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Startup Estonia

Focus areas

Startup Estonia has three focus areas 

in our activities

As Startup Estonia is a governmental initiative we work closely together with the different Estonian ministries and stakeholders with the aim of connecting different sectors with the startup community. Together, we have chosen 3 mutual focus areas, meaning systematic and specialised support for sectors with long-term benefits and high potential.

Our current Focus areas are: CyberTech, DeepTech, and Ida-Viru region.

Three startup support organisations have begun as a part of Startup Estonia, but have later developed into independent entities.

  • During 2014-2016 Startup Estonia had a 2-year pilot programme cooperation with the Estonian Ministry of Environment for cleantech focus. Since 2017, cleantech focused initiatives were taken over by Cleantech Estonia, an Estonian non-profit supporting and funding early stage green technology startups, advancing environmental education and energy experts.
  • In 2019, Startup Estonia also helped jumpstart Accelerate Estonia, a government innovation lab for turning complex problems into new economic competitive edges. After a 6-month exploration and kick-off phase, during which the first batch of teams was admitted to the Accelerate Estonia programme, the project became independent of Startup Estonia, but has remained in close collaboration.
  • Starting from 2019, Startup Estonia took more focus on education. It was important to offer opportunities to engage in innovation already in general education in order to promote the mindset of start-up entrepreneurship, which is why the focus of educational technology was initiated. The main objective was to create a programme that supports the emergence of new EdTech companies and thereby creates access to education for every learner. From 2022, EdTech Estonia will be responsible for the development of the education ecosystem.