Applications Open for New Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme
Programme Application Period launch atA’Pelago Initiative 2026, Finland 20 August.
A new cross-border accelerator is inviting ambitious ocean economy startups and SMEs from around the world to apply for its first programme cohort, starting in spring 2027.
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.
The programme brings together leading ocean innovation clusters, industry experts and investors from across the Nordic region, creating a unique opportunity for companies to pressure-test their solutions, strengthen their growth strategy and connect with the networks needed to scale.
The programme is run by A’Pelago and ÅKP, in collaboration with Iceland Ocean Cluster, Danish Ocean Cluster and Norinnova, and is co-funded by Nordic Innovation. It is part of the Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator (NOCA), which brings together more than 20 leading ocean clusters across the Nordic region to strengthen the Nordic blue economy ecosystem.
Helping ocean economy companies grow across the Nordics
The Nordic ocean economy offers significant opportunities for innovative companies, but entering new markets requires more than a strong technology or product. Companies need access to customers, industry partners, investors and the right networks.
The Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme is designed to bring these elements together.
Through an intensive programme combining online preparation and onsite sessions in Finland, participating companies will work with Nordic experts and ecosystem leaders to challenge their assumptions, develop their commercialisation strategy and identify concrete opportunities for growth.
“The Nordic region has an incredible concentration of ocean expertise, innovation and industry, but the real opportunity lies in connecting these strengths across borders. With the Nordic Ocean Accelerator, we want to make it easier for ambitious companies to find the right partners, customers and investors — and to turn promising ocean solutions into scalable businesses,” says Alina Sippolainen, Nordic Accelerator Lead at A’Pelago.
The programme is aimed at companies that already have a validated product, service or technology and are ready to take the next step towards commercialisation, internationalisation, partnerships or investment.
Open to ocean economy companies worldwide
Applications are open globally to startups and SMEs with an interest in entering or expanding in the Nordic market.
The programme welcomes companies working across the ocean and blue economy, including maritime, aquaculture, ocean energy, blue bioeconomy, marine technology, ocean digitalisation and related fields. Applicants should have a validated solution, clear growth ambitions and a strong motivation to actively engage in the programme.
Selected companies will gain access to:
Nordic ocean industry and innovation networks
Potential customers, partners and investors
Expert guidance on growth and commercialisation
A strategic roadmap for Nordic market entry and expansion
Tools to strengthen investment readiness
Opportunities to develop partnerships and pilot projects
A network of other ambitious ocean economy companies
Participating companies will also develop a concrete strategic commercialisation roadmap, impact plan and understanding of relevant financing opportunities.
Building a stronger Nordic blue economy
The Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme is part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration between the Nordic ocean clusters and create better pathways for companies to grow across borders.
“The Nordic countries have exceptional expertise, technology and companies within the ocean economy. By connecting these ecosystems more closely and making it easier for companies to access markets, industry and capital across borders, we can accelerate the transition towards a stronger and more competitive Nordic blue economy.”
The first programme cohort will take place in spring 2027. Applications are open until 30 November 2026.
Apply now
Ocean economy startups and SMEs from around the world are invited to apply for the first Nordic Ocean Accelerator Programme cohort.
Applications are open here.
Application deadline: 30 November 2026
The programme is run by A’Pelago and ÅKP, in collaboration with Iceland Ocean Cluster, Danish Ocean Cluster and Norinnova, and co-funded by Nordic Innovation.