DeepTech Startup Network

A Network for the Creation and Growth of Research-Intensive Companies
 

This initiative is part of the DeepTech Startup Network.
The network was created to consolidate and strengthen existing initiatives through which the state invests over 12 million euros in deep technology to support the growth of science-based startups. 

The goal is to bring together researchers and entrepreneurs to accelerate the transfer of research-based solutions into business, grow strong deep-tech startups, and create high-tech and sustainable jobs. 

Through this public investment, the groundwork is laid for greater private capital involvement in subsequent development stages, thereby strengthening the overall development of Estonia’s DeepTech startup ecosystem. The DeepTech startup network is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.

Why DeepTech Requires a Distinctive Approach

It is precisely in this phase that the greatest gap between science and business has existed to date. Research-intensive ideas are characterized by a long development period, high technological risk, and an unclear commercial outcome, making it difficult for both researchers and entrepreneurs to find suitable support, capital, and the right partners.

The DeepTech startup network solves several systemic problems at once:

• reduces fragmentation of the ecosystem and information loss;
• makes it easier for researchers and entrepreneurs to identify their next steps;
• provides logical and consistent support across different development phases;
• helps share technology risk in the early stages, where the private sector has not yet entered.

The DeepTech Startup Network is being implemented by Sparkup Tartu Science Park, the Tehnopol Science and Business Park, Tallinn University of Technology, the University of Tartu, and the Estonian University of Life Sciences.

This represents a long-term national investment in the development of DeepTech entrepreneurship.

Partners and Collaboration

The functioning of the DeepTech startup network relies on close and consistent collaboration between Estonian universities, science parks, and support organizations. Partners do not operate as separate service providers but as part of a single system, where each party covers a specific development phase and consciously guides companies forward.
 

By 2030:

• over 200 potential deep-tech ideas will be identified;
• 100 teams will be trained and validated;
• 50 research-intensive companies will be supported in reaching the market and growing.

If you have a research-intensive idea, a technology under development, or a question about the right next step, please contact us.