Programme Partners

Co-financed by Nordic Innovation, this programme is proudly presented by NOCA - Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator initiated and lead by five pioneering ocean economy clusters from Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland.

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. By connecting expertise, innovation capacity and capital, NOCA enables the Nordics to operate as one coordinated market rather than a collection of fragmented national ecosystems.

Through a shared digital collaboration platform Blue Connect and a joint cross-border Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme, NOCA supports innovative ocean companies in validating solutions, strengthening sustainability performance and preparing for investment. The project creates a common framework for collaboration between clusters, companies and investors, accelerating the development and scaling of sustainable ocean solutions across the Nordic region.

NOCA aims to establish a long-term Nordic platform for ocean innovation, strengthening competitiveness, improving access to capital and building stronger cross-border cooperation throughout the ocean economy.

Get to know the lead partners below.

Accelerator Programme Lead and Country Coordinator Finland - A’Pelago

A’Pelago is a leading blue economy ecosystem and growth platform in the Baltic Sea with a team based in Turku and Helsinki, Finland. It accelerates and connects entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and ecosystem builders, with the mission of supporting deep science–based solutions in scaling from early-stage innovation into global ocean impact. Since 2022, A'Pelago has supported over 50 companies across 15+ countries.

In 2026, A'Pelago expanded its Nordic presence by establishing the first blue economy accelerator touring the Nordics. The flagship event of A'Pelago, Initiative, takes place each year in August.

More information: https://www.apelago.fi

Contact: alina@apelago.fi

Nordic Ocean Economy Cluster Project Lead and Country Coordinator Norway - ÅKP

ÅKP is one of Norway’s leading ocean innovation companies, dedicated to strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the ocean and maritime industries. With deep expertise in strategy, business development, innovation management, digital transformation, and cluster development, ÅKP supports companies in navigating industrial transitions and accelerating growth. Through its extensive network of industry leaders, startups, researchers, investors, and public sector actors, ÅKP plays a central role in advancing Norway’s blue economy and fostering international collaboration across the Nordic ocean innovation ecosystem.

More info: https://www.aakp.no/en/

Contact: wenche.uksnoy@legasea.no

Cluster Corporate and Investor Coordinator and Country Coordinator Iceland - Iceland Ocean Cluster

Iceland Ocean Cluster is an internationally recognized blue economy innovation cluster focused on maximizing value creation from marine resources while promoting sustainable ocean industries.

Best known for pioneering the globally acclaimed "100% Fish" concept, IOC works to increase resource efficiency, support entrepreneurship, and foster collaboration between industry, research, and investors.

Through its growing network of Sister Ocean Clusters across multiple continents, IOC connects Nordic innovation with global blue economy ecosystems, enabling knowledge sharing, business development, and international market opportunities.

More Info: https://sjavarklasinn.is/en/

Contact: alexandra@sjavarklasinn.is, benedek@sjavarklasinn.is

Cluster Coordinator - Danish Ocean Cluster

Danish Ocean Cluster is Denmark’s national cluster organization for the blue economy, bringing together companies, research institutions, public authorities, and investors to accelerate sustainable growth and innovation across ocean-related industries.

DOC works to strengthen collaboration, knowledge exchange, and commercialization opportunities within sectors such as maritime technology, aquaculture, fisheries, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology.

By connecting stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem, DOC helps develop solutions that enhance both competitiveness and environmental sustainability in the ocean economy.

Contact: mhn@portofhirtshals.dk

More info: https://danishoceancluster.com

Programme and Cluster Innovation Support - Norinnova

Norinnova is Northern Norway’s largest innovation company, providing a complete innovation pathway from research and idea development to commercialization, investment, and international growth. With decades of experience supporting startups, researchers, and technology-driven companies, Norinnova plays a key role in transforming knowledge into sustainable businesses.

Through its expertise in incubation, venture development, and access to capital, Norinnova helps accelerate innovation across sectors critical to the northern regions, including ocean industries, sustainability, health, and deep technology.

Contact: line@biotechnorth.no

More info: https://norinnova.no