Jens Thulin is the SLU alumnus of the year 2026
Jens Thulin, founder of Mylla and the driving force behind Vismarlövsgården, has been awarded SLU Alumnus of the year 2026. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Landscape planning from SLU in 2011, after which he continued with studies in sustainable urban planning at SLU's campus Alnarp.
Jens Thulin has become known as an entrepreneur who combines sustainability, agriculture, and business. At Vismarlövsgården, he and his family have built a climate-certified beef production, earning him a reputation as one of Sweden’s most climate-smart beef producers. The business also includes a microbrewery, as well as conference and wedding services, with a focus on self-produced ingredients.
Through Mylla, a digital marketplace for the sale and distribution of food directly from Swedish producers, he has also helped transform how local food reaches consumers. The platform enables small-scale producers to sell directly to customers, shortening the food supply chain and, over time, improving profitability for producers.
Jens also mentions that the main challenge is not production. We are incredibly good at producing food in Sweden. The challenge is the business side: getting paid for the value we create and reaching consumers in a system that is fundamentally designed for something entirely different.”
In addition to his entrepreneurship, Jens Thulin is a sought-after speaker on sustainability, economics, and agriculture. He is also an active alumnus who regularly returns to SLU to give lectures and hosts student study visits.
Jury’s motivation for the award
Jens Thulin is awarded SLU Alumni of the Year for his exceptional drive and strong commitment to developing agriculture and the future food system in a long-term, sustainable direction. Through innovative and diversified rural entrepreneurship, he has created new opportunities for small-scale producers to reach consumers while contributing to a vibrant rural economy. With his engagement across several of SLU’s areas of activity, his innovative capacity, and his clear sense of social responsibility, Jens is an inspiring ambassador for sustainable entrepreneurship and a highly deserving recipient of the award.
Facts about the award
The SLU Alumni of the Year award is presented annually to a former SLU student whose work contributes to sustainable societal development. The purpose of the award is to highlight strong role models and inspire future generations. A jury consisting of representatives from the university, together with the previous year’s winner, selects the recipient.