Innovative aquaculture technology for better fish health and sustainable development

Innovation Norway is one of the contributors financing Ocein's development of new, sustainable technology. Ocein has received support through Innovation Norway's bioeconomy scheme, which is open to companies that develop and implement solutions for the production, distribution, and supply of biological resources.

– This scheme is about supporting sustainable industry and business. The bioeconomy is about making better use of biological resources. The autonomous net cleaners that Ocein is developing can help reduce CO₂ emissions and improve fish health, says Amund.


An important industry for the future

Amund has worked as an adviser at Innovation Norway for more than three years. He has experience from the oil and gas industry, the aluminium industry, and the aquaculture industry. He is now based at Campus Kristiansund, alongside other companies that together create a strong environment for innovation. His job is to help elevate promising projects in the Nordmøre region.

Innovation Norway is focused on transition and is proud of Norway's history in oil and gas, which they believe will remain important going forward.

– At the same time, Norway needs other export industries too. We need to transition, and Innovation Norway wants to be part of that process, says Amund.

Valuable expertise in the aquaculture industry

The aquaculture industry is today Norway's second largest export industry and a key part of the transition we are currently undergoing. There are many growth opportunities for coastal companies that operate at sea and have solid expertise in maritime business.

– Ocein is one such company, with clear ambitions and clear goals. Norway is an important market within aquaculture, and the opportunities abroad are significant, says Amund.

Ocein develops autonomous net cleaners

The primary goal of Innovation Norway is to drive growth.

– Many people probably think of us mainly in connection with start-ups, but we also do a great deal of work supporting well-established companies, says Amund.

By using Ocein's autonomous net cleaners, which are permanently stationed in the net and clean continuously, water flow improves and oxygen levels in the fish pen increase. There is also less boat traffic, which reduces stress on the fish and lowers CO₂ emissions.

Recognition through national schemes

– When Innovation Norway provides support to a company, it is important to us that we are not the only ones taking on risk. At Ocein, the owners have also invested and are contributing significant capital, says Amund.

Ocein is a fast-growing company, which requires capital to reach its goals.

Innovation Norway has also provided Ocein with a loan through the growth loan scheme, a collaboration between Innovation Norway and the European Investment Fund (EIF).

– The grant and loan Ocein has received come from national schemes. Having these approved is a recognition of what the company has achieved, says Amund.

He believes Nordmøre is an attractive region for all blue industries, a centrally located hub that facilitates good testing, exciting collaboration, and strong solutions for the future.

– There are many exciting companies in the aquaculture industry here, and they bring out the best in each other, Amund concludes.