Estonian DeepTech Startups Can Apply for a €120,000 Development Grant

13.04.2026

Our co-organizer Sparkup Tartu Science Park shares some exciting news: applications for the DeepTech Accelerator are now open. It will run in parallel in both Tallinn and Tartu, and both programs offer science-intensive startups up to €120,000 in business development support, along with top-level mentorship, to help transform research-based ideas into market-ready products.

The accelerator is launched in collaboration with Estonia’s leading innovation centers. Activities in Tartu are led by Sparkup Tartu Science Park, while in Tallinn, they are led by Tehnopol Science and Business Park. The joint initiative is aimed at teams developing solutions based on scientific research or new technologies, with the ambition to build internationally scalable companies. Applications are open until May 11.

Deeptech startups such as those in biotechnology, materials science, and artificial intelligence face significant technological risks and high capital needs in their early stages.

The DeepTech Accelerator helps research-based ideas overcome the so-called "valley of death," said Pille-Riin Meerits, Head of Incubation Services at Sparkup Tartu Science Park. According to her, the program provides scientists and teams with a clear structure for moving from an idea to a viable business model. "In addition to knowledge and connections, participants gain a practical understanding of how to validate and develop their technology and present it clearly to investors. This significantly reduces risk and accelerates time to market," added Meerits.

"To succeed globally and create lasting impact, key ecosystem partners must contribute their knowledge and resources to support the development of Estonian deeptech startups," said Anu Puusaag, Head of DeepTech at Tehnopol Science and Business Park. "In addition to the usual components of an accelerator, such as knowledge and connections, the deeptech network helps companies find suitable funding opportunities, investors, and key contacts across both the scientific and business communities in Estonia and internationally. The goal is to bring scientific discoveries to market and real-world use more efficiently."

Supporting the development of deep tech startups is strategically important for Estonia, according to Liisi Kirch, Head of Startup Development at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. "This is a great opportunity for the country to make university-developed technologies accessible, attract top international talent, and create high-value jobs. In doing so, we strengthen Estonia’s economic competitiveness and build a bridge between academic research and entrepreneurship," emphasized Kirch.

The accelerator is part of the DeepTech Startup Network, created to consolidate and strengthen existing activities. Through this initiative, the state is investing more than €12 million into deeptech to support the growth of science-based companies. The aim is to bring together scientists and entrepreneurs, accelerate the commercialization of research-driven solutions, build strong deeptech startups, and create high-tech, sustainable jobs. The public investment also creates the conditions for attracting more private capital in later stages, strengthening the overall development of Estonia’s deeptech ecosystem. The network is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.

The network includes Sparkup Tartu Science Park, Tehnopol Science and Business Park, the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, and Estonian University of Life Sciences.

Applications for the DeepTech Accelerator are open until May 11. The kickoff meeting for selected companies will take place on June 4, and the program will begin on August 1.

More information and application:

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