Accelerator
Connect
Recap
The next generation
of the blue economy
is being built in Helsinki.
Helsinki Blue Economy Studio — A focused, non-generic accelerator programme for growth-stage blue economy startups. A matchmaking engine between companies and established players. Part of A'Pelago's Baltic-wide ecosystem.
Spring 2027, Helsinki
The Helsinki Blue Economy Studio is designed to accelerate and anchor the next generation of blue economy companies in Helsinki
Run by A'Pelago in Helsinki, the five-month Studio brings together founders, investors, and industry leaders from Finland and the wider world to turn early-stage blue economy solutions into scalable businesses.
Participants receive
- a structured growth programme with founder sessions and hands-on growth tools
- exposure to investors and partners
- support validating, piloting and growting solutions in Helsinki
The programme runs from applications through bootcamps to a closing Investor Day, where growth companies meet the ecosystem's investors — equity-free, with three company-specific coaching sessions along the way.
We're seeking pre-seed, seed, and early-stage teams building blue economy solutions, ideally with an MVP already in the market, ready to grow and commit to the programme in Helsinki.
Helsinki Blue Economy Studio
Supporting the next generation of blue economy innovation — an accelerator programme in Helsinki, spring 2027.
→A focused blue economy programme — not a generic accelerator
→A matchmaking engine between startups and established players
→Built to create value for both sides
→Part of A'Pelago's Baltic-wide ecosystem
Programme Structure — spring 2027, Helsinki
01 Applications & interviews
NOW – 30th NOVEMBER 2026
Application period open. Screening and a pre-programme info webinar for all applicants ahead of selection.
02 Bootcamps
FEBRUARY – JUNE 2027
Themes include Solution Pressure Test, Impact & Market Fit, Business Model, Funding Plan, Team, and Industry Visits.
04 Investor Day
SUMMER 2027
The programme's closing event, where growth companies meet the ecosystem's investors.
Contact us
For questions about the current programme please contact our team:
Alina Sippolainen
Accelerator Lead
alina@apelago.fi
Matilda Gustafsson
Program Coordinator
matilda@apelago.fi
Partners
This programme is supported and co-organised with Business Helsinki.
FAQs
When is the application deadline?
The applications period ends 30th November.
What participating startups get?
01 A structured 5-month growth programme
02 Investor meetings and funding opportunities
03 Support validating and piloting your solution in Helsinki
04 Founder sessions and tools for growth
05 Access to an online learning platform
06 Nordic and global visibility, plus an alumni network
Who can apply?
Any blue economy growth company. We're looking for bold, early-stage teams building solutions for the blue economy who are ready to commit to the programme in Helsinki. Apply if your company
✓Is a pre-seed, seed, or early-stage team
✓Is building a solution for the blue economy
✓Ideally already has an MVP in the market
✓Is ready to grow and commit to the programme in Helsinki
When does the program start?
The program starts wk6, 2026 in Helsinki.
Do I need to be present onsite during all Program Bootcamps and Sitevisits?
Yes, on-site presence in all bootcamps is preferred. In our experience, physically connecting with the cohort, A'Pelago team and its mentors is far more rewarding and productive. Sitevisits are optional.
If you are unable to attend all sessions, please indicate this after you have been selected for the program, so we can discuss the best possible way for you to participate.
What is the minimum number of participants per team?
One to two founders or business development responsibles.
Which countries can apply and attend?
We are receiving applications from all around the world, but the program bootcamps take place in Helsinki, Finland and require on-site participation.
How much investment does my company receive?
A'Pelago does not make direct investments in companies, and there is no equity investment included in the program. However, there is a valuable opportunity to meet investors within our ecosystem who may be interested in investing in your company, whom you may meet during the program and at the Investor Day.
Do I need to be a registered company to apply?
You do not need to have a registered entity upon application but we expect that you are ready to do so by the end of the program.
We are already an advanced blue economy venture that has been through accelerator program - are we still eligible to participate?
Yes, you are still eligible. A'Pelago is unique as it is one of Finland's only blue economy accelerators that can offer both business support and/or networks to suit the venture's needs.
How will my trade secretes and IP be dealt with ?
There is no specific requirement for you to disclose your confidential information (including any trade secrets) or IP during your attendance. However, if you do wish to share any information with us, A'Pelago and all founding or organizing teams will ensure that all information is kept totally confidential and will not be shared without your written permission.
I represent a potential program partner organisation. Why join as a programme partner?
Access to the programme's dealflow: Direct visibility into the most promising blue economy growth companies and solutions.
Visibility in the ecosystem: A role in building Helsinki's and Finland's blue economy ecosystem — across the Nordics and internationally.
Piloting opportunities: Direct access to growth-stage startups and their solutions.
A voice in shaping the programme: The chance to influence programme content, coaching, and the Investor Day agenda.
What is the best way to get more information?
Be brave and reach out to us at alina@apelago.fi. We are looking forward to hear from you.
What our previous participants say about us
The A’Pelago accelerator was the perfect launchpad for entering the Finnish market and connecting with marine conservation networks, investors, public-sector actors, and other key partners. The program helped me refine my business model for Europe — and gave me new ideas and friendships that continue to move the journey forward. I’m now building a Baltic Sea pilot with partners I met through A’Pelago.
Sari Tolvanen, CEO & Founder, Ocean Eye
During the collaboration, OliOil developed a business plan and ultimately built an MVP — a prototype that enabled us to verify the functionality of the propulsion system.
Simultaneously we initiated the patenting process and worked closely with A’Pelago, the 1000 Ocean Startups Programme and Åbo Akademi. We are extremely pleased with all of this and will continue this work as part of our company’s growth journey.
- Laura Lepistö, Director of Services & Business Development, OliOil Oy
Accelerator
News
Accelerator
Partner News
Accelerator