The Tehnopol Startup Accelerator
An accelerator programme that helps early-stage startups get to market and reach investor readiness
Digital Technology
GSAI
A nine-month scaleup programme designed to support startups in expanding to new international markets by strategically integrating artificial intelligence into their business operations.
Overview
Growth and Scaling through AI (GSAI) is a nine-month growth programme designed to support startups in the strategic adoption of artificial intelligence in their business operations and in expanding into international markets. The programme combines developing a business model, building AI skills, reaching investment readiness, and getting support for internationalisation to help the participating companies grow in a focused and sustainable way.
Participants will gain practical skills in applying AI, refining their value proposition and preparing for international growth through expert-led workshops, target market discovery missions, and personalised mentoring. The programme includes eight full in-person contact days that are held in Estonia, Sweden and Finland.
The programme will select 15 startups from the Central Baltic region, including five from Estonia.
The next round of applications will open in February 2027.
The GSAI growth programme offers
- expert-led workshops in Estonia, Sweden and Finland
- target market discovery missions and support for entering new EU markets
- personalised mentoring
- practical skills for applying AI and support in refining your value proposition
- access to an international network
Why apply to the programme
- AI-driven business model development
Strengthen your value proposition and business model by applying AI tools tailored to your company’s activities - Market entry support
Take part in targeted discovery missions in the Central Baltic region and assess your readiness to expand into new EU markets - Investment readiness
Prepare your investor pitch and get feedback from international investors - Expert guidance
Get support from experienced mentors specialising in AI, business development and international growth - Cost coverage
Travel and accommodation costs will be covered for the programme’s in-person contact days for 1–2 team members
Startups are a good fit for the programme if they
- were founded within the past five years
- have achieved initial product-market fit in their home market
- have an idea for developing an AI-enhanced product or business model
- are committed to international expansion
- have access to relevant customer or implementation data
- have an active and motivated team
- are open to international investment
Duration
9-month scale-up programme
For whom
Startups that have been founded within the last 5 years
Funding
Free growth programme
More information
AI 101 – Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (online)
An introduction to the world of artificial intelligence: key concepts, applications and tools that help identify potential AI use cases in your company.
May 2026
Sprint 1 – Growth Launchpad (Gävle, Sweden)
A deep dive into assessing your company’s scalability, target market readiness and potential AI use cases. This sprint lays the foundation for your growth strategy.
May 2026
Sprint 2 – AI Studio (Stockholm, Rootsi)
A two-day workshop focused on mapping AI opportunities, assessing data quality, analysing risks and exploring responsible AI use. You will begin to develop your AI implementation plan.
June 2026
Sprint 3 – Growth Fundamentals (Tallinn, Estonia)
A workshop focused on growth and marketing strategies, team productivity and sales for target market entry. The sprint is followed by a target market discovery mission.
September 2026
Sprint 4 – Growth Consolidation (Salo, Finland)
The final sprint focuses on reviewing your AI implementation, refining your growth strategy, and preparing your investor pitch.
February 2027GSAI – Growth and Scaling through AI is a joint initiative by Movexum (Gävle, Sweden), Yrityssalo (Salo, Finland), AI Sweden (Stockholm, Sweden) and Tehnopol (Tallinn, Estonia).
The programme runs from 2025 to 2028 and will support 45 startups from the Central Baltic region on their journey growth and internationalisation by using AI applications. The programme helps companies refine their value proposition and business model so that they can successfully enter their first or next EU market.
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