The Estonian University of Life Sciences participates in a €12.6 million deep tech start-up programme

According to Katrin Kepp, Head of the Department of Innovation and Knowledge Transfer at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, deep tech refers to research-intensive and breakthrough technologies that are based on long-term scientific research and laboratory-driven development.

As part of the programme, a new deep tech start-up network will be established, bringing together SPARKUP Tartu Science Park, Tehnopol, the University of Tartu, TalTech, and the Estonian University of Life Sciences. In addition to public funding, the network aims to attract an estimated €38 million in private investment to foster the growth of Estonia’s knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship.

Over the four-year period, the programme is expected to support the launch of 37 knowledge-intensive companies across Estonia, provide more than 10,000 hours of mentoring, carry out pre-incubation for 200 teams, and map 350 potential deep tech ideas.

According to Vice-Rector for Research Kalle Olli, deep tech at the Estonian University of Life Sciences primarily focuses on science-based solutions related to the green transition, circular bioeconomy, food technology, and environmental technologies.
“Our researchers are developing, for example, new bio-based materials, algae- and microbe-based technologies, circular economy solutions for the valorisation of agricultural by-products, smart environmental monitoring technologies, and innovative food technologies. These are the fields where the next generation of companies emerges from science,” Olli explained.

The implementation of the programme at the University of Life Sciences is led by the Department of Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, which involves experts from all institutes to support the development of science-based green technologies, the testing of new bio- and environmental technologies, and the transfer of university research results into business and societal use.

The new programme was announced last week at the sTARTUp Day festival during the event “Thinking in Billions” by Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Erkki Keldo.

The Estonian University of Life Sciences also presented its activities at the sTARTUp Day festival exhibition area. The university’s innovation and knowledge transfer team introduced its research and development services, met with entrepreneurs and investors, and explored opportunities for launching new collaborative projects. The festival also marked the conclusion of a green accelerator programme carried out with the participation of the Estonian University of Life Sciences.