Introduction to Startup Estonia

Startup Estonia is involved in several development programs through which it enhances startup founders’ knowledge and skills, improves access to funding, and addresses legal and regulatory barriers.

Startup Estonia is an essential and highly valued platform for the development of Estonia’s startup ecosystem. Its priority development areas for the 2021–2027 budget period are based on the needs of ecosystem stakeholders, national development priorities and strategies, and global trends in the startup sector. Read more about the Startup Estonia Strategy 2021–2027.

The Startup Estonia directive can be found here.

Startup Estonia’s Areas of Activity

1. Strong Ecosystem

We represent and help develop the local startup community. Estonia has approximately 100 organizations that provide products and services to startups, ranging from seed-stage companies to later-stage growth businesses.

2. Talent

We help ensure that startups have access to talent. To achieve this, we offer skills development and training programs, as well as the Startup Visa program, which helps bring international talent to Estonia.

3. Smart Capital

We support efforts to increase the awareness and capabilities of local investors while attracting foreign investors to Estonia. We also initiate new accelerator funds for early-stage startups.

4. Regulation

We represent the interests of the startup community and work to remove regulatory and legal obstacles. We also promote cooperation between startups and the public sector.

Focus Areas and Pilot Projects

Startup Estonia also collaborates with several focus areas and pilot initiatives.

DeepTech Focus Area

Since 2022, Startup Estonia has focused on DeepTech-related activities and programs aimed at growing and developing Estonia’s deep technology startups. The goal is to build a diverse, resilient, and vibrant community that helps shape the future. Deep technology can play a crucial role in solving complex economic and societal challenges, but achieving meaningful impact is often a long and demanding journey. This presents a challenge for the community: finding ways to improve people’s well-being through science and technology.

Cybersecurity Focus Area

Since 2017, we have been developing Estonia’s cybersecurity startup sector. This includes strengthening the community, supporting the growth of cybersecurity startups, and helping them expand into international markets.

Education Focus Area

At the end of 2018, we began cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Research to create a supportive environment for the emergence and growth of internationally ambitious education technology (EdTech) startups. The Education Focus Area successfully concluded its activities in 2022.

Supporting Business and Startup Incubators in Ida-Viru County Through Startup Ecosystem Development

At the end of 2018, we launched cooperation with the Ministry of Finance to create a functioning startup ecosystem in Ida-Viru County and support local business support structures, helping to establish a favorable growth environment for startups in the region.

Read more: www.startupestonia.ee

The Startup Estonia program is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (Project No. EU50651).