DeepTech Startup Network
A joint network for the creation and growth of science-based companies
The DeepTech Startup Network is a national collaboration framework through which the state is investing over €10 million into the development of deep tech entrepreneurship. The goal is to grow strong companies emerging from science, create high-tech jobs, and, through early public support, attract more private capital in later stages.
The network does not create parallel structures. Instead, it strengthens and connects existing activities across universities, science parks, and support organisations to make the transition from science to entrepreneurship more logical and continuous.
Why deep tech needs a dedicated approach
The network is designed for science-intensive, or deep tech, companies—ventures whose technology is based on scientific discoveries or engineering breakthroughs, and whose development is time-consuming, high-risk, and capital-intensive. The market potential of such companies often becomes visible only after several years.
This is precisely the phase where the gap between science and entrepreneurship has traditionally been the widest. For science-based ideas, long development cycles, high technological risk, and unclear commercial outcomes coincide, making it difficult for both researchers and entrepreneurs to find the right support, capital, and partners.
The DeepTech Startup Network addresses several systemic challenges at once:
- it reduces ecosystem fragmentation and information loss;
- it makes it easier for researchers and entrepreneurs to identify their next steps;
- it creates a logical and continuous support pathway across different development stages;
- it helps share early-stage technological risk in areas where private capital is not yet ready to invest.
The DeepTech Startup Network is implemented by Sparkup Tartu Teaduspark, Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol, Tallinn University of Technology, University of Tartu, and Estonian University of Life Sciences.
This is a long-term public investment in the development of deep tech entrepreneurship. Through the network, the state is investing over €10 million to strengthen existing activities and create the conditions for the emergence and growth of new science-based, internationally competitive companies.
Partners and collaboration
The effective operation of the DeepTech Startup Network relies on close and continuous collaboration between Estonian universities, science parks, and support organisations. Partners do not operate as separate service providers but as parts of a single system, where each organisation covers a specific development phase and deliberately guides companies forward.
By 2030:
- over 200 potential deep tech ideas will be identified;
- 100 teams will be trained and validated;
- 50 science-based companies will be supported in reaching the market and scaling.
If you have a science-based idea, a technology under development, or questions about the right next step, get in touch with us.
