Leif Lundblad, entrepreneur, inventor and honorary doctor at Karolinska Institutet, has died at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife Irene and daughter Ulrika and family.
For many years, Leif Lundblad was a deeply committed friend and donor of Karolinska Institutet. His great devotion and creativity coupled with a genuine interest in medical research made him heavily instrumental in promoting the science. His support funded new research initiatives and created robust conditions for medical breakthroughs.
Leif Lundblad's dedication to science was one of curiosity, passion and enthusiasm. He took active part in discussions with researchers and demonstrated an ability to see both the person and the science behind the results.
In 2025, he was made an honorary doctor at Karolinska Institutet in recognition of his contributions to science, innovation and entrepreneurship, reflecting the deep appreciation he enjoyed within the academy.
Leif Lundblad, who was born in 1938, was also an outstanding entrepreneur and inventor. He held around 400 patents within a wide range of technologies and was particularly well-known as the father of the bank-note dispenser found in ATMs, an innovation that revolutionised cash-handling around the world.
Leif Lundblad was also the founder of the ESBRI (Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research Institute) and over the years helped to fund a great many research projects at Karolinska Institutet, including in the fields of pain, Alzheimer's disease, COVID-19, sleep and AI.
Karolinska Institutet remembers Leif Lundblad with tremendous affection, gratitude and respect. His contributions will live on in our research and future scientific breakthroughs.
