The Ocean TuniCell concept was developed through a number of basic and applied research projects from University of Bergen and NORCE, as well as from Project Ocean. These projects have generated several patent filings. Specific projects and events important for the development are given on this timeline.
Ocean TuniCell AS is awarded Bergen Kommune’s (Bergen County) Startup Award for 2022 (Etablererprisen).
Ocean TuniCell AS releases a carboxymethylated medical grade TUNICELL product (TUNICELL CTC), which can be supplied with or without an osmolyte (4.6% D-Mannitol).
Ocean TuniCell AS releases two products on the market, an enzymatically pretreated medical grade TUNICELL product (TUNICELL ETC) and a TEMPO-mediated oxidized medical grade TUNICELL product (TUNICELL TTC). Both products can be supplied with or without an osmolyte (4.6% D-Mannitol).
Based on years of research on tunicate nanocellulose as a scaffolding material in regenerative medicine, Ocean TuniCell AS was formed in 2019. The cellulose nanofibrils demonstrate superior characteristics as a scaffolding material for biomedical applications. Our state-of-the-art cleanroom facility produces ultrapure medical grade cellulose nanofibrils, TUNICELL, according to ISO standards towards cGMP accreditation.
The Ocean Project with Hans Gude Gudesen and TuniChor with Univesity of Bergen, NORCE and inventors agrees on a joint venture to develop the Ocean concept.
Ocean Bergen AS is established with Ocean M AB and TuniChor AS as shareholder.
Development of high-value and large volume applications for the tunicate biomass.
Project: “Ciona nanocellulose for large volume and high-value applications.” Funded by the BioTek program at the Research Council of Norway.
Developing technology for large volume production and harvesting of tunicate biomass.
Project: “Teknologiutvikling for storskala dyrking av tunikater (sekkedyr).” Funded by Regionalt Forskningsfond Vest.
Business development funding by Innovation Norway.
Developing tunicates as an organism within integrated multitrophic aquaculture.
Project: “TuniRAS, using Tunicates to clean water in recirculating aquaculture systems.” Funded by Hans Gude Gudesen.
Proof of Concept for using the tunicate biomass for fish feed.
Project: “Tunicate ascidians; A new marine biomass.” Funded by the FORNY2020 program at the Research Council of Norway.
Analysis of bioaktive compound in the tunicate biomass.
Project: “Bioaktiva peptider i tunikat biomasse.” Funded by the BioTek program at the Research Council of Norway.
Inventors win the Innovation prize from BTO and Sparebanken 1 for best research in 2013.
Proof of Concept for producing large scale biomass of benthic ascidians for producing biofuel.
Project: “Efficient 2nd generation foodstock for biofuel_V2.” Funded by the FORNY2020 program at the Research Council of Norway.
A group of scientists (Christofer Troedsson, Eric Thompson, Thorolf Magnesen, Jean-Marie Bouquet and Christoffer Schander) contacted Bergen Technology Transfer Office (BTO) about an idea to produce benthic tunicates for the use of biofuel and animal feed.
Proof of Concept for producing large scale biomass of benthic ascidians for producing biofuel.
Project: “Efficient 2nd generation foodstock for biofuel_V1.” Funded by the FORNY2020 program at the Research Council of Norway.
