Are you ready to drive defence innovation and showcase your region’s talent in Europe? The EUDIS Defence Hackathon is back for its second edition. We are now seeking eight passionate local organizers to host hackathon events across EU Member States and Norway. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions for defence end-users, connect with top experts, and make a lasting impact on Europe’s defence and technological advancements. To learn more, join the dedicated info webinar on 12th December 11:30 CET via the following link.

The EUDIS Defence Hackathon is one of the innovation tracks of the European Union Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). EUDIS, integrated into the European Defence Fund (EDF), aims to strengthen defence innovation in the European Union. Building on the first EUDIS hackathon, the excitement for the 2nd EUDIS Defence Hackathon commences. Participants will get the chance to innovate, co-operate, and compete for prestigious EU-level awards and regional prizes and awards. Furthermore, they will push the boundaries of defence innovation and make a lasting impact on Europe’s defence, security, and technological advancements. The EUDIS Defence Hackathon Programme is looking for top-notch public or private entities in EU Member States and Norway, willing to contribute proactively to EU Defence by organising a local hackathon.

The main theme of the Spring edition, May 9-11, 2025, focuses on creating innovative hardware and software solutions tailored to the urgent needs of the Ukrainian battlefield and

similar operational contexts. As the conflict continues to evolve, there is a critical need for cutting-edge technologies that address the immediate challenges faced by the Ukrainian Armed Forces while offering broader applicability in defence and civilian sectors. Participants will tackle sub-challenges that range from enhancing situational awareness and tactical surveillance systems to developing cost-effective protective gear for frontline defence. The challenges are expected as follows:

• Enhanced Situational Awareness and Tactical Surveillance Systems.
• Cost-Effective Protective Gear for Frontline Defence.
• Advanced Medical Support for Frontline Care.

This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a transformative defence innovation event that shapes the future of European defence industrial ecosystem. Interested parties can set the tone to showcase their skills, connect with like-minded innovators, and contribute to groundbreaking defence solutions. We are delighted to announce the expansion of this year’s EUDIS Defence hackathon, welcoming a broader community of innovators. Aligning with this year’s challenges, in addition to participants from the EU Member states and Norway, we are now inviting citizens from Ukraine to join as participants and mentors. We look forward to embracing the diverse perspectives and talents of our newest additions.

Open Call Timeline:

Launch: 4 December Applications are open for communities across the EU and Norway to organise one of the official hackathon events. This call offers them an opportunity to engage in defence innovation and connect with experts in defence and technology.

Info session webinar: 12 December 11:30 CET Join an informational session covering everything you need to know about the EUDIS Hackathon 2025, including theme, challenges, eligibility, and what to expect. This session is a great opportunity to ask questions and receive advice on developing a strong application.

End date: 26 January 2025 23:59 CET All interested organizers should submit their completed applications by this date to be considered for the EUDIS Hackathon 2025.

Background:

The EUDIS Defence Hackathon and Mentoring Programme offers a unique platform to engage with the European defence sector, connect with peers and experts, and leverage knowledge to tackle current defence challenges. These hackathons take place simultaneously in multiple locations across Europe, featuring the same set of challenges and timeline to:

Promote skills development and attract new talents to the defence sector.

Foster connections between different communities, such as linking young researchers and innovators with defence industry experts and end-users like the Armed Forces.

Provide an environment for creating innovative defence ideas and solutions, supporting the defence needs of EU Member States, Norway and contributing to a more competitive and innovative European defence industry.

Increase awareness of EUDIS initiatives and programs.

Join us in enhancing Europe’s defence sector. For more information on how to be part of the next wave of defence innovators, visit: eudis-hackathon.eu.

The first EUDIS Defence Hackathon, themed ‘Digital in Defence,’ was held from May 31 to June 2, 2024. It brought together 6 visionary hosts from Belgium, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, and Poland, 275 participants from 16 countries, 79 mentors and experts, and 6 winning teams. In just 48 hours, this unique initiative sparked the creation of 70 cutting-edge ideas and innovative solutions in the defence sector. The event focused on enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities in three challenge areas: Subsea Infrastructure Protection, Improving Situational Awareness, and Cybersecurity in Defence. The teams Eunify, Superlabs, and Aquahub emerged as the top 3 teams, benefiting from an expert mentor programme gaining valuable skills in the defence area, team management, intellectual property protection, and pitching their ideas to defence companies and potential investors.

Highlights of the previous EUDIS Defence Hackathon edition:

Tehnopol is part of the joint Northbound Scaleups (NBSCALE) project, which helps companies expand into new markets. TalTech’s spin-off Raw Edge went to visit the United Kingdom to look at possible target markets.

