19–20.8, Ruissalon Telakka, Turku

Blue economy pioneers across the Baltic Sea and beyond – welcome to

Our 4th A'Pelago Initiative:
A vital forum for Blue Economy builders

Change begins with people. It begins with those who care deeply about the future of our Seas, who choose to collaborate across sectors and borders, and who have the courage to create solutions where none yet exist.

We are not separate from the ocean. We are part of the same shared ecosystem. Every river, bay, and sea connects us, and our actions shape its future just as its health shapes ours.

United by responsibility, curiosity, and determination, we come together to build a more resilient and thriving Blue Economy. On August 19–20, 2026, over 300 entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, researchers, NGOs, and innovators will gather to turn ideas into impact. This year, the theme focuses on From Ocean Literacy to Action and Bridging the Finance Gap.

Expect inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, meaningful networking, and pitches emerging directly from the Baltic Sea, across sectors such as Marine Biomaterials, Blue Food & Cosmetics, Ocean Resilience, Ocean Data & Tech, and Maritime Solutions.

Early Bird tickets are now available.

Early Bird Tickets available now!

1-Day event ticket

Includes:
- 1-Day daytime program (19.8. or 20.8.)
- 1 year membership to Blue Connect Ecosystem platform

400€

(+ VAT)

Price without discount: 500€

buy now

Early Bird tickets are now available at this set price, which will remain for a limited time.

2-Day event ticket

Includes:
- 2-Day daytime program
- 1 year membership to Blue Connect Ecosystem platform

550€

(+ VAT)

Price without discount: 650€

buy now

Early Bird tickets are now available at this set price, which will remain for a limited time.

Venture Booth

Includes:
- 2x2-Day daytime program
- 2x1 year membership to Blue Connect Ecosystem platform
- A booth at the event venue, including: standing table, Electricity outlet, WLAN connection

The ticket is intended for Startups and NGOs

1500€

(+ VAT)

buy now

Choose tickets: "Venture booth" and fill in both ticket users name and email. We will send a personal ticket to the other participants as well.

3 x 2-Day event ticket

Includes:
- 3 x 2-Day daytime program
- 3 x 1 year membership to Blue Connect Ecosystem platform

1650€

(+ VAT)

Price without discount: 1950€

buy now

Early Bird tickets are now available at this set price, which will remain for a limited time.

Speakers

First announced voices include

Annamari Arrakoski-Engardt

CEO, John Nurminen Foundation

James Hughes

Managing Partner, Aether Capital Partners

Jörgen Bergqvist

Founding partner, Group CEO, Ocean Collective

Lauri Reuter

Partner, Nordic Foodtech VC

Mikko Leskelä

CEO, Thinkers50

Natalie Mangondo

Principal Expert in Sustainable Finance, Nature at GRID‑Arendal

Peter Bryant

Oceans Program Director, Builders Vision

Sindre Østgård

Co-Founder, We Are Human, 2050.do Board of Stewards

Susanna Thimmig Johansen

CEO, Voice of the Ocean Foundation

Tuomas Riski

CEO, Triski consulting, ex-Norsepower

COMING SOON

Program and Themes

Day 1 – 19.8.

From Ocean Literacy to Action

Day 1 sets the tone for the entire A’Pelago Initiative 2026.

We begin by deepening our understanding of why the Seas and our oceans matter to societies, security, economies, cultures, and everyday lives. Through voices from coastal communities, business, defence, science, and the environment, we explore how awareness leads to responsibility and how responsibility becomes action.

The day connects Ocean Literacy with real-world decision-making by showing how knowledge shapes investment, policy, innovation, and collaboration across sectors.

By bringing together leaders, pioneers, researchers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, Day 1 builds a shared foundation, creating a common language and purpose for accelerating solutions in the Blue Economy.

Day 2 – 20.8.

From Funding Gap to Innovative Solutions

Day 2 is about catalyzing momentum.

After building shared understanding and purpose, we focus on the core question: how can promising Blue Economy solutions move from pilots to scale, from innovation to impact?

Day 2 addresses the Funding Gap between early-stage innovation and mainstream adoption. Through keynotes, panels, and a curated pitch competition, we explore how capital, industry, and ecosystems can align to balance return, risk, and real-world impact.

Across marine biomaterials, Blue Food, ocean resilience, data & technology, and maritime solutions, startups meet investors, corporates, ports, and public actors ready to accelerate deployment. Measurement, scalability, and readiness take centre stage.

Our Venue 2026

Ruissalon Telakka, Turku, Finland

Why we get together by the sea

Collaboration & Think Tank to Action Approach

In an increasingly polarized world, bringing diverse viewpoints together is more important than ever. The A’Pelago Initiative provides a space for interaction that embraces collaboration and inclusion, where shared vision and values shape new narratives for a better future.

Vibrant discussions are at the heart of the Initiative. The dynamic format encourages intersectional collaboration and sparks co-created initiatives that turn ideas into action. Carefully selected participants from diverse backgrounds broaden perspectives, deepen understanding, and challenge assumptions — laying the foundation for meaningful Blue Economy initiatives.

The Ecosystem & A’Pelago Experience

The A’Pelago Ecosystem is a community of driven changemakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and policymakers. Each with a unique connection and ability to create positive impact on the Sea and surrounding regions. Our events brings together innovators committed to restoring the Seas and driving tangible results.

The A’Pelago Initiative is more than a forum. Each year, old friends and new faces gather at Ruissalon Telakka to reconnect, collaborate, and be inspired by the Sea. Surrounded by wooden boatyards, sea breezes, and local food, conversations flow easily, ideas grow naturally, and meaningful connections form, laying the groundwork for the future of the Blue Economy.