Their idea gives students a flexible route into working life
Engineering students Hugo Frithiof, Viktor Saadieh and Lucky Ullenvik want to help students find extra work without compromising their studies or their student life. Photo: Sara Gredemark
Combining studies, student life and part-time work is a challenge many students recognise. For three students at Uppsala University, that insight became the driving force behind Vips – a platform designed to make it easier for students to find short shifts that fit their schedules.
When Hugo Frithiof and Lucky Ullenvik began their studies, they quickly realised how difficult it was to find part-time work that could be combined with assignments, exams and an active student life.
“You want a bit of flexibility in your working life, and that’s not something you often find. That’s why we thought this would be perfect – being able to choose exactly when you want and are able to work,” says Hugo Frithiof.
Together with Viktor Saadieh, they developed a solution that allows companies to post short shifts, which students can apply for directly through an app. According to the founders, this helps companies bring in extra staff quickly while allowing students to avoid fixed schedules.
Adding a little luxury to everyday life
“Students who want to work extra and earn a bit more can go into our app, scroll through the options and look for shifts that fit their calendar,” says Lucky Ullenvik.
“You shouldn’t have to miss a student dinner event or a deadline in your studies,” adds Hugo.
Lucky goes on to explain that the fact that many students want to work alongside their studies is nothing new, nor is it a need that has to be created. Rather, it is a reality.
“CSN [the student financial aid in Sweden] covers a lot, but not everything. And many students work extra so they can buy things and treat themselves now and then. We simply want to make that easier,” he says.
Today, the platform matches students with short, temporary shifts primarily in restaurants, events and hotels, with more sectors to follow. Because the platform is connected to collective agreements, it can be used by both small and large companies.
Entrepreneurship rooted in their studies
All three founders are studying engineering programmes at the university, and their studies have been closely connected to the platform’s development.
“I’m responsible for the IT and technical development, and my programme has been really useful,” says Viktor Saadieh, who is studying Information Technology.
Their platform matches students with short, temporary assignments from companies. Photo: Sara Gredemark
Hugo Frithiof and Lucky Ullenvik are in the same cohort on the Master’s Programme in Materials Engineering, but it was their involvement in the student programme association that brought their paths – and entrepreneurial ambitions – together.
“We knew we wanted to start a company simply because we wanted to learn a lot,” says Lucky.
The response has been strong
Their advice to other students is not to wait for the perfect idea.
“It might sound daunting to just get started, but as a student, you have very little to lose. The most important thing is simply to begin – the idea will take shape and grow,” says Hugo.
“You learn as you go,” adds Viktor.
The response has been strong and growth has been rapid since the platform launched in September 2025. Over the next few years, the goal is to become the hub for student jobs across Sweden and to expand internationally. The team is now developing an ambassador programme to grow organically through student communities across the country.
“It’s fun to involve students in the development of the company too. After all, we are a company created by students for students,” says Lucky.
Sara Gredemark
UU Innovation
- Supports students, researchers and staff at Uppsala University who want to develop ideas with the potential to benefit society.
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