DeepTech Accelerator
For science- and technology-intensive startups
- Up to €170 000 in equity-free business development support
- 18-month accelerator program (3 × 6 months)
- Knowledge, skills, and tools to build your business and bring your product to market
- Access to an international network of mentors and experts
- Access to investor and business networks
- Personalized approach and support in explaining complex deep technologies to clients and investors
Application deadline: 11 May 2026
GaltTec, program’s alumni
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
When applying to the DeepTech Accelerator, it is important that the company has a clear science-based focus, a functioning team, and a well-thought-out foundation for both technology development and commercial application. Ootame tiime, kellel on olemas esmane tehnoloogiline võimekus, selgus intellektuaalomandi osas ning valmisolek arendada oma lahendust struktureeritud programmis. Samuti on oluline tugev seos Eestiga ning ambitsioon viia arendustegevus ja kasv siinsesse ökosüsteemi.
Admission criteria:
- The company is registered in Estonia (no later than the start of the program)
- The company has a strong connection with an Estonian university or research and development institution (a team member with a valid employment relationship, including PhD students).
- The company has not previously received government grants (e.g. ÄRGAS, RUP)
- The company has not previously participated in a similar accelerator programme (e.g. Health Founders Estonia, Prototron).
- A shareholders’ agreement is in place
- Intellectual property ownership and usage rights are clearly defined
Additional conditions and exceptions:
- An Estonian affiliated with an Estonian research institution qualifies; Estonians abroad must confirm their intention to relocate activities to Estonia
- For foreign applicants, the connection to Estonia must be justified on a case-by-case basis
- FFF funding (family, friends, fools), initial angel investments, and prize money are allowed
- During the accelerator, RUP funding may be used if activities are clearly separated
- Accelerator grant funding cannot be used as RUP co-financing
- The company’s technology maturity level must be at least TRL 2–3
Key topics of the 1.5-year program
We accept new startups twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. In addition to the focus topics, it is possible to request support from key and specialized mentors as needed. The incubator manager can always recommend which mentor or community member to approach with your question.
The accelerator starts on August 1, 2026.
The DeepTech accelerator runs in parallel in both Tallinn and Tartu. Trainings and events take place alternately in both cities once a month, so teams are expected to participate on-site in both Tallinn and Tartu. When applying, we ask you to primarily consider the location of your university.
MENTORS
PARTNERS
Contact
Pille-Riin Meerits
Head of Incubation Services
E-post: pille-riin.meerits@teaduspark.ee
Tel. +3725088310
The DeepTech accelerator is part of the DeepTech startup network. The network has been established to consolidate and strengthen existing activities through which the state invests over €12 million in deep tech to support the growth of science-based companies. Its goal is to bring together researchers and entrepreneurs to accelerate the transfer of research-based solutions into business, foster strong deep tech startups, and create high-tech, sustainable jobs.. Through public investment, the network also creates the conditions for greater private capital involvement in later development stages, strengthening the overall development of Estonia’s deep tech startup ecosystem. The Deep Tech Startup Network is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