Raw Edge is a science-based food technology company that is a trail-blazer in adding value to local biological food products. One of the ingredients that the company uses is carrot juice made from vegetables that are not fit for sale in shops and that would otherwise end up as bio-waste or animal feed.

The fermentation technology that Raw Edge uses substantially extends the shelf-life and nutritional value of raw food products, and it reduces the natural sugars within the vegetables, enhancing their flavour and health benefits.

The company wants to give consumers healthy and low-calorie food as an alternative to sugar-rich and artificially sweetened products. Their technology ensures that the products always contain live bacteria that are highly beneficial for gut health and help in preventing illness. The secret of the fermentation process is not only its use of the live bacteria but also that the bioactive ingredients like vitamins and anti-oxidants are better absorbed by the body.

The Raw Edge business model is built around using local ingredients for its products in each target market and working with local partners to produce them. This reduces transport costs and the carbon footprint, empowers local communities and cuts food waste.

A coincidence of circumstances meant that the United Kingdom was the first target market for Raw Edge, and they did thorough background research there and identified partners that could help extend their range of products and position them in the market. They also have a production partner in the United Kingdom.

The aim within the NBSCALE project was to get to know the market in depth, map competing products and consumer awareness, and analyse price levels. “We based our expectations on what we had heard from our earlier partners, and we certainly didn’t want to just go to the UK with nothing more than our own instincts and assumptions”, said Raw Edge co-founder Mariliis Mia Topp. The aim of the visit was to make the company’s plans sharper and more specific.

However, it became apparent during the visit that expanding to the United Kingdom may not currently be the best approach and that directing capital there was not reasonable for the company at its present stage of development. “We believe it was a very good investment of time, and we will focus for now on finalising our business model and working in neighbouring markets”, said Ms Topp.

Raw Edge has been in the Estonian market for a little over a year now, and consumers have been enthusiastic about their products, which can be bought online, and in shops, cafes, restaurants and sports centres.

The company has achieved a lot in only a short time, taking second place in the 2023 Ajujaht accelerator programme and TV competition for example. Raw Edge has also been one of the finalists in the Food500 list, which is similar to the Fortune500 list. Their products bear the Swallow mark that is used by the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce as a stamp of origin and quality, and they have won the ‘Best Estonian Drink’ award from the Estonian Sommelier Association.

Plans for the future focus on product development and neighbouring markets

The company has two main strategic directions for the business, with one focus on product development and optimising new bacteria strains using biotechnology, and the other on identifying and developing ingredients for use in the company’s own products and for licensing.

Raw Edge’s vision is to be a pioneer in promoting healthy lifestyles and the circular economy through natural, live foods, focusing on reducing food waste and built on local production.

Working hard on product development
New products are being developed alongside the soft drinks, such as powered drinks and snacks with lactic acid bacteria that are easy to carry around and use in a range of circumstances, and are well suited to athletes and soldiers among others.

Further strains of bacteria are being produced
The company has identified probiotic strains that have a bactericidal effect against the common human pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Some 50% of the population is infected with this pathogen without even being aware of it, and it can cause reflux, gastritis and even stomach cancer. This infection is under-diagnosed and treating it is becoming ever harder because of antimicrobial resistance. Raw Edge has proved the action of this antibacterial product at laboratory scale and the next step is to use their own technology to optimise the biotechnology in the bacterial strains and make this strain available to people through their eating habits and through accessible food. This would help prevent health problems that are caused by this bacteria and the antibiotic treatment for it.

Scientific research continues to find new ingredients
One aim is isolate the sweet and prebiotic properties from the fibres of the cell walls of the carrots that Raw Edge could then use to add sweetness to its products and boost their fibre content. The goal in the scientific research is to find a natural alternative to sugar. The company is looking to make products that combine healthy properties with exciting flavours, which can then help in the sustainable development of the food system.

Plans to expand the circular economy business model to shops
Biological waste from retail is used as an input in the production process in a way that ensures there is no loss of quality in the final product. The idea is to extend this model to other markets as this would have a major impact on supply chains, where a very large amount of food currently goes to waste.

The focus on foreign markets is on neighbouring countries, and negotiations are under way in Latvia, Lithuania and Finland.

Read more about the company and find the nearest shop selling Raw Edge products at rawedge.ee.

On the photo at the beginning of the article: Raw Edge founders Kristel Vene (on the left) and Mariliis Mia Topp.

Northbound Scaleups (NBSCALE) is a joint project run by Tehnopol, the Turku Science Park in Finland and Movexum in Sweden to help companies expand into new markets.

