Winners of the Nordic Blue pitch challenge in 2025.
Photo: A´Pelago
Finnish blue economy development initiative A’Pelago has launched the 2026 edition of its Nordic Blue Accelerator, a rotating Nordic programme for "startups, scaleups, spinoffs, and innovators working on blue economy solutions".
The programme, which opened with an online kickoff on 19 January, is intended to help startups test their business models in Nordic markets and connect with potential customers and investors.
A’Pelago said applications were received from twelve countries across four continents, with 160 companies reviewed during the selection process. From these, 21 teams were selected, with several of the chosen startups working directly in aquaculture or related value chains, including farm technology, alternative feed ingredients and data tools for production management.
“I am pleased to announce that the program will include a compelling group of Blue Economy solutions across areas such as ocean data, aquatech, aquaculture and seafood alternatives,” said Alina Sippolainen, Accelerator Lead and Blue Economy advisor at A’Pelago, via a press release.
Among the companies highlighted are Helsinki-based WESI Solutions, which develops AI tools for aquaculture operations, and Trondheim-based TuniSea, which is working on marine-based protein ingredients derived from tunicate biomass. A’Pelago said the remaining participants will be announced in early February.
The programme includes four in-person bootcamps in Turku, Stockholm, Trondheim and Copenhagen, covering topics such as product development, impact assessment, funding and governance. The accelerator will conclude with a pitch event at A’Pelago Initiative 2026 in August, where participating companies will present their progress to investors and industry representatives.
A’Pelago said the accelerator is delivered with support from around 30 partners across the Nordic region, and that further details on each participating startup will be shared as the programme progresses.
