Piia Maaranen
Partner, Innovestor
A'Pelago Accelerator Full Program
The A’Pelago Accelerator Full Program is a 5 month accelerator dedicated to support entrepreneurs, scientists, start-ups and growth companies with sustainable solutions for the Sea region challenges.
It intends to speed up the commercialisation of ambitious Sea region solutions and ideas with intense workshops, networking, coaching and learning sessions. The Full Program is designed to steer the participants through demanding entrepreneurial issues, to add structure to business development, and to help raise funds for the next phases.
Accelerator 2025 participants get an invitation to compete at the A'Pelago Pitch Challenge. The Pitch Challenge shared prize is 25.000 EUR.
Why get on board?
You can make a difference for the sea regions, but when your hands are full of building your startup's foundations, it's hard to keep up with a systematic approach to business development.
So think of us as a partner. A compass. A connector. A spark. Guiding you through cross waves.
As part of the Accelerator Full Program you will get a structured program including validation of your business concept, support sessions for execution and access to a network of like-minded peers plus access to workspaces at our Campuses. We support you in co-operating with researchers and scientists in various fields, and you will be supported by our experienced business coaches. Finally, through the A´Pelago networks of experts your business concept will get increased visibility in the Blue economy context and support in raising funds for the next phases.
The path from a visionary idea to scalable business is unclear. Leaping from an idea to a thriving company is hard work. If you have a new idea about how the vitality of Sea regions can be improved, join us.
We help startups to accelerate from idea to impact. You steer. We support in navigation.
Who should apply?
The Accelerator Full Program is a comprehensive build-up program dedicated for blue economy ideas, startups, spinoffs, growth companies and innovators working with the challenges described by UN Ocean Decade. Hence, we are looking for solutions in the following sectors:
In addition our we require our applicant fullfill the following requirements:
- Sea region and climate positive and scalable business model
- Solution is science-based or can be backed up by science
- MVP, Proof-of-concept or validated concept
- Team: technical and business oriented co-founders, minimum of 2
- Operations or at least some of it is based on or can be tested in the Baltic Sea region
- Ability to attend program events during spring. Program main language is English.
If you fit the criteria, apply to join us! Please do not be too demure when answering the questions, and if in doubt, you can always contact us!
Ready to rock with us? This is how it goes.
Application
Let us know about your business idea. The application for the program is now open. Applications are reviewed by the end of January 2025.
Screening
Our acceptance decision is based on your application and an interview. We base our decisions on the assumed impact and potential of your team, product, business model, scalability as well as on a general accelerator fit.
You will be contacted about the screening process once the application period is closed.
Accelerator Full Program
You will join an intense accelerator program tailored for start-ups and growth companies with a sea impact in spring 2025.
Throughout the program, you will receive practical guidance from specialists in their field, experienced entrepreneurs, influential business experts and investors.
Pitch Challenge and Demo Day
The Full Program runs for 5 months. It ends with an action packed A'Pelago Pitch Challenge semi-finals in 5th of June.
The A'Pelago Accelerator Demo day is held in A'Pelago Initiative 2025, where your startups gets to present your case in a startup village to the prominent event attendees from industry and investors field.
Meet some of our Advisors
Advisors are the A’Pelago Accelerator specialists in most versatile fields: experienced entrepreneurs, influential business experts, researchers and Venture Capital investors.
They will give guidance to our attendees.
Inka Mero
General Partner, Voima Ventures
Fredrik Rönnlund
Founder & CEO, Leadoo Marketing Technologies
Rebecca Sjödin
Co-Founder & Principal, node.vc
John Kronberg
AI Engineer and People Specialist, Silo.AI
Kaj Hagros
VC investor, tech executive and advisor within digital services, media and health, Redstone VC
Anna Törnroos-Remes
Associate Professor, Environmental and Marine Biology, Åbo Akademi
Knut Ringbom
Co-founder & Senior Advisor, Biovian
Patrik Anckar
Partner & Co-founder, A'Pelago Experience
Milla Unkila
Head of communications, BIODIFUL, University of Turku
Pär Mickos
Senior Advisor, Skaldo Oy Ab
Timo Ketonen
Partner & Co-founder, A'Pelago
Teemu Birkstedt
Entrepreneur, Advisor, Professor of Practice
Turo Numminen
Co-founder, Sofokus Ventures
Mari Granström
Chief Executive Activist, Origin By Ocean
Ville Valtonen
Senior Consultant, Momentous, Ex-Nokia HR Director
FAQ
Who’s eligible to apply?
