TalTech in the DeepTech Startup Network
PROGRAMME TECH ENTREPRENEUR
The Tech Entrepreneur is a hands-on venture building programme designed for science- and technology-based teams who want to turn research-driven ideas into scalable ventures. The programme supports teams in moving from early-stage technology toward market readiness by combining structured workshops with practical mentoring.
The programme consists of six expert-led workshops, each focusing on a key pillar of technology entrepreneurship, complemented by one-on-one mentoring tailored to each team’s needs. Participants work on their own technologies throughout the programme, applying tools and frameworks directly to their projects and strengthening both technical and commercial readiness.
By the end of the programme, teams will have:
- a clear technology and commercialization roadmap,
- a stronger founding team,
- validated customer insights,
- solid foundation for future spin-off creation or industry collaboration.
These activities are part of the DeepTech Startup Network. The network has been established to consolidate and strengthen existing activities through which the state invests more than 12 million euros in deep technology to support the growth of science-based companies. Its goal is to bring together researchers and entrepreneurs in order to accelerate the transfer of science-based solutions into business, foster the development of strong deep tech startups, and create high-tech and sustainable jobs. Through this public investment, the conditions are created to attract greater private capital in later stages of development, thereby strengthening the overall growth of Estonia’s deep tech startup ecosystem. The DeepTech Startup Network is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
DeepTech Startup Network
Joint network for the creation and growth of deep tech startups
The Deep Tech Startup Network is a national collaboration network through which the state invests more than 10 million euros in the development of deep technology entrepreneurship. The goal is to grow strong companies emerging from research, create high-technology jobs, and, with early public support, attract greater private sector investment in later stages.
The network does not create new parallel structures; instead, it strengthens and connects existing activities in universities, science parks, and support organisations to make the transition from research to entrepreneurship more logical and continuous.
Why Does Deep Technology Require a Distinct Approach?
The network is designed for deep tech companies - businesses whose technology is based on scientific discoveries or engineering breakthroughs and whose development is time-consuming, high-risk, and capital-intensive. The market potential of such companies often becomes visible only years later.
This stage has historically marked the widest gap between research and business. In the case of science-intensive ideas, a long development cycle, high technological risk, and an uncertain commercial outcome coincide, making it difficult for both researchers and entrepreneurs to find suitable support, capital, and the right partners.
The DeepTech Startup Network addresses several systemic challenges at once:
- reduces ecosystem fragmentation and information loss;
- makes it easier for researchers and entrepreneurs to identify their next steps;
- creates logical and continuous support across different stages of development;
- helps share early-stage technology risk, where the private sector is not yet ready to invest.
Partners and cooperation
The DeepTech Startup Network is implemented by Tallinn University of Technology, Tehnopol Science and Business Park, SPARKUP Tartu Science Park, University of Tartu, and Estonian University of Life Sciences. The effective operation of the network relies on close and continuous collaboration between Estonian universities, science parks, and support organisations. Partners do not operate as separate service providers, but as parts of a single system in which each actor covers a specific stage of development and intentionally guides companies forward.
This is a long-term national investment in the development of deep technology entrepreneurship. Through the network, the state invests more than 10 million euros to strengthen existing activities and create the conditions for the emergence and growth of new science-intensive and internationally competitive companies.