Mattias Philipsson, who studied the Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management programme, had no relationship with the material plastic when he stepped in as CEO of Svensk Plaståtervinning in 2018. He has quickly driven development and made major contributions towards strengthen Sweden’s position in plastic recycling and the circular economy.
One example is the launch of the world’s most advanced plastic sorting facility, Site Zero in Motala.
“Mattias Philipsson contributes to solving climate challenges and Site Zero has become a global model in sustainability. He is also chair of Delegationen för cirkulär ekonomi, the Swedish government’s advisory body to promote industry’s transformation toward a circular economy,” is how the jury describes why he was chosen as Alumnus of the Year.
Lisa Lundström studied the Master of Science in Electronics Design programme in Norrköping. She also holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from LiU. As CEO, she has developed ElectroHeat, which manufactures industrial furnaces, into a global player in modern and innovative heating technology.
She has a strong climate commitment and, as a jury member in “Tekniktävlingen”, she inspires curiosity about technical professions among middle school pupils.
“With her strong commitment to the climate, and her drive, Lisa Lundström has developed her family business into a global player and an important enabler for other companies that want to become more sustainable. In 2025, she was named Sweden’s foremost female entrepreneur in the EY Entrepreneur of the year competition,” in the words of the jury choosing her as Alumna of the Year 2025.
Each year, Linköping University chooses two Alumni of the Year to recognise the contributions and commitment of previous students. (The word “alumni” is Latin and simply means “previous students”.) Lisa Lundström and Mattias Philipsson will talk about their life journeys in Lövverket in Studenthuset, Campus Valla on Friday 10 October. They will receive their awards during the Academic Ceremony at Forumteatern in Linköping later that day.