GeoSilica founder Fida Abu Libdeh was featured in an in-depth profile by Nordic Labour Journal, sharing her remarkable journey from arriving in Iceland at the age of 16 to becoming an engineer, entrepreneur and founder of GeoSilica.
The article explores the challenges Fida faced in education and employment before eventually studying engineering. During her studies, she began looking at geothermal water from a different perspective. While the minerals found in geothermal fluids can create challenges for the geothermal industry, Fida saw an opportunity to turn this underutilised resource into something valuable.
Fida outside the production in Hellisheiði
Together with a fellow student, she founded GeoSilica and began developing technology to extract minerals, particularly silica, from geothermal water. What started as an engineering idea grew into an Icelandic innovation company combining geothermal resources, science and health.
The interview also explores Fida’s experiences as a woman and immigrant entrepreneur in Iceland, the obstacles she encountered while entering the male-dominated energy industry, and her perspective on equality, opportunity and the importance of creating a sense of belonging.
The story provides an inspiring look at the early beginnings of GeoSilica and the determination behind turning an Icelandic geothermal resource into an innovative business.