A’Pelago Initiative 2025 summary: 300 participants from 13 countries

The A’Pelago Initiative 2025 gathered the international Blue Economy community at Ruissalon Telakka in Turku on August 20–21. Under the theme “The Ocean Starts Here”, the event brought together +300 thought leaders, innovators, investors, industry representatives, and policymakers from +10 countries to explore the current state and future of the Blue Economy.

Day 1

A’Pelago Initiative 2025 kicked off with a warm welcome from Patrik Anckar and André Noël Chaker, setting the tone with the theme “The Ocean Starts Here” and emphasizing the mission to catalyze innovation, investment, and action to reclaim the Baltic Sea.

The morning featured global and regional perspectives, including Ron Tardiff on the State of the Global Blue Economy, Peter Seligson on Finland’s role in the world economy, and Minister Sari Multala on the Race for the Baltic Sea. A dynamic panel discussion with leaders from business, NGOs, and the public sector explored the Baltic Sea’s potential, opportunities, and challenges for a thriving blue economy.

During lunch, participants joined practical “How-To” sessions on deep blue science, decarbonizing maritime transport, and sustainable food and water solutions, while also connecting with startups and exploring the event’s art exhibition.

The afternoon highlighted success stories from ocean tech, strategies for scaling science-based ventures, and fostering a culture of blue economy thinking. The day concluded with a Seaside Chat on Advancing the Blue Transition, focusing on concrete steps and next initiatives to turn vision into action.

Day 1 left participants inspired, connected, and ready to take tangible steps toward restoring and advancing the Baltic Sea’s blue economy.

After day 1, the sold-out Initiative Dinner created a unique atmosphere for networking, collaboration, and dialogue, accompanied by live performances from local bands. The vibrant yet relaxed archipelago spirit reflected the essence of the Initiative community.

Day 2

The second day opened with a welcome setting the stage for a deep dive into Blue Finance and startups—with a clear mission: catalyzing investments and innovations that can nurture and scale the next generation of Finnish and Nordic Blue Economy champions.

Ocean technologist and impact investor Christine Spiten then shared her founder story of building Blueye Robotics, inspiring participants with a journey of innovation and persistence in ocean tech.

Through keynote talks and lively panels, the morning sessions explored the state of Nordic Blue Economy finance, new investment models, and opportunities for blended capital. Experts from organizations such as Nordic Innovation, NEFCO, Danske Bank, BluKap, and the Nordic Development Fund highlighted both the untapped potential of the Baltic Sea region and the barriers still preventing sufficient flows of capital into the Blue Economy. The discussions emphasized the urgency of mobilizing funding and building scalable solutions that can restore marine ecosystems while creating jobs and competitiveness.

The late morning introduced practical perspectives on launching new funds with a purpose and how to mobilize capital at scale, with investors and fund managers sharing their hands-on experiences. Participants then joined interactive lunch sessions and workshops, which connected startups, investors, and experts for practical exchanges on topics such as measuring impact, avoiding bluewashing, and responding to coastal challenges.

New fund: Redstone BLUE

One highlight of the day was the launch of Redstone Nordics’ new €25 million fund dedicated to supporting startups tackling ocean challenges – with a strong focus on the Baltic Sea. The fund will be headquartered in Turku, with the City of Turku and private investors as anchor investors.

Focus areas:
- Marine intelligence & ocean data
- Smart ports & efficient maritime transport
- Renewable energy solutions, offshore wind & zero-emission vessels
- Blue biotech & water technologies

The Turku office was opened by Tuomo Veivo, with Kaj Hagros serving as Managing Partner Finland. The fund aims to back the next generation of ocean innovators starting in 2026.

Pitch Challenge

The second highlight of the 2nd Initiative Day was the A’Pelago Pitch Challenge, where 12 startups presented solutions for the seas and coastal regions.

🏆 Reverlast won the challenge with their floating jetties made from retired wind turbine blades. Their solution combines design, durability, and sustainability—extending the lifetime of materials while creating long-lasting infrastructure for coastlines. The jury recognized Reverlast’s vision of building steadfast jetties “for a more beautiful coastline, from one generation to the next.” Reverlast received the opportunity for a 25,000 € investment from Aboa Advest.

Launch of the Jarruttamo

The event also marked the unveiling of A’Pelago Jarruttamo (the Decelator)—a new concept designed to bring Blue Wellbeing into the Blue Economy. Jarruttamo provides events, spaces, moments, kits, and mentoring to help entrepreneurs pause, recharge, and sustain their capacity in a fast-changing world.

The first Jarruttamo retreat will take place in November 2025 at Herrankukkaro, Naantali, under the theme “From Storm to Calm”. It will be followed by a series of smaller retreats across the Finnish Archipelago. More info and tickets here.

Looking Ahead

With record-breaking participation, the A’Pelago Initiative reaffirmed its position as the Baltic Sea region’s leading Blue Economy forum. Together with our partners and community, we continue working towards our mission: by 2030, catalyzing innovation, business solutions, and funding to reclaim the Baltic Sea—and to ensure the vitality of marine environments globally. We are launching our Accelerator program for 2026 soon and are looking for new Business Partners in Finland and the Nordics! Join us now.

A full event summary will be shared later on Blue Connect for all A'Pelago Ecosystem Members.

A'Pelago Initiative in the Media

Read the article from Turun Sanomat:
🔗 Turussa vieraili suuri joukko sijoittajia, jotka etsivät potentiaalisia merialan yrityksiä

Read the article from Impact Loop:
🔗 Exclusive: Redstone unveils €25m ocean tech fund to revive ‘dying' Baltic Sea

Read the article from Finlands Natur:
🔗 Ny fond ska främja investeringar i blå ekonomi

Read the article from Åbo Underrättelser:
🔗 ”Alla hav dör om vi väntar på politikerna”: Evenemanget som förenar miljövård och business är igen i Åbo

Read the article from, Yle Åboland:
🔗 Blå ekonomi i fokus: A’Pelago Initiative samlar framtidens havsinnovatörer i Åbo