sTARTUp Tartu Business Idea Competition 2026 – From Idea to MVP
The sTARTUp Tartu Business Idea Competition “From Idea to MVP” is your chance to take the first step towards entrepreneurship. We welcome everyone living or working in Tartu who has an idea – whether it’s a new service, product, or a smart solution to an everyday problem. Applications can be submitted individually or as a team, and no prior entrepreneurial experience is required.
MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest functional version of your product or service that includes only the core features needed to test the idea with real customers.
Why participate?
The competition gives you the opportunity to develop your idea, receive feedback from experienced mentors, and take it further with professional support. Participants gain access to Tartu’s entrepreneurial network, and the most promising ideas will move on to Tartu’s incubation or acceleration programs. The winner will receive financial support to create a prototype, a free desk at one of Tartu’s coworking spaces, and mentoring.
Application is open until November 9!
Application period: October 6 – November 9
Evaluation: November 10–23
TOP 10 announcement: November 24
sTARTUp Day pitching stage
How to participate?
To participate, submit your business idea in five short “tweet-sized” answers. Each answer must fit within 280 characters and respond to a specific question:
- Problem or need Describe the specific problem or need your idea addresses and explain why it matters.
- Business idea Explain your idea: what exactly are you offering (product, service, or other solution) and what makes it unique.
- Users or target group Who will use your solution and why do they need it? Describe how they benefit from your idea.
- Potential business model How could your idea generate revenue in the future? Outline the logic of earning and sustainability.
- Team experience and motivation Introduce yourself and your team: previous experience, your motivation to work on this idea, and why you can succeed.
Evaluation criteria
The jury will assess whether the idea is realistic and feasible, and whether the business model is sustainable. International potential and investability are also taken into account. Although the jury consists of experienced investors and entrepreneurs, the idea does not have to be technology-based or highly scalable. Creative and locally impactful initiatives are also welcome. What matters most is that the idea solves a real problem and the team has the motivation and determination to make it happen.
Program
From Idea to MVP lasts nine weeks and is divided into three phases:
- Preparation week: participants work through video lectures and worksheets to map the problem, target customer, and initial solution.
- Development Day #1 (first weekend of December): covers ten key topics such as business models, customer validation, product development, team leadership, finance, contracts, and investor relations. The day is structured as a mentor carousel.
- Five weeks of independent work: teams develop their ideas with the support of a lead mentor and receive expert advice from SEB and Tartu Science Park mentors if needed.
- Development Day #2 (second weekend of January): focus on pitching – elevator speech, storytelling, and slide design. The day concludes with practice pitches.
- Final: late January at the Baltic’s largest business festival, sTARTUp Day 2026, where presenting your idea gives valuable visibility among investors, clients, and partners.
Prizes for the winner
- €3000 for prototype development
- Free workspace for 3 months
- Up to 6 months of mentoring
- Direct access to incubation or acceleration programs in Tartu
Organizers and partners
The competition is organized by Sparkup Tartu Science Park in cooperation with the City of Tartu and SEB Bank.
