2026-11-03

Meet Tomas Eriksson: From global industrial companies to the start-up journey with Spec-Imaging

After an international career with some of Europe’s larger industrial companies, Tomas Eriksson made the move into the start-up world. Since 2023, he has been CEO of Spec-Imaging, where his mission is to help take research-based technology from the laboratory to the global market.

From promising technology to international business

Spec-Imaging was founded in 2020 by LU Ventures together with LTH researchers Edouard Berrocal, William Chaze and Elias Kristensson. Since 2023, the company has been part of Sandberg Development’s incubator, which supports promising technology and innovation companies in the early stages of development.

The company has developed a patented technology that enables measurement and analysis directly in turbid liquids, without the need for filters or sample preparation. The technology can be used in areas such as water treatment, food production and biotechnology, making it possible to monitor processes in real time.

After a career shaped by international growth, acquisitions and transformation, spanning both global industrial groups and fast-growing technology companies, Tomas was drawn to the opportunity to help build something from the ground up. Over the years, he has held senior positions at companies including Perstorp, Lanxess, TETRA Chemicals, Nordkalk, Calderys and Nexam Chemicals.

Today, the focus is on turning the technology into recurring business. Spec-Imaging has recently completed its first commercial deliveries and is also working on its next major initiative within the food industry, where the technology could enable manufacturers to measure colour directly in the process and in real time.

“We want to build a company that can stand on its own two feet as quickly as possible. If we succeed with our first deliveries and have satisfied customers, that will create opportunities for international growth. When I first understood what the technology could do in an industrial setting, I immediately felt that this was going to work. I have worked in the process industry for many years myself and know how important it is to have the right information at the right time,” says Tomas.

From Fagersta to the world

Tomas grew up in the Swedish industrial town of Fagersta, but his interest in the wider world began early. While studying engineering at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, he spent a year at the University of Sydney, combining his studies with playing in the Australian ice hockey league. Since then, he has lived or worked in countries including the US, Australia, Germany and India. His years in India, in particular, made a lasting impression.

“I learned a great deal about tolerance and about how much more alike people are than we often think. We tend to categorise people, but in my experience, those assumptions rarely turn out to be particularly accurate.”

Curiosity has followed Tomas throughout his career and is probably also part of the reason why he has continued to seek out new roles, industries and challenges. It is just as evident in his spare time. When he is not spending time at the family’s summer house in Bohuslän, on the golf course or outdoors with the family dog, he enjoys experimenting with AI.

“I’ve started building my own apps using AI. I suppose it’s another expression of the same curiosity that has led me to switch countries, roles and industries over the years. But right now, I’m extremely happy where I am and I think I’ll stay for a while, if it’s up to me.”

Five quick questions

A day off: Heading outdoors. Golf, mushroom picking or skiing depending on the season, preferably with our dog Nelson in tow.
Reading: The Economist, every morning with my coffee. The best half-hour of the day.
Best summer memory this year: Having both children with us in Bohuslän for much of the summer. Now that they have left home, it’s no longer something we can take for granted.
Listening to right now: Dire Straits and similar music, mixed with podcasts from The Economist.
Next destination: Castellet Bruk in Karlshamn, where we’re visiting Green Dairy (IKEA) and the water treatment facility. Perhaps not the most exotic destination, but two of our products under the same roof. That’s hard to beat.