About us

Origin by Ocean is a platform-based algae refining company based in Finland.

We believe that in order for things to happen at a massive scale, it has to be turned into an industry. One with a reimagined value chain.

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Micro and macroalgae are viable crops to grow and harvest, but there's a huge difference in how it’s done. We want to do it right.

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We discovered that with the right process, we can remove marine overgrowth and transform them into ecological, healthy and oil-free ingredients for everyday consumer products. Every product would ease the chokehold of eutrophication.
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Our platform would empower people who love the ocean to harvest their eutrophied shores and turn it into a sustainable income.

The UN
Agenda
2030 is at
the heart of
why we exist

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guide our short- and long-term planning and operations. We want our people to know they are working toward real global goals, so the SDGs are the foundation of our hiring process too.

Global Goals

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The-Global-Goals
SDG 3
Good health
& well-being

With bio-based chemicals we can eradicate hazardous chemicals and create a ‘new industrial standard’ for pollution and waste releases as well as health and safety in the chemical industry.

SDG 8
Decent work
& economic
growth

We create opportunities for income generation more economic and social independency in communities along the coasts of oceans and seas.

SDG 12
Responsible
consumption
& production

We remove invasive algae and nutrients from the oceans and reduce non-biodegradable waste. Our manufacturing is based on a circular model.

 

SDG 13
Climate action

We increase possibilities and opportunities for local communities to plan, act and manage climate change related issues through education and raised awareness.

SDG 14
Life below
water

We prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, from agriculture, marine plastic debris and nutrient pollution. We also improve the health of marine ecosystems by growing biodiverse seaweed forests.

SDG 17
Partnerships
for the goals

We create opportunities for income generation more economic and social independency in communities along the coasts of oceans and seas.

ObO

Our team

ObO
Our team
ObO
Our team
ObO
Our team
ObO
Our team
ObO
Our team

We built this company on shared sustainable values. Everybody at Origin by Ocean is committed to the same set of values, including our founding members, employees and advisors.

Mari Granström

Chief Executive Activist, CEO

PhD, Organic Chemistry

“Ever since I started my degree, I’ve always been enthusiastic about new biomaterials and biorefinery concepts.

For five years, I’ve been working on how to create value from this massive global problem and turn it into a profitable and sustainable business.”

  Connect with Mari on Linkedin

 

Heikki Heiskanen

Chief Operating Activist

MSc, Industrial Economics

"I have always been keen to find new economically viable solutions to environmental and social issues. 

Sustainability is one of my core values. Origin by Ocean will be a role model for planet-driven industrial practices that combine a regenerative economy with the technology of a new era".

 Connect with Heikki on Linkedin

Régis Delatouche

Science Director Activist

PhD, Organic Chemistry

Marine organisms have always been a source of inspiration and wonder for organic chemists like me. They can produce a myriad of complex and unique molecules, making them beautiful and attractive for many applications. Algae are no exception. The valuable molecules they contain will benefit the planet and humanity. 

It's an exciting challenge for me to develop a sustainable way to extract, refine and unlock the full potential of algae-based ingredients.

  Connect with Régis on Linkedin

Toni Luomaranta

Impact Director Activist

Doctor of Science (Technology)

"Throughout my career in technology and innovation development, I have had a strong purpose-driven approach.

I look forward to scaling up our innovation, which embeds a systemic view and enables regenerative value creation across the entire value chain. Our innovation contributes to actively replenishing the state of the environment and marine ecosystems, while supporting equitable social and economic development."

  Connect with Toni on Linkedin

Annukka Tarvainen

Technology and Investment Director Activist

MSc, Environmental Engineering and Technology

"Environmental stewardship has always been a core value of mine, and I've been fortunate to work on projects that support this cause throughout my career.
 
At Origin by Ocean, I have the opportunity to drive the industrialisation of our regenerative process for the oceans. I'm truly excited about the future, the direction we're headed, and the impact we can make for the planet."
 

  Connect with Annukka on Linkedin

Vesa Harjunpää

Business Director Activist

PhD, Organic Chemistry

Johanna Virtanen

Financial Director Activist

MSc, Economics

I am passionate about sustainable and resource-smart solutions, looking to influence in systemic change. I value and greatly appreciate inclusive behavior and a flexible mindset.

  Connect with Johanna on Linkedin

Noora Westerlund

Communications Director Activist

Dip. EMC, International Marketing Management

I channel my deep love for the oceans and a passion for sustainability into building bridges toward a circular, regenerative future.

My role is to help craft and communicate our vision of a world where the powerful blue oceans not only sustain biodiversity but also bring joy, well-being, and economic opportunities to communities globally. I am committed to ensuring that our mission resonates with partners, stakeholders, and the public, driving positive change for both our planet and its people.

  Connect with Noora on Linkedin

Ari Ruuskanen

Lead Biomass Activist

Hanna Haajanen

Product Application Activist

Markus Lehtonen

Science Activist

Marttin Peitsara

Analytics Science Activist

Lilli Torres

Office Manager Activist

Susanna Berghäll

Senior Labtech Activist

Joni Kastelli

Labtech Activist

Klaus Muuronen

Lead Chemical Engineering Activist

Marika Kirjakoff

Labtech Activist

Rasmus Nätti

Labtech Activist

Tania Rahman

Labtech Activist

Mamata Bhattarai

Lead Application Activist

Tero Valtonen

Lead Supply Chain Activist

Hertta Pihlasvaara

Analytical Manager Activist

Tiina Witikkala

Lead Chemical Engineer Activist

Veera Asiala

Labtech Activist

Laura Mikkonen

Labtech Activist

Antti Koponen

Lead Chemical Engineer Activist

Heidi Ekblad

Laboratory Technician Activist

Kristofer Vänttinen

Formulation Chemist Activist

Kristina Lumani

Labtech Activist

Marc Desmarais

Product Development Activist

Ada Pärnänen

Marketing Activist