ESA BIC Estonia
Helps startups working with space technology to grow by giving them funding, mentoring and an international network
Deep Technology APPLY
DeepTech Accelerator
For research- and technology-driven startups
DeepTech Accelerator
- 18-month accelerator programme (3 × 6 months)
- Up to €170,000 equity-free grant funding
- Access to an international mentor network
- Up to 180 hours of mentoring per team
- Training tailored to the needs of deep tech companies
- Access to investor and business networks
- Opportunity to find a business co-founder
- Growth sprints (fundraising sprint, IO sprint, and commercialisation sprint)
- Workspace in Tehnopol’s modern open office
Who are we looking for?
When applying to the deep tech accelerator, it is essential that the company has a clear science-based focus, a functioning team, and a well-thought-out foundation for both technology development and commercialisation.
We are looking for teams with initial technological capability, clarity around intellectual property, and readiness to develop their solution within a structured program.
A strong connection to Estonia and the ambition to build and scale within the local ecosystem are also important.
Admission criteria
- The company is registered in Estonia (no later than the start of the program).
- The company has a strong link to an Estonian university or research and development institution, such as a current employment relationship of a team member, including doctoral candidates.
- The company has not previously received government grants or support (e.g. ÄRGAS, RUP).
- The company has not previously participated in a similar accelerator programme (except Health Founders Estonia, Prototron which are allowed).
- A shareholders’ agreement is in place.
- Intellectual property ownership and usage rights are clearly defined,
Additional conditions and exceptions
- An Estonian affiliated with an Estonian research institution qualifies; Estonians abroad must confirm their intention to relocate activities to Estonia.
- For foreign applicants, the connection to Estonia must be justified on a case-by-case basis.
- FFF funding (family, friends, fools), initial angel investments, and prize money are allowed.
- During the accelerator, RUP funding may be used if activities are clearly separated.
- Accelerator grant funding cannot be used as RUP co-financing.
- The company’s technology maturity level must be at least TRL 2–3.
1.5-year program timeline
-
Open call
1 October
-
Application deadline
8 November
-
Admissions panel for pre-selected companies in Tartu
4 December
-
The accelerator starts
18 January 2027
-
Duration
1,5 years
Files required for application
In the DeepTech Accelerator, companies/teams are assessed for admission to the programme using the KTH IRL model. All applicants are required to conduct self-assessment by using this model and attach a written self-assessment to their application on the Dealum platform.
Please note that the evaluation committee will also conduct its own assessment of the KTH levels based on the information provided in the application.
The DeepTech Accelerator is 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 in deep technology to support the growth of science-based companies. The aim is to bring together researchers and entrepreneurs to accelerate the transfer of research-based solutions into business and foster the development of strong deep tech startups. Through public investment, the conditions are created for greater private capital involvement in subsequent stages of development, thereby strengthening the overall growth of Estonia’s deep tech startup ecosystem.
The DeepTech Startup Network is implemented by Tehnopol, SPARKUP Tartu Science Park, Tallinn University of Technology, University of Tartu, and Estonian University of Life Sciences.
The DeepTech Startup Network is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
The Deep Tech Accelerator activities are carried out by Tehnopol and Sparkup Tartu Science Park. Trainings and events take place alternately in both cities once a month, so teams are expected to participate on-site in both Tallinn and Tartu. When applying, we ask you to primarily consider the location of your university.
The DeepTech Startup Network
Contact us
"*" indicates required fields