As of November 1, Tehnopol Startup Incubator is led by Anne-Liisa Elbrecht, who had previously served as the interim head. Elbrecht has been with the Tehnopol Startup Incubator for over five years, and before taking on the interim leadership role, she was the community and program manager.

Each year, around 50% of all new technology startups established in Estonia pass through the Tehnopol Startup Incubator. While typically only one out of ten startups survives, the success rate for the Startup Incubator is six to seven out of ten. In 2023, companies that participated in various Startup Incubator accelerator programs raised over €11 million in additional capital, despite challenging market conditions. The largest funding rounds were secured by RAIKU (€8.8 million), Nanordica Medical (€1.75 million), and ÄIO (€1 million).

Anne-Liisa Elbrecht started at the Tehnopol Startup Incubator just over five years ago. During this time, she has worked with hundreds of startups, served on numerous accelerator admission panels, and supported early-stage startups along their winding journey.

“At Tehnopol, I’ve realized that I enjoy challenges—the range of opportunities and diversity Tehnopol offers daily has only reinforced that,” said Anne-Liisa Elbrecht. “With great excitement, I’m ready to embrace this new challenge as head of the Startup Incubator. I’ve encountered hundreds of startup ideas and been part of their development, understanding that the biggest support they need is someone to help them find the answers to take their next steps. I’m pleased that the Tehnopol Startup Incubator can provide exactly this kind of support.”

Agnes Roos, Member of the Board of Tehnopol, values Anne-Liisa Elbrecht’s understanding of startup founders’ needs. “The experience she gained as community and program manager has allowed her to deeply understand the challenges and mindset of startup founders and to implement an accelerator program that offers the right kind of support to overcome these challenges. I see Anne-Liisa as a strong addition to our team and believe she has great potential to develop one of Tehnopol’s core services,” said Roos. According to her, the accelerator embodies Tehnopol’s mission to support technology entrepreneurship and innovation that changes the world.

Estonian technology companies are creating solutions that make our lives and work environments more convenient, efficient, and sustainable. To help start-ups get on their feet and to help scale-ups make bold leaps forward, a large team of top-level experts contributes their experience and knowledge.

If you’re passionate about technological solutions, eager to contribute to company success stories, and willing to share your experiences and insights, join the Tehnopol and Startup Incubator mentor pool. Submit your application here by November 30, 2024.

Some mentoring consultations are supported by the European Union’s structural funds through programs such as Interreg Central Baltic, Interreg Baltic Sea Region, I3 Project Grants, and Horizon Europe (projects include Ready2Scale, SCALE-ABLE, BSI_4Women, INGOs, Bridging4Growth, Zebra ScaleUp, Health3-2-1, FINESTJAP, EDIH, DigiLung, EUDIS, BSR Go-abroad), as well as through existing projects (NATO DIANA, ESA BIC Estonia, Film and Multimedia Accelerator, AI Development Program) and future projects. You can read more about these projects here.

We’ll sign a mentorship agreement for a one-year period (01.01.2025-31.12.2025).

If you have any questions, Kätlin-Carolin Noormägi and Laura Pukk are here to help.

On October 16, the first IDA Hub Film Day – TAKE 1 – took place at the Jõhvi Concert Hall. The event was initiated by the Jõhvi Municipal Government and organized by the Viru Film Fund in collaboration with the Ida-Viru Investment Agency and Tehnopol Science and Business Park. The day focused on developments and future visions for Ida-Virumaa and the film industry in the coming years.

The event was opened by the Mayor of Jõhvi, Maris Toomel, who had prepared a humorous video clip. Teet Kuusmik, board member of the Ida-Viru Investment Agency (IVIA), presented the establishment of the IDA Hub incubator infrastructure along with a studio complex. Olga Kurdovskaja from Tehnopol and Britta Merirand from the Ida-Viru Entrepreneurship Center spoke about the business growth programs offered by IDA Hub and the support services available for filmmakers and the region. The day also included panel discussions and a world café. The event concluded with the Kaljo Kiisk’s scholarship gala.

Does the film industry need an innovation revolution?

Estonia’s film industry faces new challenges but also opportunities that could elevate the sector to a new level, participants noted during the panel organized by Tehnopol titled Does the film industry need an innovation revolution?. The discussion focused on how this turning point for the film industry could help position Ida-Virumaa as a hub in the film world and what steps are needed to bring Estonian films to international audiences.

“The Estonian startup ecosystem started with Skype, and now deep tech startups are the hot topic. Why couldn’t Estonian film or film technology startups be the next wave? Ida-Virumaa offers great opportunities. How can we attract more smart, innovative, and passionate film entrepreneurs to Estonia, so money flows into the film industry?” investor Heidi Kakko asked.

