Through NOCA, the Nordics will be able to act as a cohesive blue economy region rather than strong but fragmented national ecosystems. By establishing a collaboration platform for more than 20 mature ocean clusters across the seafood, energy and maritime sectors, the project unlocks the full potential of Nordic industrial strengths, innovation capacity and capital markets for the ocean economy. Through a shared digital infrastructure and a joint cross-border accelerator program, NOCA transforms parallel initiatives into an engine for sustainable ocean innovation.
In three pilot cohorts, NOCA will help at least 25 small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) in the Nordic ocean economy to validate their solutions across sectors, integrate sustainability, and prepare themselves for investment. All participating SMEs will undergo baseline assessment, and at least 70% are expected to demonstrate measurable improvement using the Ocean Investment Readiness Tool (OIRT) – a new Nordic instrument developed specifically for this project.
Mobilising Cross-Border Capital
Capital mobilisation is central to the project design. By identifying risk-specific layers in blue investments and coordinating investor engagement across borders, NOCA will facilitate at least 30 structured investor introductions and initiate a minimum of six active cross-border investment processes. This builds a credible Nordic dealflow pipeline and strengthens investor confidence in scalable, sustainable ocean solutions.
Building a Lasting Nordic Structure
Systems impact is achieved through the integration of cluster organizations into a shared operational structure supported by a common digital collaboration platform and agreed collaboration principles. By the project’s end, the consortium will have set up a Steering Committee and a continuation agreement, supporting a gradual transition from project-based collaboration toward a stable Nordic platform.
Nordic scaling makes all the difference
NOCA brings mature clusters together in a shared framework. This makes it easier for companies, investors and industry partners to work across borders. Common profiling, shared investment-readiness standards and coordinated investor engagement mean better transparency and stronger deal quality.
Working at Nordic scale also cuts risk. When validation happens across borders, solutions become more market-relevant and technically robust. Coordinated investor outreach unlocks more capital and a joint Nordic pipeline of vetted companies is simply a stronger pitch than several smaller national ones.
By establishing a Nordic Ocean Cluster with shared tools NOCA strengthens long-term cooperation between clusters. The project improves not only individual company outcomes, but the Nordic innovation system’s capacity to compete as one coordinated blue economy region.
Partners
Project owner: ÅKP, Norway
Project partners
ÅKP: ÅKP is a leading Norwegian innovation company strengthening competitiveness in the ocean and maritime industries through strategy, business development, innovation, and digitalization.
Danish Ocean Cluster (DOC): DOC is a Danish cluster dedicated to strengthening innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth within the blue economy.
Iceland Ocean Cluster(IOC): IOC is a blue economy innovation-industry cluster with expertise in blue economy, and world leaders in 100% Fish with a global network of Sister Ocean Clusters.
A`Pelago (AP): AP is a leading, until today fully privately funded, blue economy ecosystem and innovation company in Finland and the Baltic Sea region, connecting 2,800+ startups, researchers, investors, industry partners and startup advisors to scale science-based ocean economy solutions.
Norinnova (NN): Northern Norway’s largest innovation company, offering a complete innovation pathway from research to Investment.
