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 1 – Idea, problem and investor perspective

Monday, 9 March
9:30–9:45 Opening and programme overview
9:45–10:30 Inspiration session: investor perspective
10:30–11:30 Training: from problem to value proposition
11:30–11:45 Break
11:45–12:45 Training: team, competition and focus in the early stage
12:45–13:15 Motivation talk: founder experience story
13:15–13:30 Day wrap-up

Day 2 – Business model, marketing, finance and pitch

Tuesday, 10 March
9:30–10:30 Training: Lean Canvas – the startup business logic on one page
10:30–11:15 Training: early-stage marketing and customer acquisition
11:15–11:30 Break
11:30–12:15 Training: finance basics for startups
12:15–13:15 Training: building a strong pitch
13:15–14:00 Mentor sessions: Lean Canvas and pitch feedback

Day 3 – Independent work

Wednesday, 11 March
Independent work: refining the Lean Canvas and building the pitch deck
Pitch submissions for the final day

Day 4 – Pitching and feedback

Thursday, 12 March
10:00–12:00 Pitch session and Q&A
12:00–12:15 Break
12:15–13:00 Feedback and development areas
13:00–13:30 Next steps and further opportunities

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.

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