NEWS Three research-based companies with roots in Umeå University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have been nominated for the University Spin-off of the Year award at the Umeå Gala 2025. What they have in common is that they are good examples of how academic innovation can contribute to a more sustainable and humane future.
Nil Medical was founded by Martin Hanberger while he was studying at the Umeå Insitute of Design at Umeå University. Martin has since continued to develop a patented vest that gives patients greater freedom of movement during infusion treatment. Children who need treatment no longer have to walk around with a large stand, but instead carry everything in a vest on their back. The product is already in clinical use, and Nil Medical shows how design and innovation from Umeå University can make a big difference for young patients.
Martin Hanberger, CEO, and Malin Walfridsson, deputy managing director, at Nil Medcial. Photo: Tomas Ruuth
"It all started with my degree project at the Umeå Institute of Design. The programme has a very practical focus. We students were trained in a way of thinking and a process aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of users' needs and perceived problems. This has therefore been a central starting point in all development from idea to production adaptation of the Vestpack vest.", says Martin Hanberger, CEO at Nil Medical.
"When I met children and parents in such a difficult situation and realised that this could potentially make things easier, it was what drove me to continue. There is also fantastic support available within the innovation system in and around Umeå University," concludes Martin Hanberger.
Cropcision is a spin-off company from Umeå University that is developing the next generation of fertiliser systems for agriculture, forestry and horticulture. With patented technology that has shown strong results in field trials, the company offers a solution that is both effective and plastic-free – something that benefits both the environment and human health. The founders, led by Jonathan Love, Co-Founder and CEO, say that they have benefited greatly from Umeå University on their journey to a finished product.
Cropcision's Co-Founder, Michael Holmboe, Associate professor at Department of Chemistry at Umeå University, and Jonathan Love, Co-Founder and CEO. Photo: Cropcision
"Certainly! My Co-Founder, Michael Holmboe, Associate professor at Department of Chemistry at Umeå University, has been a key in the development of the technology underlying our product. He is also a co-inventor and have enabled access to several University resources, such as X-ray diffraction and other techniques, generating supporting data crucial for the patents."
"Our ongoing collaboration continues to be productive and brings credibility when communication with external stakeholders and customers."
Ecotype is a fast-growing spin-off from SLU in Umeå that has quickly become a key player in the digitalisation of forestry. With various digital services, they make forest data available to both the business community and the general public. By combining technology, sustainability and user-friendliness, Ecotype contributes to more transparent and efficient forestry.
The winner of the University Spin-off of the Year award will be announced at the Umegalan gala on 20 November 2025, and Jonathan Love from Cropcision has the last word with a tip for both students and academics:
"While I do believe in the serendipity of science, I suggest an entrepreneurial academic start with identifying a large problem and try to find the simplest solution possible rather than trying to fit a solution to a problem. Make sure you understand who your customer is and how your research could potentially help them in concrete ways."