Kaspar Kallas, who has worked in the film industry for over a decade and is one of the co-founders of Digital Sputnik, a company that develops lighting solutions for the film industry, emphasized that while rapid technological advancements offer new possibilities for filmmakers, they cannot replace the experience and human vision of creators. “Humans are emotional beings, and that’s essential in filmmaking,” Kallas pointed out.

Kallas also noted that Ida-Virumaa has the potential to position itself well in the global market, especially amidst the current turmoil in Hollywood, where new solutions are being sought. “We have the opportunity to offer ideas,” he said.

The discussion also highlighted the organization of international events to spark growth for startups in the film sector and the potential to attract international teams to Jõhvi’s accelerator. “Ida-Virumaa could find international partners who would invite startups to their events,” suggested Maarit Mäeveer-Eller, founder of Votemo.

In conclusion, Estonia’s film industry holds great potential, but it needs innovation, international cooperation, and a strong leader to bring the Estonian film brand to the global stage. “Estonian films have reached international nominations, but more promotion is needed,” investor Heidi Kakko noted.

Edith Sepp, Director of the Estonian Film Institute, pointed out that Estonian films are well received abroad, but more international cooperation and support are necessary. “Political will is crucial to take Estonia’s film industry to the next level,” Sepp said.

Where does the money come from?

European countries widely support their film industries, and the sector sees the government’s role in film financing as central. The discussion drew parallels between films and startups as investment opportunities. Successful films generate most of their revenue within the first year, and while there are fewer unicorns in the local film world, failures are also less common than among startups.

Edith Sepp acknowledged that investing in films is complicated because each film is different. “A popular film brings the money back, but more artistic films don’t always do that,” she said.

“The biggest concern is that investors don’t know how to assess whether the money will be returned. If there’s a portfolio of different productions, the risk can be mitigated. The principle of venture capital funds is to create and manage a portfolio,” explained Heidi Kakko.

A studio that produces 10 or 20 films would function much like an investment fund in the startup world.

Investing in films is similar to investing in startups – both require risk mitigation and portfolio creation. It’s crucial to select the right projects and creators who can bring their ideas to life.

“The key is the creator you’re investing in. Hollywood bets on creators, and venture capital bets on startups. The most successful creators and startups are the proof,” said Kakko.

To support successful creators and foster the exchange of know-how between the film and startup worlds, IDA Hub launched its activities this year.

The Film and Multimedia Accelerator at Tehnopol’s Startup Incubator is funded by the European Union.

The Tehnopol Startup Incubator organizes several special accelerators throughout the year, which support startups and help them build connections and enter the market. One of these is the AI Accelerator, which welcomes startups developing AI-based solutions. One of the companies currently in the accelerator is CubedAI. Let’s get to know them better!

CubedAI provides a no-code Artificial Intelligence platform for innovators to integrate real-time Machine Learning into their applications in minutes, not months. They are developing an all-in-one single, unified AI platform for bringing ML models into production, without dealing with complex infrastructure development.

CubedAI’s foundation is managed by engineers. The founder, Sanan Suleymanov (on the photo), is  from Azerbaijan and has been living in Estonia for the last three years. He has been working with AI for the last half a decade. His brother, Gurban Suleymanov, supports him with his Software Engineering expertise.

Sanan Suleymanov introduced the startup and their plans.

How did you come up with the idea to create a startup?

“The first seeds of ideas started to grow when I encountered difficulties deploying Machine Learning models for my projects. I realized the complexity of deploying these models in real-time production due to the involved cloud infrastructure development and manual steps. This, along with my observations of enterprise challenges with infrastructure preparation and market research, led me to conceive a unified solution for easy integration of ML models.”

What have been the biggest challenges/failures and the biggest wins so far?

“Probably like most startups, the biggest challenge has been finding the first clients in early-stage development. My biggest win is to see the people who stay next to me and always support me along the way of moving towards my dream.”

What sets your startup apart from competitors?

“Our startup works on democratization of access to AI. Compared to other solutions, businesses/innovators can use CubedAI as single environment for fully integrating AI into their current system without worrying about hidden costs or infrastructure building from scratch.”

Why did you choose Tehnopol Startup Incubator?

“Tehnopol Startup Incubator’s support with AI Accelerator to early stage startups is valuable. We believe that the given grant, together with the support of expert mentors, will prepare us to develop our product and make it market-ready.”

Where do you see your startup in 1 year? And where in 5 years?

“In 1 year, public version of out platform will have payed customers. In 5 years, we will be one of the well-known players in the field of AI and moving towards becoming the next unicorn.”

