Tartu’s deep tech community is gaining new momentum – Sparkup Incubator is looking for smart and scalable science-based startups ready to turn their ideas into real-world solutions. It is the only incubation program in Estonia specifically designed to support science- and technology-intensive startups. Since 2020, the program has helped create nearly a hundred jobs in Tartu, while teams have raised more than €17 million in capital, confirming the program’s role as a growth engine for Estonia’s deep tech ecosystem.
Sparkup Incubator gives entrepreneurs the courage to aim higher. “We have to think big – in the context of Europe and the world. Everything we do must be designed so it can be scaled,” says program alumnus and WemelWood co-founder Karl Haljasmets.
Among the previous participants are GaltTec, GScan, and KIUD – companies that have grown thanks to early support in developing their business models, product development, and investor readiness.
“With our support, several well-known Tartu deep tech companies such as GaltTec, Gearbox Biosciences, Skycorp, and LightCode Photonics have reached the stage of raising investments. Many long-standing science-based deep tech companies in Tartu have also secured their first funding with our help,” said Pirko Konsa, Member of the Management Board of Tartu Science Park, emphasizing the program’s practical value.
The incubator uses a team-based approach and has a wide network of mentors, helping each team take targeted steps. “I truly enjoy working with early-stage startups that are striving to put scientific ideas into practical use. It makes coming to work every day exciting,” describes program manager Pille-Riin Meerits.
New startups are admitted twice a year – in spring and autumn. Next year, bio- and health technologies will be added as a new focus area. “An estimated 70% of commercializable science is related to this field. That’s why we’ve decided to increase the number of startups admitted from five to seven,” Meerits explains.
The program was launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the City of Tartu, the University of Tartu, and the Estonian University of Life Sciences.
The autumn application round is open until October 5. Apply on the Tartu Science Park website.
