Defence sector pre-accelerator invites companies to develop solutions to strengthen Estonia’s defence capabilities

The defence sector pre-accelerator Defence Business Lab is beginning its second year of operation and is inviting companies and teams to apply with technological solutions that support Estonia’s defence capabilities. The programme helps take defence technologies from idea and prototype stage through to testing and international growth opportunities.

The pre-accelerator is aimed at companies developing technologies applicable in the defence sector that need support in understanding the specific characteristics of the defence market, developing and positioning their solution, and preparing for the next stages of growth, including applying to international programmes.

“Innovative companies offering new solutions are a welcome addition, helping us adapt quickly to evolving threats and the changing needs of the battlefield. The pre-accelerator programme has been created precisely to help entrepreneurs understand the requirements of the defence sector, obtain end-user feedback, and further refine their technology accordingly. This accelerates the journey from prototype to real-world deployment, increases companies’ competitiveness and, ultimately, strengthens Estonia’s defence capabilities,” said Enelin Tiiman, Head of Defence Industry Policy at the Ministry of Defence.

The programme is delivered by Tehnopol Startup Incubator and Sparkup Tartu Science Park, whose aim is to increase the number of companies in Estonia developing defence and dual-use technologies.

Vootele Päi, Head of Defence and Dual-Use at Tehnopol, said that defence accelerators contribute not only to security but also to the country’s economic competitiveness. “From the perspective of the taxpayer and the state, national defence should not be seen merely as a budget line, because by supporting defence innovation we also foster ambitious technology entrepreneurship with high added value and export potential. Every public initiative has an important role to play here. Through the Defence Business Lab accelerator, we can help companies develop their technologies with the support of experts and sector-specific contacts so that they are better placed to compete successfully in international programmes such as the NATO DIANA accelerator or the European Defence Fund,” said Päi. According to him, the aim of the accelerator aligns with Tehnopol’s broader mission to support world-changing technology entrepreneurship and innovation.

Pirko Konsa, Member of the Management Board at Sparkup Tartu Science Park, noted that the experience of the pilot year confirms that the pre-accelerator provides companies with a genuine springboard for growth. “We can clearly see that the programme works – the pilot year experience confirms it. Several participants in the pre-accelerator have attracted attention in other defence-sector initiatives, including those led by the Ministry of Defence. A good example is C2Grid, which progressed from the pre-accelerator into the NATO DIANA accelerator. This is a strong validation both of the team and of the impact of the pre-accelerator. The right support and contacts help companies grow quickly and reach the international level,” said Konsa.

Last year, 47 companies applied to the programme, of which 9 were selected for the pre-accelerator. The experience of participating companies shows that strong technology alone is not enough to move forward in defence tech – equally important is access to the right experts, testing opportunities and sector-specific networks. This is exactly what the pre-accelerator offers its participants.

“The pre-accelerator was both substantial and practical, and it provided exactly the kind of support a defence industry company needs at an early stage. The topics covered in the programme were well chosen and clearly explained, and the contacts we gained proved just as valuable. This accelerator has benefited us in several ways and helped us reach the next important milestones,” said Saamuel Stepanov, Marketing Manager at C2Grid. C2Grid was one of three Estonian companies selected for the third cohort of the NATO DIANA accelerator at the end of last year.

Defence Business Lab offers participants a €5,000 grant, a practical training programme and support from experienced mentors. The aim is to help companies develop their solution in a way that responds to real defence-sector needs and creates the conditions for collaboration both in Estonia and internationally. The programme culminates in a demo day, where participants present their progress and next steps to experts and investors.

The pre-accelerator is delivered by Tehnopol Startup Incubator and Sparkup Tartu Science Park. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Defence.