Tehnopol DeepTech Accelerator 2027 cohort

The Tehnopol DeepTech Accelerator is an 18 month programme for science based startups in Estonia. It is run by Tehnopol with Sparkup Tartu Science Park and funded through the Estonian DeepTech Startup Network.

Companies can receive up to €170,000 in equity free grants, paid in three phases of six months each: €30,000 for team and problem solution fit, €40,000 for the MVP and customer validation, and up to €100,000 for scaling and going abroad, with 25% self financing in the last phase. Each team also gets up to 180 hours of mentoring, training for deep tech companies, access to investors and a desk in Tehnopol's open office.

The company must be registered in Estonia by the start and have a strong link to an Estonian university or research institution, for example a team member employed there. It needs clear IP rights, a shareholders' agreement and a technology at TRL 2 to 3 or higher. Companies that already received ÄRGAS or RUP grants or went through a similar accelerator cannot apply; Health Founders Estonia and Prototron alumni are allowed.

Applicants assess themselves with the KTH Innovation Readiness Level model and attach the assessment to the Dealum application. The call is open from October 1 to November 8, 2026. Selected companies pitch to a panel in Tartu on December 4, and the programme starts on January 18, 2027.

The organizers look for a clear science based focus, a working team, early technology capability, clear IP and the ambition to build the company in Estonia.

Quick answers

Can a company with earlier private funding apply?

Yes. Money from friends and family, early angel investment and prize money are allowed.

Can founders living abroad apply?

Estonians abroad must commit to moving back. Foreign applicants are judged case by case.