According to A'Pelago's mission to support solutions From Deep Science in the Shallow Waters of the Archipelago Sea to Scalable Business for Global Audience, the Accelerator Full Program is dedicated for startups, growth companies and innovators working with the challenges described by UN Ocean Decade. We welcome you to apply to our Full Program, if you meet the following criteria:
Solve the UN Ocean Challenges facing the Finnish Archipelago Sea Region
Solution is science-based or can be backed up by science
Business ID under 3 years
Scalable business model
MVP, Proof-of-concept or validated concept
Team: technical and business oriented co-founders, minimum of 2
Operations or at least some of it is based on or can be tested in the Finnish Archipelago Sea region
If you aim to grow by cracking Sea Region Challenges accordingly, apply to join us! Please do not be too demure when answering the questions, and if in doubt, you can always contact us!
Do I need to have a company to join?
No, but you have already a bit more than just a vague idea. Check the next question of how we form our decisions.
How are the testimonials selected?
Our acceptance decision is based on your application and an interview. We base our decisions on the assumed impact and potential of your team, product, business model, scalability as well as on a general accelerator fit.
Why get on board?
Our Accelerator Full Program is designed to steer founders through demanding entrepreneurial issues, add structure, and help you raise your next round. Your work speeds up with intense workshops, networking, coaching and learning sessions.
What’s the time commitment?
One online workshop, one remote learning session and one optional coach session in each programme month. The core program runs for 5 months. In addition, you are expected to participate and pitch your case at A’Pelago Initiative event in August.
Please make sure you have enough resources and hours to use for the meeting and workshop preparation.
What should I expect after the Accelerator Full Program?
You have found insights in team building and team enhancement, customer acquisition, pilot partners, potential investors, advisors and board members, or possibly to all of the above!
How does Coaching work?
Throughout the program, the participants are recommended to keep in contact with dedicated coaches a minimum of three times during the program via meetings, e-mail or online. The coach and participators are encouraged to arrange further contact and meetings outside the minimum recommendations.
Will there be opportunities to get funding?
We coach you to raise your next funding round and understand the issues investors are looking for. A'Pelago does not function as a financier or investor.
What is the Accelerator Full Program experience like?
Our program is designed to steer founders through demanding entrepreneurial issues, add structure, and help you raise your next round. It consists of regular events, learning from successful founders, access to A'Pelago's networks and resources and possibly friendships for life.
Which are the Accelerator Full Program 01/2025 dates?
Preliminary dates for A'Pelago Accelerator Full Program 2025:
WORKSHOP DAYS - live
| DATE | TIME |
| 30th Jan 2025 | 9-16 |
| 13th Feb 2025 | 9-16 |
| 11th Mar 2025 | 9-16 |
| 27th Mar 2025 | 9-16 |
| 10th April 2025 | 9-16 |
| 15th May 2025 | 9-16 |
| 5th June 2025 | 9-16 |
| 20-21th Aug 2025 | A’Pelago Initiative 2025, 9-22 |
SPRINTS - online
| DATE | TIME |
| 14th Feb 2025 | 10-12 |
| 13th Mar 2025 | 10-12 |
| 28th Mar 2025 | 10-12 |
| 11th April 2025 | 10-12 |
| 16th May 2025 | 10-12 |
| Company specific Coach Meetings arranged between 13.2.-5.6. |
Is the program live or remote?
The four workshops are live days in Turku or in the Archipelago Sea Region. The Sprint sessions are organized remotely. The form of Coaching can be agreed between attendants.
What are the terms of the Accelerator Full Program?
The Full Program fee is €3000. Additional services offered by the program partners can be purchased at your own decision and cost.
The Program requires on-site attendance in the program workshop sessions from minimum of 1 startup team leader position member.
We are already an advanced blue economy venture - are we still eligible to participate?
Yes, you are still eligible. A'Pelago is unique as it is one of Finland's only blue economy accelerators that can offer both business support and/or networks to suit the venture's needs.
We also recommend you to get to know our Venture Challenge. It is our shorter program dedicated to support your blue economy venture gain new visibility, find new strategic partnerships and investors.
What is the A'Pelago Pitch Challenge?
The A'Pelago Pitch Challenge calls for solutions to reduce marine pollution and promote ecosystem protection, restoration, and rewilding to pitch in the next A'Pelago Initiative.
All A'Pelago Accelerator program participants, from Accelerator Full Program and Venture Track, are eligible to compete at the Challenge.
Winners benefit from exclusive networking opportunities, targeted support, visibility, and the chance to share part of the EUR 25.000 prize.
What is the best way to get more information?
Be brave and reach out to us at info@apelago.fi. We are looking forward to hear from you.
The A'Pelago Accelerator is built in partnership with
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