A’Pelago is the driver of Blue economy in Finland and the Baltic Sea region
We have built the Baltic Sea region’s leading blue economy ecosystem. We catalyze and provide support for startups, investors, enterprises, experts, and ecosystem partners aiming to one shared goal: reclaiming the sea.
A'Pelago Accelerator
Read more about our Accelerator 2026 programs and apply for the Nordic Blue Program before 5.12.
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Ecosystem Memberships
Join the Baltic Sea Region’s leading Blue Economy ecosystem with over 1,500 professionals
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How we reclaim the seas
We reclaim the sea through four paths: A’Pelago Initiative events and Blue Connect platform connects the ecosystem, A’Pelago Accelerator empowers sustainable start-ups, our Archipelago Venues foster collaboration, and A’Pelago Decelerator supports resilient leadership.
This is how we restore ecosystems, create growth and jobs, and promote innovation that benefits our seas locally and globally.
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A'Pelago Accelerator
Unique Programs | Empowerment for Blue Growth
Are you an entrepreneur, researcher, or a member of a startup team with a scalable blue economy innovation? If you answered yes, you are the right person to apply for the A'Pelago Accelerator. The program supports the successful journey of science-based blue economy businesses from shallow waters to the global seas.
Accelerator participants get an invitation to compete at the A'Pelago Pitch Challenge. The Pitch Challenge shared prize was 25.000 EUR in 2025.
The leading Blue Economy event in the baltic sea
A'Pelago Initiative
Meet I Learn I Collaborate
The A'Pelago Initiative is a Blue Economy event based in Finland, designed for people who want meet, learn and collaborate with founders, experts and investors who are taking initiative to reclaim the sea in the Blue economy field.
Since our 1st event in 2023, more than 840 founders, researchers, experts and investors have brought insights, initiated collaboration and exchanged ideas to reclaim the seas.
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Blue Connect & Astra
Network | Insights
The A'Pelago Ecosystem unites people and organizations across the blue economy, fosters collaboration and catalyzes business initiatives to reclaim the sea. We launched our Ecosystem platform Blue Connect in 2025, join us here.
Astra - Blue Economy Centre
The Astra campus now houses the new Blue Economy Centre, dedicated to advancing the development of the Blue Economy. A’Pelago has moved in alongside other pioneering Blue Economy companies, marking the beginning of a new era of collaboration and innovation.
From storm to calm
A'Pelago Decelerator
Beyond Achievement | Discover Balance
Decelerator is A’Pelago’s new conecpt that supports entrepreneurs and leaders in pausing and strengthening themselves as individuals. The events provide space to slow down, recover, and find direction in a sustainable way. The first Jarruttamo event will take place in 2026 in Herrankukkaro, Naantali.
What do we do & what is blue economy?
We catalyse science-based Blue economy solutions from shallow waters into scalable businesses for global sea regions
According to the World Bank, the Blue economy is the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem." The European Commission defines it as "All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts.
The world’s blue areas, the seas, are fundamental enablers of life. They offer powerful solutions that can help us achieve a needed regenerative global economy.
"The ocean economy is worth between $3 and $6 trillion and offers opportunities to build resilience. Business related to the use of the oceans provides the livelihoods of approximately 3 billion people", says UNCTAD in the latest report Trade and Environment Review.
A'Pelago, founded in the Archipelago in Southwest Finland, is an impact-driven catalyst of Blue economy innovation, business solutions and investments. Through our four operation areas: we raise awareness of sea impact business practices, build collaborations and support scaling of startups, spinoffs and new business initiatives in the growing Blue economy.
“The Blue Economy is a strong and growing set of dynamic and competitive industries, contributing around EUR 250 billion to the EU economy and employing nearly 5 million people. It offers a wealth of opportunities for innovation, economic diversification, job creation, competitiveness, climate neutrality and sustainability.”
What we offer our Ecosystem members:
For Supporters
Join the Blue Economy movement and showcase your commitment to sustainability. Connect with innovators and experts, take part in inspiring events, gain insights into trends and solutions, and use the Blue Connect platform to engage year-round.
For Startups
Gain structured coaching, peer learning, and access to workspaces, researchers, and funding support. Meet investors, pitch your ideas, and gain visibility across the Blue Economy and Sea region.
For Investors
Access promising Blue Economy ventures early, from pioneering startups to science-driven growth companies. Connect with entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders, and co-create solutions for the future.
For Partners
Boost your visibility in the Blue Economy, share expertise, host workshops, and speak at events. Use Blue Connect to network, publish content, and initiate collaborations for sustainable impact.
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Said about us
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The Accelerator meetings were open and positive. A'Pelago successfully united stakeholders from various fields, and Parainen is proud to be part of the program.
John Forsman
Business developer 2024, Pargas stad
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I gained good friends, valuable contacts, potential partners, and a wealth of useful information on company development. They are skilled professionals with diverse expertise and kind-hearted people.
Matti Saarento
founder, Subdrone Services
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Today I had the great pleasure to speak at A’Pelago’s conference Reclaiming the sea - rethinking business in Kasnäs. Here with the two founders Timo Ketonen & Patrik Anckar.
Carl Haglund
CEO , Veritas Pension Insurance
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Now that the Accelerator Program is over, we miss looking forward to the monthly workshops.
Martta Ääri
Chief Commercial Officer, Aila
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We received great coaching on investor pitches and excellent support for marketing and sales challenges. The coach's input was invaluable - I wish we had daily access to him.
Poul Lindqvist
Managing Partner, Environmental Impacts Academy
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The Accelerator Program offered great info, contacts, and business idea sparring. The program had a proactive, forward-thinking, and unique atmosphere.
Altti Kettinen
Founder & CEO, Nexamass
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I celebrated my 60th birthday on A'Pelago Yacht with my family. Timo and Anette made it unforgettable. Perfect for family or business events!
Kenneth Dalkvist
Business Advisor, VASEK
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I enjoyed two days at A'Pelago Initiative - Business Camp at Korpoström. It was inspiring to visit the kids' lab and meet the hero of our ecosystem, Fucus Vesiculosus. Thank you for...
Mari Granström
CEO & Founder, Origin by Ocean
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I had the pleasure to join a two-day A'Pelago Initiative -business camp in Korppoo. What a great event this was, important topics for all of us, lots of knowledge sharing, innovations and...
Annakaisa Ojala
Digital Strategy and Development, Business Finland - Visit Finland
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Insightful and fun collaboration! The A'Pelago Venue was perfect for testing our new foresight tool in a workshop for 40 people. The location and local food were excellent. Looking forward to more...
Keijo Koskinen
Development Manager, Finland Futures Research Centre
In collaboration with