Who is the next (Estonian) unicorn?

“I think it will be Skeleton Technologies.”

Which books/podcasts/publications and influencers in your field do you follow and would recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

“Y Combinator – Dalton & Michael.”

If you’d get a chance to meet with Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, what would you ask them?

“Because we are entrepreneurs, and especially those who have an engineering mind, every day we come up with new ideas, thoughts, and problems to solve. I would ask them how they manage to relax their mind out of these thoughts?”

We are currently accepting applications to the AI pre-incubation program. We welcome applications from all AI companies that have previously applied to various AI programs but have not been accepted, as well as early-stage AI startups that wish to validate their service or product in advance.

Read more and apply!

The Tehnopol Startup Incubator organizes several special accelerators throughout the year, which support startups and help them build connections and enter the market. One of these is the AI Accelerator, which welcomes startups developing AI-based solutions. The Estonian startup Cadrak is participating in the latest cohort of the accelerator. Let’s get to know them better!

Cadrak focuses on industry digitalization. Their mission is to modernize outdated practices, like sharing technical drawings via email, managing feedback in Excel spreadsheets, and marking areas with the Snipping Tool, by providing innovative and more efficient solutions. To achieve this, they are developing a drawing management platform that integrates a machine learning-based tool for detecting potential errors in drawings.

The founders, Steven Strandberg and Stewen Naano, hold BSc/MSc degrees in mechanical engineering. The development team includes Lauri Sarap, Laur Saks, and Kaur Vadi, who are studying at the University of Tartu (physics, chemistry, and materials science).

The responses have been compiled by all team members.

How did you come up with the idea to create a startup?

“Following a decade in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and product development, the concept emerged in a home garage brainstorming session: artificial intelligence could effectively address many of the simple, yet time-consuming and repetitive daily tasks. Given the scarcity and high demand for engineers in the job market, their time is exceptionally valuable. This led us to identify areas in our own careers where better digital solutions could significantly streamline processes.”

What have been the biggest challenges/failures and the biggest wins so far?

“We consider our acceptance into the Tehnopol AI Accelerator to be our most significant achievement, as the supportive ecosystem and insightful feedback from mentors have been incredibly useful. Our most significant challenge is building the dataset necessary for our machine learning model. Additionally, technical drawings are like a form of art, with each engineer and company having their own distinct style, which further complicates this task.”

What sets your startup apart from competitors?

“Our guiding principle is the well-known Estonian saying: “The charm lies in simplicity.” Throughout the validation of our prototype with clients, the consistent feedback has been that it is a straightforward and easy-to-understand product. We are developing software that meets Silicon Valley standards in terms of reliability and user-friendliness.”

Why did you apply to the AI Accelerator?

“This program has been the ideal size for us to start with. It allows us to engage with mentors, receive valuable feedback, and effectively plan and execute our next steps.”

Where do you see your startup in 1 year? And where in 5 years?

“In one year, we will have a platform ready to become the standard in Estonia for sharing and reviewing technical drawings. The outdated methods currently in use, along with the challenges they present, provide a strong foundational force for developing a more digital and efficient future in the whole industry.”

“In five years, our platform could become as widespread in industry as Figma is in design fields. This would mean that cumbersome email exchanges and Snipping Tool markings will be phased out of Estonian industry. We will have established ourselves as a technological leader in Central/West European industries. The data volume gathered from our users will have enabled us to develop an Engineering Copilot, which will already be in testing and under further development.”

Who is the next (Estonian) unicorn?

“Skeleton Technologies: significant investments and expansion will eventually require substantial funding, leading them to the stock markets. This move will instantly make them a unicorn.”

Which books/podcasts/publications and influencers in your field do you follow and would recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

“For Estonian startup entrepreneurs: “Globaalsed Eestlased” podcasts and Siim Maivel’s podcasts. For technical professionals: MIT professor Lex Fridman’s podcasts and resources like Distill Publications, such as “A Gentle Introduction to Graph Neural Networks” available there.”

If you’d get a chance to meet with Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, what would you ask them?

“What was your main motivator in the early years? How significant is the role of luck in success? How do you think and make decisions?”

“In conclusion, a quote from President Alar Karis’s speech on August 20, 2024, that could characterize us: Startups, together with the old, traditional industries, share a common future.”

We are currently accepting applications for the Film and Multimedia Accelerator. Submit yours if you want to advance technology-based ideas in the the film industry. The Film and Multimedia Accelerator primarily focuses on multimedia, virtual and augmented reality, and related fields, and supports startups focusing on these areas. Check out more and apply here!

