A’Pelago and The City of Helsinki join forces to accelerate the Blue Economy in the capital region
We are excited to announce a new partnership between A’Pelago and the City of Helsinki (Business Helsinki) through the launch of Helsinki Blue Economy Studio.
The blue economy is a significant and growing part of the European economy. The new Helsinki Blue Economy Studio brings together international and Finnish growth companies, investors and leading maritime players in the Helsinki region to develop the next generation of blue economy and maritime solutions. The programme is coordinated by Finnish blue economy ecosystem and accelerator A’Pelago in partnership with the City of Helsinki.
The blue economy generates around €250 billion in economic value across the EU and supports nearly 5 million jobs. At the same time, investment in blue economy innovation has tripled over the past decade.
“Helsinki Blue Economy Studio has been created to tap into this potential and support growth companies across the blue economy. Helsinki’s position as a major Baltic Sea port and maritime hub, combined with its strong research and innovation environment, provides an excellent platform for developing blue economy solutions and supporting international growth,” says Paula Miettinen, Director of Business Services at Business Helsinki.
The maritime cluster is one of the strategically important growth sectors identified by Helsinki. The city aims to strengthen expertise in the sector and support growth based on new innovations.
Helsinki Blue Economy Studio is part of A’Pelago’s wider blue economy ecosystem, which brings together startups, investors, companies, researchers and public sector organisations across the Baltic Sea region.
“Helsinki Blue Economy Studio complements A’Pelago’s existing accelerator and investor offering by strengthening its connections with maritime actors in Helsinki and the wider capital region. At the same time, the programme creates a concrete pathway for international growth companies into Finland and the Baltic Sea region, while bringing Nordic and international capital, expertise and partnerships to the region,” says Alina Sippolainen, Head of Accelerator at A’Pelago.
A six month programme for growth, funding and internationalisation
Blue Economy Studio goes beyond a traditional accelerator programme. During the six month programme, participants receive support and practical tools for developing and scaling their businesses.
A’Pelago’s growing investor network provides companies with access to funding opportunities and international networks, including the Nordic Ocean Accelerator Cluster and the 1000 Ocean Startups coalition, which spans 67 countries.
Business Helsinki brings strong connections to Helsinki’s business, research and innovation ecosystem.
“Helsinki has an exceptionally strong position for developing the blue economy, from marine bioeconomy and maritime data solutions to Arctic shipping and blue economy finance. We look forward to seeing the solutions that emerge through the programme.” says Mira Jarkko, Senior Specialist, Green Transition and New Technologies at Business Helsinki.
Companies working in areas such as marine technology, water technology, maritime and port operations, marine energy, sustainable use of marine resources, marine data and digitalisation are among those invited to apply.
Applications are now open
Applications for Helsinki Blue Economy Studio are now open to blue economy growth companies. The programme starts in February 2027.
Companies, maritime organisations, researchers, investors and other ecosystem actors are also welcome to contact the programme team to explore opportunities for collaboration with A’Pelago.
Apply here: https://www.apelago.fi/helsinki-blue-economy-studio/
-
A’Pelago is a Blue Economy innovation ecosystem in the Baltic Sea region, bringing together growth companies, investors, industrial players, policymakers, researchers and public-sector organisations to scale solutions and investments that contribute to the good condition of the oceans globally. Helsinki Blue Economy Studio is part of A’Pelago’s 2027 accelerator and investor services portfolio, which also includes Lab2Impact, Northern Blue and the Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator.
Business Helsinki is the City of Helsinki’s business and economic development service, supporting companies, entrepreneurs, employers and international talent in Helsinki. Business Helsinki aims to strengthen the growth conditions of Helsinki’s business sector and employment opportunities for residents, while supporting the city’s attractiveness, the wellbeing of its residents and the long-term resilience of the local economy.
More information from
in collaboration
Share this post
Latest news
