Press Release: A’Pelago Initiative 2026 Brought Together 350 Blue Economy Leaders in Turku

A’Pelago Initiative 2026 brought together around 350 entrepreneurs, business leaders, researchers, investors, policymakers and other Blue Economy stakeholders at Ruissalon Telakka in Turku on 19–20 August.

Over the two days, participants built new connections and business opportunities, with more than 100 investor–startup meetings taking place. The event also saw significant new developments for Blue Economy financing and growth: A’Pelago opened applications for three new accelerator programmes for 2027, and Redstone announced the first closing of its new €25 million Blue Fund.

The theme of A’Pelago Initiative 2026 was We Are the Ocean, with the event focusing on how opportunities related to the ocean can be transformed into new businesses, investments and solutions.

More than 100 investor–startup meetings

More than 100 pre-arranged investor–startup meetings took place as part of A’Pelago Initiative’s international matchmaking programme. The matchmaking was organised by Enterprise Europe Network and Business Turku, connecting event participants with international stakeholders to explore new investment, partnership and business opportunities.

The meetings brought together growth companies, investors, corporates and other Blue Economy stakeholders from across Europe. The aim was to create concrete connections that can lead to new investments, partnerships and opportunities for international growth.

A’Pelago Opens Applications for Three New Accelerator Programmes for 2027

A’Pelago’s accelerator programmes aim to help close the significant financing gap in the Blue Economy. An estimated USD 550 billion in annual investment is needed globally for a sustainable ocean economy by 2030, while current financing falls significantly short of this level (Ocean Finance for the Sustainable Ocean Economy, 2025). In 2027, A’Pelago will run three new Blue Economy accelerator programmes:

Northern Blue Accelerator is a six-month internationalisation programme designed to support Blue Economy growth companies in entering new markets and building international partnerships. The programme travels across countries in the Baltic Sea region, connecting companies with local markets, networks and investors.

Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator (NOCA) Programme focuses on the commercial validation of solutions in Nordic markets. The programme gives companies the opportunity to test and develop their solutions together with markets, customers and other key stakeholders. The programme will launch in Finland in 2027 and expand to Iceland in 2028 and Norway in 2029. The Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme is part of the broader NOCA project, co-funded by Nordic Innovation.

More information about the third programme, which will focus on the Finnish market, will be announced later. The new programmes build on A’Pelago’s previous accelerator experience and established networks. Apply to 2027 programs here.

Redstone Announced the First Close of Its New €25 Million Blue Fund

One of the other significant announcements at the event was the first close of Redstone’s new €25 million Blue Fund.

The Nordic-focused fund, with a European mandate, invests in pre-seed and Series A companies across four areas: maritime and ports, energy, water technologies, and ocean data and observation.

The fund’s first close was supported by angel investors, family offices, foundations, institutions, and maritime companies. Investors include the City of Turku, Meriaura Invest, Aboa Advest, LähiTapiola, Kelonia, Rausanne, Adamo Capital, Henrik Paasikivi, Magnus Kihlgren, and ARGOng Investment AG.

According to Redstone, oceans and water are emerging as key investment areas of the 21st century. The fund aims to support companies that combine market-driven growth with the transformation of traditional maritime industries.

The fund’s announcement at A’Pelago Initiative also strengthens Turku’s and the wider Nordic region’s position as a growing hub for Blue Economy investment.

A’Pelago Pitch Challenge Winner Comes from Spain

One of the highlights of the second day of the event was the A’Pelago Pitch Challenge, where Blue Economy growth companies presented their solutions to investors and an expert jury.

The competition was won by Spanish-Chilean NIDO Contech, which has participated in A’Pelago’s Nordic Blue Accelerator programme this year. NIDO develops advanced biomaterials based on seaweed and other biological processes for the construction and HVAC industries. The company’s first application, NIDO Algae Panel, is a seaweed-based building panel designed specifically for timber structures.

Following their victory, NIDO Contech also advanced to the final of the Turku Startup Prize, which will take place in Turku on 17 September 2026.

“The Blue Economy and maritime industry were represented by 12 teams in the Turku Startup Prize application process, and NIDO Contech’s advancement to the final brings the sector into the spotlight at the decisive stage of the competition. We received 148 applications from 21 countries for the inaugural Turku Startup Prize, demonstrating the international appeal of Turku’s startup ecosystem. The Turku region has been determined in strengthening its position as a pioneer in the Blue Economy, and A’Pelago is making the region’s expertise, networks and growth opportunities visible internationally,” says Jussi Pyysalo, Turku Startup Hub.

Building New Connections Around the Blue Economy Over Two Days

A’Pelago Initiative brought together experts from across sectors to discuss topics including the maritime industry, circular economy, blue food, marine materials, biodiversity, artificial intelligence, shipping, ocean data, and Blue Economy finance.

The programme featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and Deep Dive sessions, alongside pre-booked 1-to-1 meetings. The aim was to move beyond discussions towards concrete connections, collaboration, and new opportunities.

“At the heart of A’Pelago Initiative is the connection between innovation and capital. This year in Ruissalo, entrepreneurs, investors, companies, researchers, and decision-makers came together. The fact that more than 100 investor and startup meetings took place alongside the announcement of the first close of Redstone’s new €25 million Blue Fund shows that there is strong momentum and growing interest in the Blue Economy,” says Patrik Anckar, A’Pelago.

A’Pelago Initiative 2026 in numbers

• 350 participants
• 20 countries represented
• 100+ pre-booked 1-to-1 meetings
• First close of a €25 million Blue Economy fund
• 38 event partners
• 1 A’Pelago Pitch Challenge -winner: NIDO Contech

A’Pelago Initiative 2026 took place on 19–20 August 2026 at Ruissalon Telakka in Turku. The theme of the event was We Are the Ocean.

A’Pelago Initiative 2027

Next year, A’Pelago Initiative will take place on 18–20 August 2027 at Ruissalon Telakka in Turku. The theme will be The Ocean Engagement, and Super Early Bird tickets are now available here.