Tehnopol is part of the joint Northbound Scaleups (NBSCALE) project, which helps companies expand into new markets. Estonian startup Willuwalk went to Sweden to meet potential partners to work with.

Willuwalk is a mobile app that brings together and supports new parents. The current focus of the startup is on supporting parents who are returning to work, by making it possible for companies to offer solutions through the app to their staff as part of their motivation package.

CEO and co-founder of the company Elise Rand said that the meetings in Sweden went very successfully. “We learned valuable information about how companies in Sweden motivate their employees who have children, how they keep in contact during parental leave, and what the demands of Swedish law are in our area”, she said. The meetings confirmed that the founders of Willuwalk are on right path with the solutions they have created for companies, and the startup gained several useful contacts.

They have had Sweden on the radar as their next target market for a long time, and they took the first real steps in that direction through the NBSCALE project. Elise Rand explained that they see some similarities between the parental leave systems in Estonia and Sweden, and that the potential users of the app in that market are already aware of it and ready to use it. “The size of that market is clearly very important for us, and it is also relevant that within our team we have some knowledge of Swedish”, she said.

Similar apps already exist in Sweden, and Rand said that the existence of those platforms confirms that there is certainly demand in the market and a need for such solutions. The unique advantage of Willuwalk is that it offers a holistic solution that supports both the mental and the physical health of parents, and that helps them to keep in contact with their employer while they are on parental leave. This reduces the rate of people leaving their jobs, and so saves their employers those costs. “The app supports parents in returning to work, and also supports working parents”, explained Rand.

Willuwalk is already available and in use in Swedish, making it that much easier for the startup to enter the new market.

The next step planned is to present the solution that is approved in Sweden to the larger companies in Estonia. “Our ambition for the near future is to find clients in our home market and abroad by offering companies a holistic solution that supports parents and helps maintain communications between employers and employees while the employees are on parental leave”, said Rand.

Northbound Scaleups (NBSCALE) is a joint project run by Tehnopol, the Turku Science Park in Finland and Movexum in Sweden to help companies expand into new markets.

In addition to the Startup Accelerator, we have numerous special accelerators throughout the year. One of these is the Film and Multimedia Accelerator. If you are interested in joining this accelerator, read more here and send us your application by October 6th.

One of the startups that is currently in the Film and Multimedia Accelerator’s first batch, is SoFutu. SoFutu focuses on on software development and consulting. The founders of this startup are Julio Naya and Federico Winer from Argentina and Vittorio Allegra from Italy. Julio is a software engineer with over 15 years of experience, working on projects for banks and telecoms. Federico has 20 years of experience in project management and business development. Their first product, VisioTag, is the fastest video tagger, doubling editing speed for sports, media, and content creators.

All three founders introduced their startup in more depth.

How did you come up with the idea to create a startup?

“We believe entrepreneurship is a path to both professional and personal growth. Starting a business felt like the natural step to develop and distribute VisioTag globally, leveraging digital marketplaces like Apple and Microsoft. Federico has been an e-resident of Estonia for nearly a decade, which made the process of establishing and launching the company smooth and efficient, aligning perfectly with our business goals.”

What have been the biggest challenges/failures and the biggest wins so far?

“Our two biggest wins were getting into the Tehnopol accelerator program, which helped streamline our processes, and develop our software MVP in just four weeks, securing our first two customers within 90 days. The biggest challenge has been managing the operations and bureaucracy involved with software marketplaces.”

What sets your startup apart from competitors?

“We strongly believe in agile development with no unnecessary complications. We focus on delivering exactly what’s needed, on time, and to the highest standards.”

Why did you apply to the Film and Multimedia Accelerator?

“The content creator industry is undergoing a revolution fueled by new social media channels and streaming trends. With users globally spending an average of 6-7 hours online daily – 2-3 hours on video streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube, and 1-2 hours on music or audio streaming – the demand for innovative solutions is growing. We saw this firsthand through our work on software projects for the media and film industries. 

Recognizing the opportunity in Estonia, we set out to deliver a product that addresses real user needs, particularly for content creators who spend countless hours tagging and managing footage, a challenge that has only increased with the rise in streaming consumption among younger audiences, who spend up to 4-5 hours daily on video content alone.”

Where do you see your startup in 1 year? And where in 5 years?

“In a year, we aim to have the app consolidated on new software platforms and to secure Series B investment to enhance VisioTag beyond sports. We’re already looking at the challenges faced by TV networks and social media content creators like YouTubers, and we want to help them with video footage and metadata management. In five years, we want to be the global leader in AI for video archiving and tagging.”

