"We are often the first to build things that no one else has built"

At RISE, around 3,000 problem-solvers are tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges. Some of the practical work takes place in RISE’s innovation workshop in Uppsala, where Tomas Reilander and his two colleagues produce 40-50 new innovations a year – everything from small tools to autonomous vehicles.

Tomas Reilander describes himself as very curious:

“I do like new things and solutions and driving things forward. That’s why RISE is exactly the right place to be. So much happens here that I would never have seen otherwise, and we are often the first to build things that no one else has built.”

The assignments can involve everything under the sun: sampling and lab equipment, container-based mobile refineries, and fossil fuel-free, solar-charged autonomous vehicles are just a few examples. It is often about taking advantage of alternative raw materials and residual flows that contribute to the green transition.

“Right now we have a patent application in such an area,” says Reilander.

Picture of RISE’s innovation workshop in Uppsala

Tomas is constantly thinking about new inventions and innovations and keeps his ears open when various problems are discussed during coffee breaks. This often helps him to stay one step ahead and means he has already begun to think about a solution when he is eventually asked.

“No two days are the same and I get a kick out of helping people with what I’m good at,” says Reilander. “It always feels great when I can help a colleague solve something so that they can in turn complete their project.”

In addition to his job at RISE, Reilander runs a farm just outside Uppsala. His interest in building things, carpentry, working with machines, and coming up with new solutions is a common thread there as well.

“I would feel restless if I went on a sunny holiday for a couple of weeks and would constantly think that I could have gotten something done at home instead – I find it more relaxing to be able to do things I enjoy and which interest me.”

I think many people feel reassured when turning to us since we are a safe alternative with considerable expertise, and you know you can trust us.

When he joined the Innovation Workshop twelve years ago, most of the assignments were internal, but now it has almost become the other way around.

“Innovations are typically shrouded in secrecy, and for an external operator it can be difficult to know how to proceed,” he says. “I think many people feel reassured when turning to us since we are a safe alternative with considerable expertise, and you know you can trust us.”

The high demand for the Innovation Workshop’s services has meant that a new, larger premises will now be built adjacent to the old one.

“This will allow us to bring in more and bigger machines, hire more people, and take on larger assignments,” explains Reilander. “When I started, I was by myself, now there are three of us and we can’t fit in any more. But in a couple of years when the new workshop is complete, we’ll hopefully have enough space for eight. It’s feels great, because the jobs are rolling in.”