WHO WE
ARE
CIOL AS is a science-based startup spun out of the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, which provides a unique alternative to existing methods of wood protection. Through pressure treatment using benign chemicals, CIOL® offers an alternative to standard copper impregnated wood products, at a competable price with higher profit margins.
The idea and the company spring from a verification project at the Research Council of Norway carried out by researchers at NIBIO and through their TTO, Ard Innovation. Through this work, we have entered into a close dialogue with industrial manufacturers both in concept development, proof-of-concept, case studies and industrial implementation.
Our Team
Our current team is based on a lean model with a slow burn-rate and includes a CEO, a CTO and an active board of directors.
Johan Biørnstad,
Business developer and Co-Funder
Johan Biørnstad is the business leader of CIOL AS and a key figure at Ard Innovation, where he is deeply involved in the development and commercialization of the CIOL® wood protection system. Under his leadership, CIOL® has progressed from research to industrial-scale production, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wood preservation methods. Biørnstad’s role focuses on bringing this eco-friendly technology to market, ensuring that CIOL® becomes a widely adopted solution in the wood industry.
Phone
+ 47 98 86 08 43
Erik Larnøy,
Inventor and Co-Founder
Erik Larnøy is the CTO of CIOL AS, and a research professor at NIBIO, specializing in sustainable wood protection technologies. He is the inventor of CIOL®, a groundbreaking, non-toxic wood treatment method that uses citric acid and sorbitol to enhance wood durability without harmful chemicals. Larnøy’s work focuses on replacing traditional, biocide-based wood preservation with environmentally friendly solutions, pushing for CIOL®‘s commercialization to transform the wood industry. His efforts aim to make wood products more sustainable and durable, particularly for outdoor use.
Phone
+ 47 92 26 26 57
Our board of directors
Magnus Frydenlund – Chairman
Head of Business Development,
Ard Innovation AS
Skills:
Business development
IPR/Licencing
Negotiations
Linn Cecilie Linnemann
Impact Investor, LUMO Labs
Skills:
Marketing strategy
Start ups
VC/Funding
Morten Eikenes
CEO, LayerOne AS
Skills:
Business development/Start ups
Wood technology and production
R&D
Tom Teitrem
Investor, Teitrem Holding AS/
Infinity Eiendom
Skills:
Property development
Business development
Lars Smith
Self employed
Skills:
International trade
Sales wood products
Construction
Acquisition of raw materials