Prototron launches autumn round – Spotlight on science-driven and green tech innovations

Prototron, Estonia’s first fund dedicated to prototype development, has opened its autumn call in search of ambitious teams ready to bring bold ideas to market. A funding pool of €75,000 awaits the most promising projects, with applications accepted until October 15.

According to Prototron CEO Brait Pilvik, knowledge alone often risks being left on the shelf without a clear path to commercialization. “The rise of deep tech and green technologies highlights just how crucial it is to connect research with business and real market needs. In Edison’s time, finding a working solution could take years of trial and error. Today, with expert guidance and financial backing, teams can move from idea to prototype in a fraction of that time,” Pilvik explains.

This spring’s application round confirmed the growing appetite for science-based solutions: nearly half of the submitted projects were tied to R&D, while more than 80% tackled green technologies or healthcare challenges. “It shows that collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs is becoming the engine of Estonia’s innovation,” Pilvik adds.

The autumn program is open to early-stage startups, student teams, researchers, and anyone eager to give their idea a business edge. Over three months, participants will gain access to tailored training in sales, marketing, finance, IP protection, and prototyping—supported by seasoned mentors and an extensive partner network.

“Fostering innovation is at the heart of our strategy, especially when it helps create environmentally conscious, science-based value,” says Astrid Maldre, Head of Swedbank’s Startup and SME segment. “Initiatives like this are essential to the vitality of Estonia’s economy and future growth. Smart ideas create tomorrow’s jobs, investments, and exports. Prototron gives ambitious teams the chance to transform prototypes into market-ready solutions—laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable economy.”

Anne-Liisa Elbrecht, Head of Tehnopol’s Startup Incubator, highlights Prototron’s role as a launchpad: “Prototron is the perfect springboard for moving from the idea stage to the next level. At Startup Incubator, we help the most promising teams continue that journey and scale further. From our experience, it’s the courage to put your idea forward and pursue it with determination that propels teams onto the international stage. I encourage everyone not to keep their ideas hidden away—apply to Prototron’s autumn call and take that leap.”

Over the years, Prototron has nurtured several internationally recognized companies, including Comodule and Lingvist. Recent standouts include Sciflux, developing blood-test-based technology for Alzheimer’s prevention, and Audiocat, building smart games for the visually impaired.

Founded by Swedbank, TalTech, and Tehnopol Science and Business Park, Prototron has supported 106 projects with around €1.4 million over the past twelve years. Collectively, alumni teams have gone on to raise more than €85 million in follow-on investments.

Applications for the Prototron autumn call are open until October 15 at www.prototron.ee.