SansOx
The Story
From a small hydropower idea to a global mission to restore the world’s water
Every company has a beginning.
Ours began in the flowing currents of small hydroelectric plants — and in a simple belief that water could do more.
Where it began
SansOx was born from an ambitious question:
Could small and medium-sized hydropower plants be made more efficient, more sustainable, and more climate friendly?
In the early days, our focus was on improving turbine performance in order to reduce COâ‚‚ emissions. The goal was clear — generate clean energy while strengthening the economics of small hydropower.
But reality soon intervened. The economics of small hydropower alone were not strong enough to support the broader vision.
Yet during this work, something unexpected happened. We discovered that aeration — the process of adding oxygen to water — had enormous untapped potential. That single insight would change the direction of the company.
From energy to oxygen
Originally named Happihyrrä Oy, our company's roots reflect our focus on water and oxygen. We rebranded to Sanso, a Japanese term for oxygen and water's essence. Regulatory requirements led to the addition of an "X" to the name, sparking playful interpretations like "Sans" in French for "without" and "Ox" for oxygen. While our initial turbine project remained on the drawing board, our focus shifted to developing OxTube, a groundbreaking product for dissolving gases into water. This journey underscores our dedication to innovative water treatment solutions.
The first breakthrough
The first OxTube prototype was tested in Kokkola, Finland, where it successfully removed iron from surface water. This was an important proof of concept. Although the early system still required refinement, it confirmed that the technology had real potential.
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Recognition soon followed. SansOx received several prestigious awards within the European water sector, including Best Innovation in the European Water Industry from Water Europe (WSSTP) in 2014, Best Aeration Company in 2015, and the SaoxFuge award for Best Innovation that same year. In 2017, IroxFlotation was named runner-up at Aquatech.
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These recognitions reinforced our belief that SansOx had developed something the world needed. At the same time, they also taught us a critical lesson common to many startups: focus is essential.
We streamlined our efforts around OxTube and the technologies built upon it.
Learning from global water challenges
Our next significant milestone came when we helped a multinational client reduce calcium in wastewater through COâ‚‚ dissolution. This enabled water reuse while lowering discharge costs — a powerful demonstration of how gas dissolution could transform industrial water management.
The project was preparing for a global rollout when the company involved was acquired, and the initiative was put on hold. Although disappointing, the experience proved invaluable. It highlighted the potential of pH control and reinforced the importance of international partnerships.
From there, SansOx expanded into regions where water scarcity is a daily reality, including Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Through the EU Gateway Programme, we formed a partnership with Unique Water in the Philippines. Together we developed a radon removal system capable of meeting the strict 11 Bq/l drinking water standard. Six successful installations later, this partnership remains one of our proudest achievements.
Aquaculture and ozone innovation
Another early success came through collaboration with Carelian Caviar in Finland. There we demonstrated that OxTube could dissolve ozone with exceptional efficiency, eliminating bacteria and viruses in aquaculture pools.
This breakthrough opened doors in aquaculture markets such as Finland, Norway, Chile, and Vietnam.
However, the rapid rise of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) meant that adoption was slower than expected, as fish farmers approached new technologies cautiously.
Even so, the technology repeatedly proved its value in real-world conditions.
Expansion in Asia and the challenges of Covid-19
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SansOx gained recognition in Korea and even initiated a joint venture there. However, the global Covid-19 pandemic halted travel and disrupted development across several regions, including Korea, India, and China.
Despite these setbacks, the company continued exploring new applications — from restoring desert lakes in Dubai to treating wastewater in pulp and paper mills. The results were technically promising, even if commercial progress was sometimes slower than hoped.
Each challenge strengthened our understanding of the global water landscape and sharpened our focus.
Returning to nature
After years of technological development and international experience, we arrived at a simple realization: water should not only be treated — it should be restored.
Projects in Dubai and India demonstrated that OxTube could eliminate algae and revive stagnant lakes. This inspired a new initiative within the company: Nature Rejuvenation, a mission to restore natural water bodies and ecosystems, including the Baltic Sea.
At the same time, we rediscovered another core strength — potable water treatment. OxTube enables cleaner and safer drinking water at lower operational costs than many traditional systems. Existing pump stations can be upgraded, or entirely new systems can be built with high efficiency and reliability.
A company defined by the water cycle
Through years of experimentation, partnerships, challenges, and breakthroughs, SansOx has grown into something larger than originally imagined: a company dedicated to improving water at every stage of its life.
Our work now follows what we call the SansOx Water Cycle.
Nature Water focuses on protecting lakes, rivers, and groundwater ecosystems.
Potable and Process Water ensures clean drinking water and stabilizes industrial water systems.
Used Water removes pharmaceuticals, PFAS precursors, dyes, COD, and other pollutants before water returns safely to nature.
Together, these three stages form the core of our technology and our mission.
Looking ahead
​Today, SansOx is positioned to make a global impact. Our technologies can restore natural water bodies, improve drinking water infrastructure, reduce industrial chemical use, enable water reuse, remove pharmaceuticals and PFAS, and support environmental compliance and ESG goals.
The journey has not always been easy. It has been long, challenging, and filled with learning. Yet every step has brought us closer to a clear purpose: making water cleaner, safer, and more sustainable — for people, for industry, and for nature.
This is the story of SansOx.
A story that continues to evolve.
And a story we invite the world to become part of.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
