Helsinki and A'Pelago launch new acceleration program: Helsinki Blue Economy Studio
The six-month Helsinki Blue Economy Studio will connect Finnish and international growth companies with investors, maritime industry players and research networks. Applications are already open, with the program set to begin in February 2027.
Helsinki is strengthening its position as a hub for blue economy innovation with the launch of Helsinki Blue Economy Studio, a new accelerator developed by Finnish blue economy ecosystem A’Pelago in partnership with the City of Helsinki through Business Helsinki.
The six-month program will bring together Finnish and international growth companies, investors and maritime industry players to develop and scale solutions across the blue economy, while helping companies access funding, partnerships and international markets.
The initiative comes as the blue economy continues to gain economic relevance across Europe. According to figures highlighted by A’Pelago, the sector generates around €250 billion in economic value in the European Union and supports approximately five million jobs, while investment in blue economy innovation has tripled over the past decade.
"Helsinki Blue Economy Studio was created to harness this potential and support growth companies across the blue economy. Helsinki’s position as a major Baltic Sea port and maritime hub, combined with its strong research and innovation environment, provides an excellent platform for developing blue economy solutions and supporting international growth," said Paula Miettinen, Director of Business Services at Business Helsinki.
Follow us on: 
From marine technology to maritime data
The program is targeting companies developing solutions in areas including marine technology, water technology, maritime and port operations, marine energy, sustainable use of marine resources, maritime data and digitalization.
For Helsinki, the initiative also aligns with the city’s strategy to strengthen its maritime cluster as one of its key growth sectors, developing new capabilities and supporting innovation-driven businesses.
Rather than operating solely as a traditional accelerator, Helsinki Blue Economy Studio will provide participating companies with practical tools to develop and scale their businesses over a six-month period.
A key component will be access to A’Pelago’s growing investor network and international partnerships, including the Nordic Ocean Accelerator Cluster and the 1000 Ocean Startups coalition, a global network with a presence in 67 countries.
Business Helsinki, meanwhile, will connect participants with Helsinki’s business, research and innovation ecosystem.
"Helsinki has an exceptionally strong position to develop the blue economy, from marine bioeconomy and maritime data solutions to Arctic navigation and blue economy financing. We look forward to seeing the solutions that emerge through the program," said Mira Jarkko, Senior Specialist in Green Transition and New Technologies at Business Helsinki.
Connecting international startups with the Baltic Sea ecosystem
The Helsinki Blue Economy Studio will become part of A’Pelago’s broader blue economy ecosystem, which connects startups, investors, corporations, researchers and public sector organizations across the Baltic Sea region.
The accelerator is also designed to create a pathway for international growth companies interested in entering Finland and the wider Baltic market.
"Helsinki Blue Economy Studio complements A’Pelago’s existing acceleration and investment offering by strengthening its connections with maritime actors in Helsinki and across the capital region. At the same time, the program creates a concrete pathway for international growth companies to enter Finland and the Baltic Sea region, while attracting Nordic and international capital, expertise and partnerships to the region," said Alina Sippolainen, Head of Accelerator at A’Pelago.
Applications for Helsinki Blue Economy Studio are now open, and the first program is scheduled to begin in February 2027.
Companies, investors, researchers and other maritime ecosystem players are also being invited to collaborate with the initiative.
The program will be part of A’Pelago’s acceleration and investment portfolio for 2027, alongside Lab2Impact, Northern Blue and Nordic Ocean Cluster Accelerator.