Meet the Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator (NOCA), developed and co-launched by A’Pelago

We are happy to announce that A’Pelago has initiated and now co-launches the Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator (NOCA) together with strong Nordic founding partners: ÅKP, Danish Ocean Cluster, Iceland Ocean Cluster and Norinnova. The three-year initiative is co-financed by Nordic Innovation.

The purpose of the Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator (NOCA) is to build a lasting more connected Nordic ocean innovation network by linking existing clusters and improving the pathway from early-stage innovation to market uptake in the blue economy. Through a shared Nordic collaboration platform, Ocean Investment Readiness Tool and a cross-border accelerator programme, the project will provide participating startups, corporates and investors with faster access to markets, capital and expertise.

Building a lasting Nordic structure to Mobilise Cross-Border Ocean Capital, Innovation and Collaboration

At the core of NOCA is capital mobilisation and value creation for participating SMEs, corporates and investors.

Through three pilot accelerator programs managed by A'Pelago, at least 25 startups will gain access to a Nordic ecosystem of partners, investors and industry expertise. NOCA wil also facilitate at least 30 structured investor introductions and initiate a minimum of six active cross-border investment processes by identifying risk-specific layers in blue investments and coordinating investor engagement across borders. This will build a credible Nordic dealflow pipeline and strengthens investor confidence in scalable ocean solutions that build the good state of the seas and oceans.

As the blue economy becomes increasingly embedded at EU, national and organisational levels through new strategies and action plans, there is a growing need for a more streamlined and connected innovation ecosystem across the Nordics that can support the development of the blue economy and contribute to improving the health of the seas and oceans.

A’Pelago is the leading blue economy ecosystem in the Baltic Sea region and one of the initiators of the cluster

“Local Nordic ocean innovation ecosystems are strong in their own right, but by sharing best practices and working more closely together we can be significantly more effective in supporting blue economy solutions, as well as corporates and investors looking for new business opportunities in the theme” says Alina Sippolainen, Nordic Head of Accelerator at A’Pelago.

For companies, investors and corporates, NOCA will offer access to new markets, stronger networks, and a Nordic setup that makes it easier to test, develop and scale solutions together.

“We are very proud that our Nordic partners and Nordic Innovation have joined this initiative. Next, we are really looking forward to building the network and its accelerator programmes together, and to creating even more blue initiatives with our Nordic colleagues, new customers and other stakeholders. More information on the NOCA programmes and ways to be part of the network will follow soon, so stay tuned,” Sippolainen continues.

About the Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator

NOCA is developed with Nordic partners and co-financed by Nordic Innovation. The founding partners are:

• A’Pelago, Finland (Accelerator programme lead)
• ÅKP, Norway (Project lead)
• Danish Ocean Cluster, Denmark
• Iceland Ocean Cluster, Iceland
• Norinnova, Norway

Together, the partners pool expertise to support blue economy companies, investors and the Nordic innovation ecosystem, supporting A’Pelago’s vision of helping build the good state of the seas.

More information on the first NOCA accelerator programmes will be shared at the A’Pelago Initiative on 20 August – Join us and stay tuned!