Turku becomes a hub for billion-euro Blue Economy capital at A’Pelago Initiative

Around 350 participants and investment capital worth several billion euros will gather in Turku in August 2026 for A’Pelago Initiative. The event will bring together an exceptionally broad international investor group by Finnish standards, and for the first time Turku will host a concentration of venture capital investors of this scale focused on the Blue Economy.

A’Pelago Initiative 2026 will take place on 19–20 August at Ruissalo Shipyard in Turku. The event brings together decision-makers, investors, startups and public-sector actors from the Nordics and internationally to accelerate sustainable growth in the Blue Economy.

“We are talking about an exceptional gathering. A group of investors of this scale has never before been seen in Turku. It clearly shows that the Blue Economy is increasingly viewed as an important investment opportunity. One of the key challenges has been connecting finance with solutions. Gatherings like this can genuinely accelerate the transformation of ideas into scalable businesses,” says A’Pelago co-founder Patrik Anckar.

The event theme, “We are the Ocean,” highlights a shift in mindset.

This year’s theme emphasises that the sea is not a separate resource, but a central part of the economy, business and society. The event is built around two key challenges: how understanding can be turned into concrete action, and how capital can be mobilised to scale solutions.

The first day focuses on how a better understanding of the importance of the seas can influence decisions, investments and business. It brings together companies, researchers and decision-makers to build a shared understanding and create the foundation for practical solutions.

The second day focuses on financing, growth and scaling solutions. Around 50 investors will participate, representing capital worth several billion euros.

At the heart of the second day is a pitch competition where solutions from key Blue Economy sectors will be presented, including marine biomaterials, Blue Food, Ocean Tech and maritime industry solutions. The aim is to connect promising innovations with capital and accelerate their path from pilot stage to wider implementation.

The speaker line-up brings together internationally recognised voices such as Anna Herlin, Lauri Reuter, Susanna Thimmig Johansen, Mari Granström, Zoe Peden, Natalie Mangondo and Peter Bryant.

Who is the event for?

A’Pelago Initiative is an international event for everyone who wants to advance socially, environmentally and economically sustainable development in the Baltic Sea region through business. The 2026 theme is “We are the Ocean.” The programme includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking and pitch presentations from companies in the A’Pelago Nordic Blue accelerator programme.

Moments from A'Pelago Initiative 2025