Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme

An intensive cross-border growth programme for ambitious ocean economy startups and SMEs ready to grow their solution in the Nordics.

Applications are now open for the first programme cohort here.

The Nordic ocean economy offers major opportunities. But entering and growing in the Nordic market takes more than great technology. You need the right strategy, access to customers and industry, strong partnerships, and the right investors.

The Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme brings it all together.

In one intensive week, you will work with leading ocean innovation clusters, industry experts and investors from across the Nordics. You will pressure-test your solution, sharpen your growth strategy, build valuable connections, and identify concrete opportunities to move your company forward.

Access the Nordic ocean economy. Build the right partnerships. Test your strategy. Accelerate your path to market.

Applications are now open for the first cohort. 

The Nordic Ocean Economy Programme, launched in 2026 by NOCA, is an annual 1-week development programme aimed at ensuring the ocean economy ventures, companies' and investors readiness and leadership in the Nordic blue economy transition.

Startup: Apply here by 30.11.
Partner or Coach: register your interest

NEWS

  • Join our first Info Webinar

    Join our first Info Webinar and learn about the programme

    The Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme is now open for applications. Join our first info webinar to learn more. Register here.

    Read more

  • Applications Open for New Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme

    Applications are now open for the Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme, a new growth programme designed to help ambitious ocean economy companies enter the Nordic market, build strategic partnerships and accelerate their international growth.

    Read more
  • Meet the Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator (NOCA)

    Meet the Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator (NOCA)

    The Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator (NOCA) brings together more than 20 leading ocean clusters across the Nordic region to create a stronger, more integrated blue economy ecosystem.

    Read more

The Nordic Ocean Economy Programme, launched in 2026 by NOCA, is an annual 1-week development programme aimed at ensuring the ocean economy ventures, companies' and investors readiness and leadership in the Nordic blue economy transition.

Run by A’Pelago and ÅKP in collaboration with outstanding Nordic partners
— Iceland Ocean Cluster, Danish Ocean Cluster and Nordinnova — the programme is co-funded by Nordic Innovation.

  • The programme is designed for startups and SMEs who:

    • Develop solutions within the ocean economy ​

    • Have a validated product, service or technology ​

    • Want to enter new markets and grow faster ​in the Nordics

    • Are preparing for partnerships, pilots or investment ​

    • Want access to Nordic ocean innovation, industry and investor networks​

    • Are ready to actively engage in an intense 4 day programme onsite in Finland.

  • NOCA is looking for ambitious startups and SMEs with validated solutions addressing ocean and blue economy challenges, and the potential to grow across Nordic and international markets.

    Applications will be assessed by a pan-Nordic review board based on the following criteria:

    • Company: Startups and SMEs with scalable ocean & blue economy solutions

    • Geography: Open globally, with an interest in the Nordic market

    • Sector: Maritime, aquaculture, ocean energy, blue bioeconomy, marine technology, ocean digitalisation and related fields

    • Growth Stage: Validated solution with clear ambitions to commercialise, scale and/or enter new markets

    • Innovation: Potential across technology, commercialisation and sustainability

    • Motivation: Strong commitment and readiness to actively engage in the programme

    • Training Fit: Clear development needs aligned with NOCA’s expertise and support

    • Investment Readiness: Willingness to strengthen growth strategy, investment readiness and investor & industry relationships

    • Participants: 1–3 participants per company, ideally representing leadership and business development

    • Application Deadline: 30 November

  • The programme format includes online and onsite sessions so that you can easily fit it into your schedule. The program is designed to be as time efficient as possible to ensure event the companies in the most intense growth phase can attend.

    A tailored online learning environment, Nordic Ocean Cluster Platform Blue Connect, provides additional learning materials and a place for exchanging ideas with other companies during and beyond the program. You can access the learning environment when it best suits you.

  • At least one person should participate, but the best outcomes are achieved with a cross-disciplinary team. We welcome teams of up to 5 people to join the workshops and guarantee it is effective use of time! (Note that the number of participants in live events may be limited.)​

    Participating companies will commit to concrete actions by developing their own strategic commercialisation roadmap, impact plan and recognize financing options.​

  • Upon completing our Programme, your company will gain:

    In-Depth Insights: Master the growth in the Nordic Ocean Economy market and stay ahead of future requirements.

    Strategic Roadmap: Define clear, actionable goals to drive your business’s blue growth.

    Innovative Solutions: Develop cutting-edge ocean economy business model, products and services that set your company apart.

    Powerful Tools: Equip your team with practical tools to advance your ocean economy growth efforts.


    Powerful Network: Connect with other ocean economy frontrunners and recognize valuable new partnerships.

Apply Now