Nicolas Hassbjer, founder of HMS Networks AB (publ), will be conferred to honorary doctor of information technology at the University of Halmstad. Since 2010 the University has examination rights on PhD level in information technology and innovation management. The first honorary doctors will be inaugurated at the Academic Ceremony on Friday 18 November.

- It is a very special honor for me to become the first honorary doctor of information technology. I have many contacts at management level in international companies where a technical doctor's title has even higher importance than in Sweden, says Nicolas Hassbjer.

Nicolas Hassbjer founded HMS in 1988 on his degree project from the University of Halmstad and served as CEO for the first 21 years of growth. He is now working full time as non-executive board member of several high growth companies. In HMS, he is vice chairman of the board, member of the development strategy committee and remains one of the largest shareholders of the company that completed a successful IPO four years ago.

Statement of the University faculty committee:
Nicolas Hassbjer personifies the energetic student that has become a distinction for the University of Halmstad. He has used the knowledge acquired in his education in Computer Systems Engineering and mechatronics at the University, together with a unique insight of technical evolution in the industrial market as well as a strong entrepreneurial spirit to create a world-leading company.

The company, started as Hassbjer Micro Systems and today known as HMS Networks, has been awarded to Sweden´s best export company and has made University of Halmstad known world-wide. Through the company and his strong commitment for development of general business environment, Nicolas contributed to the development of the city and the whole region, especially within new growing markets. Nicolas has been engaged in the continued development of the University by his presence in program development councils, opening up his company for student projects and company based education as well as continuously being an ambassador of the University.