The Baltic Sea Region’s Leading Blue Economy Event Brings Participants from 20 Countries to Finland
Around 350 participants have already confirmed their attendance for A'Pelago Initiative 2026, taking place on 19–20 August, making this year's event the most international in the history of the A'Pelago ecosystem. The growing interest is driven by internationally recognised speakers, leading investors, and this year's timely theme, "We are the Ocean."
The Baltic Sea Region's Leading Meeting Place for the Blue Economy
Hosted at Ruissalon Telakka in Turku, Finland, the forum brings together the entire Blue Economy value chain under one roof: startups, investors, corporate executives, researchers, public sector representatives, and international experts. The goal is to accelerate solutions that both restore the health of our oceans and create new competitive business opportunities.
As many as 40% of participants are travelling to Finland from more than 20 countries to share expertise, build partnerships, and develop new solutions to the challenges facing our oceans and society.
This year's theme, "We are the Ocean," highlights that everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of our seas. At a time when harmful algal blooms, the rapid growth of the marine economy, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing competition for investment dominate global discussions, A'Pelago Initiative brings together people, innovative ideas, and capital to accelerate solutions that strengthen the competitiveness of Blue Economy businesses while contributing to healthier oceans.
International Investors and Startups Meet in Turku
"It is remarkable to see such strong international interest in an event dedicated to the Blue Economy. It shows that the solutions, expertise, and companies emerging from the Baltic Sea region are attracting global attention. We want A'Pelago Initiative to be a meeting place where new partnerships, investments, and concrete solutions for healthier oceans are created," says Sini Toivonen, A'Pelago.
The growing international interest also reflects the relevance of this year's theme.
"The Blue Economy is one of the most exciting growth markets today. A'Pelago Initiative brings together exactly the startups, investors, and ecosystem players I want to connect with. I'm particularly looking forward to meeting new founders and seeing the innovative solutions being developed across the Nordics."
– Zoe Peden, Ananda Impact Ventures, UK.
A'Pelago Pitch Challenge Showcases the Future of the Blue Economy
The event will feature an impressive lineup of international business leaders, investors, and fast-growing Blue Economy companies. Speakers include Sindre Østgård (We Are Human), Jonathan Hed (Adventurous Ideas), Zoe Peden (Ananda Impact Ventures), and Jaani Pietikäinen (European Investment Bank), alongside startups from seven countries developing solutions in areas such as ocean monitoring, marine biotechnology, circular economy, and sustainable food systems.
Among the Pitch Challenge finalists are WAI Water Intelligence (Finland) and Sensemakers (Denmark), participants in A'Pelago's Nordic Blue 2026 programme, both developing innovative technologies and business models to address marine and water-related challenges.
WAI develops solutions for water quality monitoring and collecting the data needed to identify nutrient runoff hotspots, combat eutrophication, and build better water intelligence. One of the greatest strengths of the A'Pelago Nordic Blue programme has been the collaboration between startups. We've challenged each other's ideas, learned from one another, and discovered new opportunities for cooperation. At A'Pelago Initiative, we're excited to pitch our solution to an international audience of investors and industry experts," says Kasper Hildén, Co-Founder of WAI.
International Investors Search for the Next Blue Economy Success Stories
The event also attracts international investors looking for innovative solutions, promising investment opportunities, and new strategic partnerships.
"Finland is a central hub for the blue economy in Europe, and I'm honoured to be part of the discussions at A'Pelago Initiative. Bringing together international experts, entrepreneurs and investors creates exactly the kind of dialogue needed to accelerate innovation and investment in ocean solutions."
– Simona Chiavassa, Director Private Equity, ReOcean Fund, Monaco Asset Mgmt, Monaco
Media Accreditation
A limited number of media accreditations are available. Journalists interested in attending are encouraged to contact matilda@apelago.fi as soon as possible.
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About A'Pelago
A'Pelago is the leading Blue Economy innovation ecosystem in the Baltic Sea region. Its mission is to help entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors build businesses that also contribute to healthier oceans. Through its flagship annual event, A'Pelago Initiative, A'Pelago brings together ambitious professionals, impactful innovations, investors, and decision-makers to accelerate the growth of the Blue Economy.
This year's speaker lineup includes Sindre Østgård, Christine Spiten, James Hughes, Susanna Thimmig Johansen, Jörgen Bergqvist, and Camilla Olsen.
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