DeepTech Startup Network
A joint network for the creation and growth of science-based companies
The DeepTech Startup Network is a national collaboration network through which the state invests over €12 million into the development of deep tech entrepreneurship. Its goal is to grow strong science-based companies, create high-tech jobs, and, through early public investment, 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 Science Park, Teadus- ja ärilinnak Tehnopol, Tallinn University of Technology, the University of Tartu, and the 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.
Applications for the DeepTech accelerator are currently open.
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.
Application deadline: 11 May 2026
The DeepTech Accelerator takes place in parallel in both Tartu and Tallinn. Trainings and events are held alternately in both cities, so teams are expected to participate on-site in both Tallinn and Tartu. When applying, please base your choice primarily on the location of your university.
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 350 potential deep tech ideas are identified.
- 200 teams are trained and validated.
- 57 science-based companies are supported in reaching the market and scaling their growth.
If you have a science-based idea, a technology under development, or questions about the right next step, get in touch with us.
Contact
Pille-Riin Meerits
Head of Incubation Services
E-post: pille-riin.meerits@teaduspark.ee
Tel. +3725088310
The DeepTech Startup Network is designed to bring together and strengthen existing initiatives through which the state invests over €12 million into deep tech to support the growth of science-based companies. Its goal is to connect researchers and entrepreneurs, accelerate the transition of research-based solutions into business, grow 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.
