Asvel
About the team
Asvel’s passion lies in combining technology and medicine to create something that truly improves people’s lives. We are developing a self-driving robot capable of automatically controlling an endoscope camera during minimally invasive surgery. The idea was born from our team member, orthopaedic surgeon Andres Šavel. After years of performing surgeries, he constantly felt how much easier and more precise it would be to operate with both hands simultaneously. Currently, surgeons must hold and move the endoscope camera with one hand throughout the procedure to see the surgical area.
Our solution was born out of this very need – a robot that helps surgeons work more accurately, quickly, and efficiently.
Why did you join the program?
Joining the program felt like a natural step. It allows us to take our idea to the next level, gain support and knowledge from the best, and accelerate our development.
Elnora AI
About the team
Elnora AI is an Estonian startup founded in 2023 by Carmen Kivisild and Karl-Oskar Masing to transform drug discovery. After 12 years in research, Carmen realized academia’s focus on breakthroughs buried countless promising discoveries in failed experiments. Determined to change this, she quit her academic career to build something better.
Karl-Oskar, inspired by Carmen’s vision, joined to apply his exceptional coding skills. Together, they’re creating the world’s largest drug discovery dataset, capturing both successes and failures. Their AI co-pilot helps researchers run experiments faster, optimize lab protocols, and reduce trial-and-error by analyzing real life data coming directly from academics. The platform is free for academics, supporting Open and FAIR science to make critical data accessible to all.
By uncovering overlooked insights and learning from failed experiments, Elnora AI accelerates drug discovery, making the development of life-saving therapies faster and more efficient.
Why did you join the program?
We decided to join the program the moment we first met one of the mentors, Pirko. In our first session, he introduced a GTM strategy we hadn’t explored before but now believe might be the best we’ve ever heard. The top mentors, program flexibility, and the team’s genuine interest in providing value to startups are outstanding. Since the program is equity-free, free to participate in, and includes a €10K grant, applying was a no-brainer.
Optonics
About the team
Our team is made up of two dedicated co-founders, Georgs Narbuts and Lenards Skrodelis, both originally from Latvia and currently based in Tartu, Estonia. Georgs earned his Bachelor’s degree in Robotics from the University of Tartu, specializing in mechatronics, additive manufacturing methods and fabrication. Lenards, on the other hand, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligent Robotic Systems from Riga Technical University, bringing a strong background in robotics engineering and product design. Our complementary skills and shared passion for innovation drive our mission to make advanced 3D printing technologies more accessible and efficient.
Why did you join the program?
We decided to join the Sparkup Incubator program to accelerate the development of our innovative idea and turn it into a tangible reality. Faced with the challenges of low-scale manufacturing, we envisioned creating accessible Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing solutions that could meet broader application needs. By joining Sparkup Incubator, we sought not only to receive mentorship and guidance from experienced industry professionals but also to secure the financial support necessary to develop our prototype. We anticipate that the program will provide valuable resources such as business advice and networking opportunities. This collaborative environment is precisely what we need to transform our concept from the idea stage into a successful business venture.
BabAI
About the team
At BabAI, we’re united by a shared mission: to make the skies safer through cutting-edge technology. Our team brings together deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, UAV systems, and aerospace engineering — along with years of real-world experience in sensor integration, software development, and drone operations.
It all started with a simple but powerful idea: what if we could use AI to help drones avoid collisions and navigate complex airspace more safely and efficiently?
To bring this vision to life, we’ve built a core team of passionate professionals:
Roman Karpenko, our Co-founder and CEO, has a background in computer engineering and AI. With over seven years of experience in IT and a strong focus on AI-powered UAV tracking and automation, Roman leads our overall project strategy, AI development, and system integration.
Viktoriia Karpenko, Co-founder and CFO, brings expertise in industrial engineering, finance, and project management. With six years in senior finance roles and five years leading large-scale tech projects, she oversees financial planning, grant applications, and investor relations.
Andrii Karpenko, our Co-founder and CTO, is a mechanical engineer with a strong track record in business-to-government sales and R&D leadership. Over the past 11 years, he’s developed an impressive skill set in hardware-software integration and sensor fusion — all of which he applies to adapt and advance our UAV systems.
Elizabeth Nailoke Ndimulunde, PhD, serves as our AI researcher and machine learning expert. With a PhD from NYCU and a specialization in AI-driven data analysis, she focuses on developing and optimizing advanced AI models to accurately detect and classify drones and birds.
Maksym Maksymenko, our test engineer, ensures the reliability of everything we build. With over three years of experience in product validation and quality assurance, he conducts thorough field testing and guarantees seamless software-hardware integration.
Supporting our work are two invaluable advisors:
Dr. Anna Aljanaki, a computer science researcher at the University of Tartu, brings her deep knowledge in AI, machine learning, and digital signal processing. She provides guidance on project structure and data analysis.
Oleg Zubchenok, our business growth and strategy advisor, offers insights drawn from his background in startup management and business development, helping us scale BabAI and reach new markets.
Together, our team combines strong technical capabilities with operational and strategic know-how. We’re not just building another drone tech company — we’re developing an innovative, scalable solution that can redefine how UAVs navigate airspace and prevent mid-air collisions.
Why did you join the program?
Our team specifically relocated to Tartu to gain access to the scientific and expert community, as well as to utilize the opportunities provided by the science park for the rapid development of our project. We benefit from access to mentorship and leading lecturers on various aspects of startup development. Our pre-developed plan has undergone expert review and has been approved by the team for implementation, and the financial support will help ensure that the plan is successfully executed.
