Nordic Blue accelerates blue economy ventures' journey in partnership with nordic blue economy leaders
Nordic Blue welcomes startups, scaleups, spinoffs, and innovators working on blue economy solutions. We combine pioneering ventures with R&D expertise, the Nordic reach and market insight of industry partners.
The program equips venture teams to scale solutions across Nordics by supporting the participants to validate their approach, gain business development, industry, investor and customer insights – leaving them better prepared to scale.
Accelerating a sea region positive blue economy
Nordic Blue runs in cohorts open to venture teams building Blue Economy solutions. For the 1st cohort of 2026, we are looking for startups, scaleups, and spinoffs with solutions that address challenges and opportunities in:
- Ocean and Aquatech
- Maritime advancing decarbonization
- Solutions combatting sea pollution and runoffs
- Aquaculture and seafood substitutes
- Sea region based and restoring tourism
- Sea-based renewable energy
- Other emerging blue solutions
The program welcomes a wide range of approaches from around the world. Applications close once the cohort reaches its target size.
As a participant, you benefit from
- Hands-on support and guidance from industry experts, investors and business developers on business validation, strategy, product development, impact management, 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
- Curated matchmarking: Get introduced to the right people from industry experts, potential investors to business developers, who can help you move forward. Potential for follow-on investment with funds, such as Redstone Blue.
- Understanding of what scaling to global blue economy markets requires, with market knowledge, experience and networks
- Opportunity to visit and connect with Nordic ang global blue economy network: Program boothcamps and field trips in Turku, Copenhagen, Trondheim and Stockholm.
- Peer-learning with fellow venture builders across cohort and A'Pelago Ecosystem build on respect, high-trust and open enviroment.
- Full A'Pelago Ecosystem Membership, including access to A'Pelago Blue Connect -platform and coworking facilities in Blue Economy Centre in Turku, Finland
The Nordic Blue program at a glance
Runs yearly with carefully selected cohorts
- Cohort 1: January - August 2026
10-20 participants selected per cohort.
Onsite format: onsite in Turku, Finland + 3-4 boothcamps in leading Nordic blue economy hotspots incl. Copehagen and Stockholm.
Access to coworking in Blue Economy Centre, Turku.
Focus on Nordic market exploration: coaching, capability building and curated matchmarking with nordic blue economy ecosystem, industry, business developers and investors.
Fixed participation fee, no equity
Membership at A'Pelago Ecosystem
We offer selected venture teams full membership in the A’Pelago Ecosystem, including access to co-working spaces in the Turku Blue Economy Centre, our virtual ecosystem platform Blue Connect, and the Baltic Sea region’s leading Blue Economy community based in Turku, Finland.
Our Bootcamp structure is designed to offer flexibility for international participants. While all teams are strongly encouraged to participate on-site, attendance at both the Kickoff and the Investor Day is required.
Our Ecosystems coaches and advisors include
Fredrik Rönnlund
Founder & CEO, Leadoo Marketing Technologies
John Kronberg
AI Engineer and People Specialist, Silo.AI
Knut Ringbom
Co-founder & Senior Advisor, Biovian
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
FAQs
When is the application deadline?
The applications period ends in December and first participants are informed on 18.12.2025.
When does the program start?
We have a kickoff session online 19.1.2026. The program starts 9.2.2026 in Turku.
What are the program dates and where are the session arranged?
The program lasts 7-10 months. The program dates and venues are:
Applications open until 9.1.2026.
12/2025-1/26: Interview, selection and onboarding
19.1.2026: Kickoff, online
Membership at A'Pelago Ecosystem starts
2-5/26: Ongoing support, Deep Validation Bootcamps and Sitevisits
- 9-10 February - Turku, Finland
- 11-12 February - Stockholm, Sweden
- 15-16 April - tba
- 19-20 May - Copenhagen, Denmark
4.6.2026: Halfway point and Pitch Semifinals Session, online
19-20.8.2026: Investor Day onsite at A'Pelago Initaitive 2026 in Turku, Finland
30.10.2026: Offboarding, hybrid
What is the general program fee?
The program fee is €3,000, which includes:
- 2 x Tickets to the A’Pelago Initiative 2026, additional tickets here
- All program sessions
- Networking opportunities across the Nordic blue economy ecosystem
- A dedicated coach for your company
- Continuous A’Pelago support throughout the program
Participants are responsible for their own travel costs to the sessions.
If you present a company registered in Denmark, read question What is the program fee for companies reqistered in Denmark? below.
What is the program fee for companies reqistered in Denmark?
If you present a company registered in Denmark, your participation fee will be covered by Nordic Blue Program Partner, The Danish Water and Environment Cluster, Clean. You will receive more information about this if you are selected for the program.
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.
The program sessions are held in Turku, Copenhagen, and Stockholm.
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.
Is there any funding support to travel to program locations?
Participants are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation costs for the sessions.
If your venture is selected for the program, we will provide travel and accommodation tips and recommendations as part of the attendee communications.
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 Nordic cities 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 of the A'Pelago Initiative.
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.
Will there be a final event or a investor day?
Yes, on program will accumilate to an investor day which will be hosted as part of A'Pelago Initaitive 2026 in 20. August. In there all starts can present themselves on the bootharea and selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to key stakeholders and investors in the audience as part of the A'Pelago Pitch Challenge.
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.
The Nordic Blue 2026 program is made possibly by
Are you interested in joining as a program partner? Contact alina@apelago.fi
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