrosilicon giant Elkem ASA, including serving as CEO of the group’s Icelandic operations. He holds an M.Sc. degree in industrial engineering and management from Oklahoma State University.
Board of Directors
Kristín Friðgeirsdóttir
Chairman
Gunnlaugur Árnason
Director
Sigrún Nanna Karlsdóttir
Director
Kristín has held numerous non-executive directorship positions, including chairman and vice-chairman positions, at both public and private companies - such as logistics company Controlant and investment bank Kvika. She is the former CFO of Reykjavik-listed media and communications group Sýn. She holds a Ph.D. fromStanford University and is currently an adjunct professor in management science and operations at London Business School.
Gunnlaugur is an experienced media, marketing and venture-building veteran, strategist, investor and entrepreneur. He has over 20 years of experience of funding, positioning and scaling companies across various sectors. He is currently the CSO of drug discovery and development scaleup Arctic Therapeutics. Gunnlaugur holds a B.A. degree from The California State University and an M.A. degree from the University of Westminster in London.
Sigrún is a tenured professor in mechanical engineering at the University of Iceland, as well as the co-founder of numerous ventures, including Gerosion and Rockpore. She holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iceland, and a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from the University of Michigan.
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