This autumn, the IGNITER pre-accelerator, led by TalTech’s Startup Centre, Swedbank and Startup Garage, is launching a new season. Over two months, participants can turn an idea into the beginnings of a real startup: find a team, test whether people actually need the solution, and build the first working version of a product or service, known as an MVP. You can also join the programme without a fixed idea or a team. Applications are open until 24 September.
There’s More Than One Way to Start a Business
In previous seasons, IGNITER has helped launch several student business ideas. Vivia and Skillcard started from very different points, but both continued to develop after the programme ended.
TalTech student Joonas Parre joined IGNITER without an idea or a team. During the programme, a team came together and developed Vivia, a solution that helps people remember to take their medication, offers an AI-powered conversational companion, and allows family members to keep track of how their loved one is doing. Within a few months, the team had built a working prototype and started its first tests in Mexico. Read more about their journey here.
Skillcard, developed by University of Tartu student Andri Türkson, made its way to Silicon Valley after IGNITER, where Türkson took part in a two-month startup-building programme. There, he continued developing a solution designed to measure football players’ sport-specific abilities. The solution has attracted interest from football clubs in Estonia and abroad.
You do not need a finished business plan or a fully developed idea to join IGNITER. Participants can test an existing idea with potential customers, find suitable teammates to develop it further, or start by identifying a problem worth solving.
From Idea to First MVP in Two Months
The programme is built around practical work. Teams take part in workshops and work with experienced mentors to better understand customer needs, validate the problem and proposed solution, shape a business model, and build their first MVP.
IGNITER also brings together people with different backgrounds, knowledge and skills. For example, a student with a technical background may meet someone with expertise in marketing, design or business model development and form a team during the programme.
The two-month journey concludes with Pitching Day, where teams present their solutions to experts and partners. Swedbank will award the best team a €2,500 grand prize to support further development of the idea.
Who can apply? Students from all Estonian universities and upper-secondary school students interested in entrepreneurship.
Programme language: English
Application deadline: 24 September 2026
Kick-off: 28 September 2026
Programme ends: 2 December 2026
Grand prize: €2,500 from Swedbank
Questions: [email protected]