Alumnus of the Year 2025 Patrick Eriksson: – ‘You have to dare to bet in order to dare to win’

When Patrick Eriksson graduated as a physiotherapist from Arcada in 2012, he had already founded the company Kotifysio.

‘Entrepreneurship was the only option – it didn't feel like a regular nine-to-five job, which is what physiotherapists usually imagine working with, suited me. It was never an option.’

Strong ties to Arcada

The basic idea behind the company is to bring physiotherapy directly to the client. The service is primarily aimed at seniors and is offered in their homes, nursing homes or hospitals – which not only increases accessibility but also helps to change and improve elderly care in Finland.

Today, Kotifysio is a company with strong ties to Arcada – both through Eriksson himself and through its employees. Of the more than 40 employees, 32 are graduates of Arcada.

‘We are a distinctly bilingual company, and if we are to be able to provide the service we promise, we need physiotherapists who also speak Swedish. Furthermore, we know what Arcada stands for and that those who graduate from Arcada have a high level of expertise.’

Over the years, around 60 Arcada alumni have worked at the company.

Believe in yourself and your ideas

Running your own business is not just about hard work and expertise, but also about having confidence in your own ideas and the courage to take risks.

‘You have to believe in what you are doing. There will always be people who don't believe in you, regardless of your idea or business. Sometimes things go wrong, and they have to in order for you to learn and develop. You have to dare to bet in order to dare to win. People often say that you have to bet in order to win, but daring to bet in order to win means that you have to dare to take risks.’

Sometimes things go wrong, and they have to in order for you to learn and develop.

For Eriksson, his belief in the company and his desire to help have been key drivers in continuing to develop Kotifysio into what it is today.

‘Hopefully, we can offer our services and help more people in even more areas than we do today, grow the company, be proud of what we are doing and, at the same time, contribute to changing a small part of elderly care.’

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Watch the video (in Swedish) with Patrick Eriksson by clicking on the image above!

Reason for the award

Patrick is someone who really makes an impression. With his drive, curiosity and passion for physiotherapy, he has become a role model for many – not least for today's students. Even during his studies at Arcada, he knew he wanted to make a difference and chose to specialise in physiotherapy for the elderly at an early stage. This was the start of a journey that combines entrepreneurship with genuine care.

Before graduating, he had the courage to start his own business. Over time, he has built up a successful business in a niche of his own. Throughout, his connection to Arcada has remained strong – like a common thread running through his professional life. Patrick has contributed to specialisation courses, taken on interns and given many recent graduates their first job. He has been an important link between education and working life, and a warm ambassador for both Arcada and collaboration between universities and businesses.