Startup Story: Helli X Tehnopol Startup Incubator

Dozens of high-potential startups develop their products and services every year in the Tehnopol Startup Incubator accelerator. One of them is Helli – let’s get to know them better!

Helli is developing a communication software – a speech communicator – that helps nonverbal and speech-impaired children express their needs, feelings, and thoughts. Helli doesn’t speak for the child – it gives the child the ability to communicate. Whether it’s “I want to play,” “I’m in pain,” or simply “No.”

A child’s ability to express themselves shouldn’t depend on complicated devices or expensive assistance. AAC-based (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) speech communicators have been scientifically proven to be effective tools for developing nonverbal children’s communication and social skills, helping prevent frustration and supporting the development of verbal speech.

But Helli’s goal is not only to create a technological tool. Around Helli there’s also a supportive community – a space where families facing similar challenges don’t have to feel alone. Helli helps families reach suitable specialists, information, and necessary services more quickly. It also serves as a connecting link between different support systems – so the child doesn’t have to wait, the family doesn’t have to search alone, and real solutions become truly accessible.

Helli’s story was shared by Sirli Kapper, co-founder and Head of Strategic Development, Rando Kraav, co-founder and CTO, and Maia Kärdla, Community Lead.

How did the idea of creating your own startup come about?

Helli was born from Rando’s family’s personal need. When his young daughter was diagnosed with an autism spectrum and speech disorder, he discovered a harsh reality: in Estonia, it was difficult to find or provide the child with a practical and affordable way to communicate and express herself. Existing solutions were expensive, complex, and not age-appropriate.

That’s how the idea was born – to create a simple tool that would allow Elly to communicate and express her needs and feelings. This became the beginning of Helli. Today, it has grown into something much more: a living, evolving communication software that gives children a voice and a way to express themselves.

What has been your biggest challenge and your greatest achievement so far?

The biggest challenge has probably been a personal one – time management. How do you develop Helli with your whole heart while also having a full-time job, a family, and household responsibilities? We’re a small team working on something with a large scope – product development, community work, training, and strategy. It requires constant balance, focus, and a clear division of roles.

But that’s exactly why we’re proud – we’ve accomplished a great deal together in a short time. What unites us is our belief in what we’re creating and in the people we’re creating it for.

Helli’s biggest success is that we’re moving steadily toward a goal where our communication software will be accessible to all children who need it – with national support, regardless of their family’s financial situation or background. We’re developing a solution that helps solve very real, everyday challenges for children and families. Helli grows together with the children and families who use it.

What makes your startup stand out from the competition?

Helli has been created with users, not just for them. We’re not simply building features – we’re building a practical solution that works even in crisis situations and can be used on any smartphone, even without internet access or network coverage.

Helli doesn’t require a special device or continuous professional input – it’s software that enables the child to communicate independently. Everything evolves together with the child – the content, the voice, the choices, and the overall experience.

AAC-based solutions like Helli help prevent frustration and behavioral issues by offering children a safe way to express themselves – in everyday life, not just during therapy sessions.

Why Tehnopol Startup Incubator?

Because Tehnopol dares to support startups whose success isn’t measured only by scalability, but also by impact. For us, Tehnopol is like a nest – a place where we aren’t forced into predefined boxes, but are supported in growing in our own way – unique, at our own pace, but with full commitment.

Where do you see your startup in one year? And in five years?

In one year, Helli will be an officially supported service within Estonia’s national support system – available to all children with speech or communication difficulties, regardless of their family’s financial situation. At least 500 families will be using Helli daily so their children can express themselves and participate fully in everyday life.

In five years, Helli will have expanded internationally and will be used in several countries, supporting children in their native languages. As a communication tool, Helli will have become an important part of the daily work of speech therapists and special educators – especially for children who are nonverbal or have limited speech.

Helli will support therapists and teachers alike – as AAC-based tools have proven effective in helping nonverbal children communicate confidently and develop both at home, in kindergarten, and in school environments.

Who will be the next Estonian unicorn?

Probably someone who knows how to do a simple thing really well – and doesn’t think “outside the box,” but without boxes at all. We hope it will come from a field where technology truly helps people – whether it’s communication, education, mental health, or everyday wellbeing.

The possibilities are endless – the question is who will bring them to life. We will.
So maybe Helli is the next Estonian unicorn?

Which books, podcasts, publications, or thought leaders do you follow and recommend to other early-stage founders?

The Helli team has closely followed field-specific discussions and content over the years – especially those related to child development, communication, parenting, and neurodiversity.

One interesting Estonian-language podcast is Vikerraadio’s “Peresaade”, which covers a wide range of topics – from family systems to neurodevelopment, speech, and education. The format is thoughtful, calm, and rooted in real-life experience.

We’ve also found Jaan Aru’s talks on neuroscience and brain development and Jaan Aps’ and Stories For Impact’s podcast “Mis mõttes?” on social impact and systemic change deeply inspiring.

We value deeper reflection that connects everyday problems with a science-based and ethical approach. Such discussions often inspire startups like ours – they help us understand real-life challenges through genuine experiences and guide us as developers to create solutions that prevent or alleviate those problems.

Technology often holds the key to making the invisible visible and giving a voice to those who have none.

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About the team

Sirli Kapper is a strategist focused on meaningful development work and real-life collaboration. She believes that truly effective solutions are born through co-creation with real users. With long-term experience in social innovation and change management, Sirli brings together families, specialists, and decision-makers to work toward a common goal. When the mindset changes – practical change follows.

Rando Kraav is a technology lead and systems designer whose path has taken him from 3D design to software development. He has the ability to make complex technology simple and human-centered. Rando ensures that Helli isn’t just functional – but logical and alive.

Maia Kärdla is a community lead and empathetic connector whose background spans education, therapy, and social change initiatives. Her strength lies in understanding users and translating their needs into the language of development. Maia ensures that Helli grows with its community – not apart from it.

As a team, we believe that Helli’s success lies in the synergy of our diverse experiences and perspectives – the connection between technology, personal experience, and systems thinking.

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Applications for the Startup Accelerator are currently closed, but the next opportunity opens in January. In the meantime, you can express your interest on this page to be the first to know when it’s time to apply!