Press Release 7.10 I A'Pelago Accelerator's Second Program Kicks Off – Applications Now Open for Blue Economy Business Ideas

The A'Pelago Accelerator offers a unique opportunity for business ideas within the regenerative blue economy to grow and scale. Following the success of its pilot year, A'Pelago is now looking for new participants for the year 2025 who contribute to the sustainable development of marine areas.

The A'Pelago Accelerator provides coaching and networking opportunities for companies, spin-offs, and startups. Anyone with a business idea for developing marine areas, in fields such as biomaterials, fisheries, agriculture, or marine technology, is encouraged to apply. In its first year, ten companies participated in the A'Pelago Accelerator.

"A'Pelago Accelerator collaborates with leading research profiles from the University of Turku’s Biodiful and Åbo Akademi's Center of Sustainable Ocean Science, both of which I have supported through private donations," says Timo Ketonen, founder of A'Pelago.

Founded in 2022, A'Pelago aims to foster profitable and regenerative businesses in the blue economy sector. "The blue economy refers to business activities that are directly or indirectly linked to the sea, taking into account the use of marine resources while supporting the sustainable development of marine environments," explains Patrik Anckar, co-founder of A'Pelago. Application for the program are now open at A'Pelago Accelerator website.

A'Pelago Grows and Evolves

As of October 1st, event industry professional and partnership developer Sini Toivonen has joined A'Pelago's team. Toivonen has extensive experience organizing events for both large and small companies and will be responsible for developing the A'Pelago Initiative. The event brings annually together various stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences on topics related to the blue economy. In 2025, A'Pelago will once again host both the Winter Camp and the A'Pelago Initiative event in late summer, gathering blue economy influencers, experts and investors.

“I am thrilled to take on the development of the A'Pelago Initiative and its partnerships! A'Pelago's mission is close to my heart having grown up by the sea in the scenic landscapes of Kustavi. I hope my children will enjoy a vibrant sea in the future, just as I have,” says Toivonen, who was also a co-founder and producer of the SHIFT Business Festival.

In addition to the Accelerator and events, new operations are also being introduced, such as the A'Pelago Blue Connect platform, which will be launched later this year. The aim is to create an online platform that connects blue economy players, entrepreneurs, investors and experts, enabling networking and fostering innovation around this important topic.

For further information and contact details:

Alina Sippolainen

Accelerator Lead & Communications

+358 50 917 7170

alina@apelago.fi

Patrik Anckar

Co-founder

+358 50 408 7730

patrik@apelago.fi

Sini Toivonen

Event Producer & Business Partners

+358 40 679 2626

sini@apelago.fi