DeepTech

Deep tech is built on research and development and creates new technological capabilities with the potential to transform entire industries and markets. It represents a long-term, knowledge-driven development path, where solutions emerging from scientific research require both deep technological expertise and a clear commercial perspective. 

At the core of Tehnopol’s DeepTech focus area is collaboration between researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to support the journey from science-based ideas to the creation of new companies. To enable this collaboration in a structured and scalable way, the DeepTech Startup Network has been established — a nationwide framework that connects existing competencies, support activities, and partners into a coherent pathway from science to business. 

DeepTech Startup Network 

A joint network for the creation and growth of research-intensive companies. 

The DeepTech Startup Network is a national collaboration initiative through which the state is investing over €10 million into the development of deep tech entrepreneurship. The objective is to build strong science-based companies, create high-value technology jobs, and use early public investment to attract increased private capital in later stages. 

Rather than creating new parallel structures, the network strengthens and connects existing activities across universities, science parks, and support organisations. This makes the transition from science to entrepreneurship more logical, continuous, and accessible. 

Why deep tech requires a dedicated approach 

The network is designed specifically for research-intensive —deep tech—companies whose technologies are based on scientific discoveries or engineering breakthroughs. The development of such technologies is time-consuming, high-risk, and capital-intensive, with market potential often emerging only after several years. 

It is precisely at this stage that the gap between science and business has historically been the widest. Long development cycles, high technological risk, and uncertain commercial outcomes converge, making it difficult for both researchers and entrepreneurs to find appropriate support, funding, and the right partners. 

The DeepTech Startup Network addresses several systemic challenges simultaneously by: 

• reducing fragmentation across the ecosystem and preventing loss of information; 

• making it easier for researchers and entrepreneurs to identify their next steps; 

• providing logical and continuous support across different development stages; 

• sharing early-stage technological risk in areas where private capital is not yet ready to engage. 

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. 

This represents a long-term public investment in the development of deep tech entrepreneurship. Through the network, the state is investing more than €10 million to strengthen existing activities and create the conditions for the emergence and growth of new, research-intensive and internationally competitive companies. 

Partners and collaboration 

The effectiveness of the Deep Tech Startup Network relies on close and sustained collaboration between Estonian universities, science parks, and support organisations. Partners do not operate as isolated service providers, but as part of a unified system in which each organisation covers a specific development phase and deliberately guides companies forward. 

By 2030: 

• more than 200 potential deep tech ideas will be identified; 

• 100 teams will be trained and validated; 

• 50 research-intensive companies will be supported in reaching the market and scaling their growth. 

If you have a research-intensive idea, a technology under development, or questions about the most appropriate next step, we invite you to get in touch.