Who is the next (Estonian) unicorn?

“We attended Latitude59, one of the best European tech events, and were impressed by companies like AskToSell, Migrevention, Siffi, and KOOS. But we believe SoFutu, with VisioTag, will be the next Estonian unicorn!”

Which books/podcasts/publications and influencers in your field do you follow and would recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

“We recommend Walter Isaacson’s biographies of Elon Musk and Steve Jobs – they show the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, from startups to major corporations. Another great book is Pavlo Phitidis’ “Sweat, Scale, Sell” which offers clear and valuable insights.”

If you’d get a chance to meet with Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, what would you ask them?

“We’d ask them what they would improve in VisioTag. We’re always open to suggestions to make the best video tagger on the planet even better.”

Join the Film and Multimedia Accelerator if you want to advance technology-based ideas in the the film industry. The Film and Multimedia Accelerator primarily focuses on multimedia, virtual and augmented reality, and related fields, and supports startups focusing on these areas. Check out more and apply here!

The activities of the Tehnopol Startup Incubator’s Film and Multimedia Accelerator are funded by the European Union.

NATO DIANA named the ten most successful startups from the first phase of the accelerator, which between them received 3 million euros in additional funding. There were 44 companies that participated in the first phase of the pilot year of DIANA, of which nine attended the Estonian DIANA accelerator. Three of the startups in the Estonian accelerator are advancing to the new growth phase of DIANA, and each will get an additional grant of 300,000 euros.

“It is very good to see that a third of the startup companies from the Estonian accelerator have progressed to the new growth phase. This shows how important it is in developing dual-use technologies to provide an international platform for talent. The NATO DIANA accelerator is a good example of how startup businesses and the research-intensive defence industry can come together, because together they can help our economy grow and increase our security”, said Minister of Economy and Industry Erkki Keldo.

The innovative companies selected for the growth phase of DIANA will get additional financial support and a specially tailored programme that has been created to increase their success in developing their business and entering the market. The companies were selected after a thorough assessment process that analysed the potential of their technology, their commercial progress and plans, their opportunity for entering the market, and their fit with the needs of the alliance. The companies that did not get through to the next phase of the accelerator can join the steadily growing DIANA community and be part of a strong ecosystem stretching across 32 nations.

Head of the Tehnopol Startup Incubator and the NATO DIANA Estonian accelerator Anne-Liisa Elbrecht said that the selection proves the strength of the Tehnopol accelerator programme. “All nine of the companies that were in our accelerator were strong and made great leaps in development in their business during the programme. That a third of them were chosen for the growth phase shows the superbly high level of our programme, our mentors and our team”, she said. She added that leading the NATO DIANA accelerator fits with the Tehnopol aim of supporting world-changing technologies and innovation.

The companies that made it through to the next phase from the Estonian DIANA accelerator were Goldilock, Revobeam and Lobster Robotics. The British company Goldilock is developing a patented cyber security tool for protecting critical assets and data. By physically segmenting digital assets and networks without using the internet, Goldilock ensures that those networks and assets remain secure, undetectable, and inaccessible to enemies. The Dutch company Lobster Robotics is developing autonomous, lightweight, cost-effective and extraordinarily precise underwater robots for photographing the seabed, giving a quantitative picture through visual mapping. The Polish company Revobeam is focused on developing energy-efficient, resilient and cheap antennae that are designed for unmanned platforms and IoT devices, and give them protection against hybrid attacks and increase the area coverage for wireless communications.

“We are proud to be part of the NATO DIANA ecosystem and it is amazing and exciting that after an intense and rewarding six months at the DIANA accelerator in Tehnopol, we can continue our journey and enter the GROW phase. Expanding the existing network that we built during the acceleration phase and facing new opportunities will make a significant difference as we continue to scale and develop our antennas, which will make a difference in the face of the security and defence challenges of today. We look forward to working with the DIANA team over the coming months to drive the commercialisation and adoption of our innovation and finally build a solid business in the defence market”, said Mateusz Rzymowski, CEO of Revobeam.

“We have learned so much in the accelerator. It took six months but it felt a lot longer, and the Tehnopol accelerator played a big part in that. Tallinn is our second home now, and the cohort is a tight community. And our hard work has paid off, since selection for the Grow programme means we have got the tools that we need to keep up the pace set during the accelerator, and to capitalise on the many testing, demo and commercial opportunities that we have ahead of us”, said Stephan Rutten, Co-Founder and CEO of Lobster Robotics.

There were 2613 applications submitted to the NATO DIANA accelerator from 30 countries, with 74 companies from Estonia applying. The 2025 DIANA cohort will start in January.

The NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) accelerator in Estonia is led by the Tehnopol Startup Incubator working together with Sparkup Tartu Science Park, and the business accelerator Startup Wiseguys. The funding to start the accelerator in Estonia comes from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the city of Tallinn. Estonian contributors to building the pan-Alliance network of testing centres are TalTech, the University of Tartu, Foundation CR14, the National Defence College, the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, the Estonian Aviation Academy, and Metrosert.

The Tehnopol Startup Incubator’s accelerator is accepting applications until September 6th. But how can you be sure if your startup is ready to join an accelerator program? We’ve created a little guide to help you decide.

1) You have a strong and committed team. Your team consists of people with diverse skills who are dedicated to developing the startup. Keep in mind that both accelerators and investors prefer startups with at least two members.

2) You have identified demand for your product or service. Your product or service should solve a real problem. You have received positive feedback from early users, meaning your value proposition has been validated and is attractive to potential customers.

3) You have a tangible prototype (MVP) of your product or service that can be tested with real users. A prototype allows you to collect valuable feedback and prove that the idea is viable.

4) You have identified a strong competitive advantage or unique selling proposition that sets your solution apart from others on the market. Accelerators are looking for startups with the potential to significantly improve (or even disrupt) the market.

5) You have a clear growth strategy and vision for how to scale your startup and reach the next stages. This includes a marketing plan, expansion plans, and realistic financial projections.

6) You are open and willing to learn, ready to accept criticism, adjust your strategy, and listen to experienced mentors and investors. Accelerators seek startups whose founders are open to new ideas and continuous development. Sometimes, the initial idea of a startup may change during the accelerator, and the startup may take a completely new direction. Are you ready for that?

If you answered “yes” to these points, we highly recommend submitting your application. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get feedback, as admission interviews are already underway and spots in the accelerator are limited. Click here to learn more about what the Startup accelerator can offer to your startup!

11 startups with great potential are currently working on their products and services at Tehnopol Startup Incubator’s accelerator. Let’s get to know them better – here’s Bebo!

Bebo helps businesses by collecting and comparing food and drink prices. For instance, if you’re launching a new line of organic cold-pressed juices, Bebo can show you how much your competitors are charging. This allows you to price your product competitively and plan your promotional activities accordingly.

The team behind Bebo includes Siim Brazier, the founder and CEO, who has 5 years of IT and retail experience across various companies, and Raivo Kartau, the CTO, who has worked as a product manager at Telia, leading IT development teams for 2 years.

Here’s a little insight into their plans by Siim Brazier.

How did you come up with the idea to create a startup?

“The idea for Bebo came about after 4-5 months of brainstorming different concepts. During this time, we noticed a significant increase in food and beverage prices due to high inflation. This observation led us to create a platform where users could find the cheapest shopping options across multiple stores. As we continued to develop the platform, we realized the immense value in the data we were collecting, and Bebo’s current business model was born.”

What has been the biggest challenge/failure and the biggest success so far?

“One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is continuously stepping out of our comfort zone and being patient on this journey. However, our most significant success came early in the year with our first client collaboration. This experience taught us that sales often begin with a “no”, but perseverance is key.”

What sets your startup apart from competitors?

“Bebo stands out from competitors by offering unique features not currently available in the market. Additionally, by automating the price collection process, we keep our service fees low, making our services accessible to a wider range of businesses.”

Why did you apply to the Tehnopol Startup Incubator?

“Tehnopol has been instrumental in developing our B2B business model, opening numerous doors, and introducing us to people we truly admire. If you’re serious about your business and ready to put in the work, Tehnopol is the place to be.”

Where do you see your startup in 1 year? And in 5 years?

“In one year, we envision hiring an awesome team and working in Bebo full-time. Within five years, we plan to scale into larger European markets that we have identified as key opportunities. Our vision is to become a major player in the European market, offering unmatched value to our clients. I am confident that we will achieve this goal and expand our services in other areas that could benefit.”

Who do you think will be the next unicorn in Estonia?

“While this might sound cliché, our aim is to build Bebo into a company that fits this title, making us the next Estonian unicorn.”

What books/podcasts/publications and industry leaders do you follow and recommend to other aspiring startups?

“I continuously listen to “The Diary of a CEO” by Steven Bartlett. Moreover, I am always engaging with different founders about their experiences and journeys, which has been incredibly helpful.”

If you’d get a chance to meet with Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, what would you ask them?

“Would you be interested in joining our journey and becoming an investor in our company?”

If your startup is ready to take the next step and join the accelerator, act fast! We are currently accepting applications and the deadline is September 6th. Click here to read more!