Tehnopol Startup pre-accelerator

“An idea makes up about 1% of the whole process – the remaining 99% is execution.”
Sten Saar, Founder and CEO of Zego

The Tehnopol Startup Pre-Accelerator is a four-day hands-on programme designed for founders with an early-stage technology idea who want to take their first well-considered steps into entrepreneurship.

The programme helps you validate your idea, assess its business potential, and move towards a clear business model and an MVP or prototype with the support of experienced mentors. The focus is on practical work, clarity, and informed decision-making – not inspiration alone.

The pre-accelerator is designed for:
• solo founders and early-stage teams in the idea phase
• early-stage startups that are not yet ready for a full accelerator
• entrepreneurs looking to test a new product, service, or business model

Previous entrepreneurial experience or a ready-made product is not required, but participation requires a technology-based idea and a strong commitment to intensive work on developing it.

During the four-day pre-accelerator (9–12 March 2026), participants will cover the key topics required to launch a startup and prepare for the next growth stage.

AGENDA
Day I – Idea, Problem and Vibecoding

Monday, 9 March

9:00–9:30 Arrival and registration
9:30–9:45 Opening and programme overview
9:45–11:15 Training From Problem to Value Proposition – Tauri Kärson
11:15–11:45 Break
11:45–13:00 Training Vibecoding – Kärt Siilats
13:00–13:30 Keynote Kristel Kruustük
13:30–13:45 Day wrap-up

Day II – Team, Business Model, Marketing and Investor Perspective

Tuesday, 10 March

9:00–9:30 Arrival
9:30–10:30 Training Team, Competition and Early-Stage Focus – Martin Goroško
10:30–11:15 Training Lean Canvas – Clarifying Your Business Logic on One Page – Tauri Kärson
11:15–12:00 Training Early-Stage Marketing and Customer Acquisition – Annika Ljaš
12:00–12:30 Break
12:30–13:15 Inspiration Session Investor Perspective: What Investors Look for in Startups Today – Linda-Riin Võeras
13:15–14:15 Training Building a Strong Elevator Pitch – Marek Kesküll
14:15–14:30 Needs-Based 1:1 Feedback Sessions

Day III – Independent Work

Wednesday, 11 March

Independent work on refining the Lean Canvas and preparing the pitch deck
Submission of assignments for the final day

Day IV – Elevator Pitches and Next Steps

Thursday, 12 March

9:30–10:00 Arrival
10:00–12:00 Elevator pitch presentations and Q&A
12:00–12:30 Break
12:30–13:00 Next steps and further opportunities
13:00–14:00 Networking

By the end of the pre-accelerator, participants will have a validated and clearly defined business focus, a solid understanding of the market and competition, and an initial MVP or prototype concept, along with readiness to move to the next development stage.

The strongest team will have the opportunity to advance directly to the Tehnopol Startup Incubator’s main accelerator selection panel.

Join the pre-accelerator and turn your idea into a functioning startup!

The programme will be held in English or Estonian, depending on the group’s preference. The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the agenda.

For more information, please contact Community Manager Kätlin-Carolin Noormägi at katlin@tehnopol.ee.