Nordic Blue Program

Nordic Blue program - Accelerating the Blue Economy
in the Nordics

Apply now

The blue economy is one of the fastest-developing fields worldwide, offering solutions reclaiming the seas for food, energy, and climate resilience.

In the Nordics, with rich marine resources and strong innovation ecosystems, the potential is vast — but early-stage ventures often face barriers in scaling their impact and reaching global markets.

The Nordic Blue program is designed to change that by providing equity-free, hands-on business support for ventures and leadership teams driving innovation across the blue economy.

The program supports entrepreneurs building solutions in sustainable aquaculture, marine biotech, renewable ocean energy, seafood value chains, maritime technology, sea region conservation, and blue carbon. Participants gain access to tailored coaching from leading experts, curated investor connections, and a powerful network across the Nordic innovation ecosystem.

The Nordic Blue builds on the Nordics’ strong legacy in blue economy innovation. Since 2021, regional collaborations have laid the foundation for the thriving blue economy Ecosystem of A'Pelago, with growing partnerships between industry, academia, and investors. By 2025, the A'Pelago Ecosystem expanded through cross-border event participantion connecting Finnish entrepreneurs with Nordic opportunities. And in 2026, the movement will take a bold step forward with the launch of the first Nordic Blue program, positioning as a Nordic driver in blue economy innovation reclaiming the seas.

Our core offering

Support with business validation, strategy, product development, branding and fundrasing strategy
Individualized coaching: teams are paired with relevant industry leaders and also participate in 1-to-1 sessions with A'Pelago team
Potential for follow-on investment with funds, such as Redstone Blue.
Opportunity to visit and connect with Nordic blue economy network via 5 field trips in Turku, Copenhagen, Trondheim and Stockholm.
Longterm support and access to ecosystem of dedicated blue economy drivers and investors

We received valuable instructions and coaching on how to build an investor pitch. We also received excellent support regarding our marketing and sales challenges from the coaches who was assigned to us. Their input was outstanding.

Poul Lindqvist, Managing partner of Environmental Impacts Academy

For questions about the program please contact

Alina Sippolainen

Blue Economy & Ecosystem Advisor

Patrik Anckar

Partner & Co-founder, Accelerator

The Nordic Blue Program is made possibly by following partners

Are you interested in joining as a program partner? contact alina@apelago.fi

FAQs

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is Friday 5th December 2025.

When does the program start?

The program starts in January 2026.

How long does the program last?

The program lasts 8 months and begins with a kickoff camp in Turku..

Where is the program located?

The program sessions are arranged in Turku and in other leading Nordic Blue Economy cities. TBC

How much investment does my company receive?

Whilst there is no equity investment during the program, there is opportunity to meet investors within our ecosystem who may seek to invest in your company, including Redstone Blue.

Is there any funding support to travel to program locations?

tbc

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.

What is the minimum number of participants per team?

One to two founders.

Do I need to be onsite-during the whole program?

Yes, on-site presence in all workshopdays s required. In our experience, physically connecting with the cohort, A'Pelago team and its mentors is far more rewarding and productive. Field trips are optional.

Will there be a final event or a demo day?

Yes, on the final day of the program will be hosted as part of A'Pelago Initaitive 2026 in August, where selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to key stakeholders and investors in the audience.

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.

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.