Piia Maaranen
Partner, Innovestor
Are you developing a Blue economy innovation, product or service that can make an impact for the sea regions? Get to know our program below.
Applications for Accelerator 2025 are now open.
A'Pelago Accelerator
The A’Pelago Accelerator programme 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 programme 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.
Why get on board?
You can make a difference for the Archipelago Sea or the Baltic Sea region, 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 you will get a structured programme, 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?
According to A'Pelago's mission to support solutions From Deep Science in the Shallow Waters of the Archipelago Sea to Scalable Business for a global audience, the Accelerator program is dedicated for startups, spinoffs, growth companies and innovators working with the challenges described by UN Ocean Decade.
We welcome you to apply to our Accelerator program, if you meet the following criteria:
- Solve the UN Sustainable Development Goals relevant to the Finnish Sea Region vitality
- Innovative, scalable and Sea region positive 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
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!
Ready to rock with us? This is how it goes.
Application
Let us know about your business idea. Next application period 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 program
You will join an intense accelerator program tailored for start-ups and growth companies with a sea region impact in spring 2025.
Throughout the program, you will receive practical guidance from specialists in their field, experienced entrepreneurs, influential business experts and investors.
Demo Day
The program runs for 5 months. It ends with an action packed A'Pelago Initiative event. There you will meet prominent Venture Capital investors. We will prepare you for serious pitching.
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 Experience
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 programme is dedicated for startups, growth companies and innovators working with the challenges described by UN Ocean Decade. We welcome you to apply to our Accelerator programme, 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 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 programme 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?
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 programme, the participants are recommended to keep in contact with dedicated coaches a minimum of three times during the programme 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 experience like?
Our programme 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 Program 01/2025 dates?
Preliminary dates for A'Pelago Accelerator 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 programme 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 Program?
The program fee is €3000. Additional services offered by the program partners can be purchased at your own decision and cost.
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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