DeepTech Accelerator opened second round: science-based startups can once again apply for up to €170,000 in funding

Applications are now open for the DeepTech Accelerator run by Sparkup Tartu Science Park and Tehnopol, which is looking for startups and teams developing science- and technology-based solutions. Companies selected for the accelerator will receive up to €170,000 in business development funding, plus support over 18 months to develop their solutions, enter the market, acquire their first customers, and attract investors. Applications are open until November 8th.

The first round, launched in spring, selected 11 companies whose solutions range from biotechnology and electronics to artificial intelligence solutions supporting beekeeping and financial technology. With the second round, the organisers aim to involve even more teams looking to bring their science-based technology from the laboratory to the market and in need of support with business development, customer validation and raising funding.

“The biggest challenge for deeptech companies is often the time and money it takes to turn a scientifically viable solution into a product that customers are willing to pay for. This is precisely the stage the accelerator is designed to support,” said Pille-Riin Meerits, Head of Incubation Services at Sparkup Tartu Science Park. “Working with the teams in the first round, we have seen how much value mentor support and the experience of other companies facing similar challenges can add beyond the funding itself,” she added.

According to Anu Puusaag, Head of Deep Tech at Tehnopol, deep tech companies need to start thinking about the market and business model as early as possible alongside technology development. “A strong technology is only the starting point. To build a growing company, the team needs to understand whose problem it is solving, who is willing to pay for the solution, and how to reach its first customers and investors. The accelerator helps bring these questions together with technology development at an early stage, so that the company does not remain stuck in the development phase for too long,” said Puusaag.

Peeter Matson, co-founder of HiveNavigator, a company participating in the first round that began in August, shares his experience: “If you wait to apply until everything is ready and you have all the answers, you may end up waiting forever. It is worth joining the accelerator with a good idea and a willingness to have it thoroughly challenged. Sometimes, one well-timed question is enough to save months of running in the wrong direction.”

In addition to funding, accelerator participants will receive training, individual mentoring and access to the business and investor networks of Sparkup Tartu Science Park and Tehnopol.

Photo: University of Tartu spin-off Esadres (photo by Paul Meiesaar, University of Tartu)