A’Pelago Initiative, the leading Blue Economy forum in the Baltic Sea region

Jul 3

A’Pelago PRESS RELEASE

Ruissalon Telakka, Turku, August 20–21 – For the 3rd year in a row, A’Pelago Initiative brings together leaders, changemakers, investors, and innovators from across the Baltic Sea region to accelerate sustainable growth in our marine areas under the theme: The Ocean Starts Here. The event will gather around 300 participants from over 10 countries, including capital investors from all Nordic countries — a gathering rarely seen before in Turku. A’Pelago drives the Blue Economy in Finland and the Baltic Sea region, accelerating science-based business solutions. The Blue Economy refers to sustainable, sea-related business activities that restore marine ecosystems while fostering economic growth and creating new jobs.

During the event, two capital investment funds for the Blue Economy will be announced: Redstone Blue Fund I, targeting start-ups in the Baltic Sea region, and BluKap.vc, a global Series A fund for companies in the growth phase.

A'Pelago Initiative is a cross-sector business forum focused on practical, scalable solutions for the Blue Economy. The program features 30 high-level speakers, in-depth panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and pitch sessions from emerging ventures. In addition to the main program, participants can join the Initiative Dinner to connect informally over live archipelago music.

The Ocean Starts Here

The Baltic Sea region stands at a turning point. Environmental pressures demand new models for collaboration between business, science, policy, and impact investing. “We see the Initiative as a platform for those who are not only concerned about the state of the sea, but who are also ready to act,” says Sini Toivonen, Event Producer & Business Partners, A'Pelago.

The Ocean Starts Here is both a reminder and a rallying cry. “The shallow and sensitive Baltic Sea can serve as a testing ground for the world’s oceans – its unique characteristics make it an ideal place to pilot new solutions that support sustainability and marine ecosystem regeneration. That’s why models developed here have the potential to benefit seas globally. Everyone with a connection to the sea – whether through work or leisure – shares a responsibility for its future. A healthy sea begins with all of us,” says Alina Sippolainen, Blue Economy & Ecosystem Advisor at A’Pelago.

A’Pelago Initiative is designed to foster deep connections, practical collaboration, and new ventures that strengthen the vitality of coastal and island regions. Tickets and the full program are available at www.apelago.fi.

A’Pelago Initiative 2025 in Numbers

August 20–21, 2025 – Ruissalon Telakka, Turku
30+ speakers from 7+ countries
300+ participants from 10+ countries
24 partners co-creating the event

Two Days of Action

Full program and detailed timetable here.

Day 1 – August 20:
We kick off by exploring the Baltic Sea’s unique potential in the Blue Economy and how its conditions drive innovation and global impact. Through keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and roundtables, we’ll dive into themes like decarbonizing the maritime industry, blue tech success stories, and regional innovation hotspots. The day ends with an exclusive Initiative Dinner featuring live archipelago music – a unique networking opportunity for participants.

Day 2 – August 21:
Designed for investors, innovators, and startups, the second day focuses on unlocking capital, scaling ventures, and pitching new ideas. With over 50 investors and 25+ start-ups expected onsite, Day 2 is a key moment to witness the future of Finnish Sea Region scale-ups. The program includes investor panels, fund launches, deep dives into the startup ecosystem and the A’Pelago Pitch Challenge, where Blue Economy ventures compete for visibility and the 25 000€ prize.

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