-
Faculty of Arts and HumanitiesJakobi 2, r 116-121, 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTJakobi 2, 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTJakobi 2, IV korrus, 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTJakobi 2, III korrus, ruumid 302-337, 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTÜlikooli 16, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTÜlikooli 18, 50090 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTLossi 3, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTPosti 1, 71004 Viljandi linn, Viljandimaa ESTJakobi 2, 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTJakobi 2, 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTFaculty of Social SciencesLossi 36, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTJakobi 5, 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTLossi 36, ruum 301, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTNarva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTNäituse 2, 50409 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTNäituse 20 - 118, 50409 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTLossi 36, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTRaekoja plats 2, 20307 Narva linn, Ida-Virumaa ESTRingi 35, 80012 Pärnu linn, Pärnu linn, Pärnumaa ESTLossi 36, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTLossi 36, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTFaculty of MedicineRavila 19, 50411 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTBiomeedikum, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTNooruse 1, 50411 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTL. Puusepa 1a, 50406 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTL. Puusepa 8, 50406 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTRavila 19, 50411 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTUjula 4, 51008 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTRavila, 50411 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTRavila 19, 50411 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTFaculty of Science and TechnologyVanemuise 46 - 208, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTNarva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTRavila 14a, 50411 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTNarva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTRiia 23, 23b - 134, 51010 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTObservatooriumi 1, 61602 Tõravere alevik, Nõo vald, Tartumaa ESTNooruse 1, 50411 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTJ. Liivi tn 2, 50409 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTRiia 23b/2, 51010 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTVanemuise 46, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTVanemuise 46, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTArea of RectorÜlikooli 18, 50090 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTArea of Vice Rector for Academic AffairsUppsala 10, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTÜlikooli 18b, 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTÜlikooli 18a (III korrus), 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTArea of Vice Rector for ResearchW. Struve 1, 50091 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTArea of Director of AdministrationUppsala 10, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTÜlikooli 18, ruumid 102, 104, 209, 210, 50090 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTÜlikooli 18A (III korrus), 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTArea of Head of FinanceÜlikooli 17, 51005 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTArea of Vice Rector for DevelopmentLossi 25, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTVanemuise 46, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTNarva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa ESTArea of Academic SecretaryUppsala 6, Lossi 36, 51003 Tartu linn, Tartu linn, Tartumaa EST
University of Tartu brings research-based future solutions to Startup Day
From 28 to 30 January 2026, the 10th international business festival Startup Day takes place at the Estonian National Museum in Tartu. The University of Tartu will be present with a diverse and engaging programme.
The University of Tartu will be represented at Startup Day in the demo area, seminars and discussions. One of the keynote speakers of the 10th festival is Glen Kelp, representative of GaltTec OÜ, a spin-off company of the University of Tartu, who will share his journey from researcher to deep-tech entrepreneur.
Seminars
On 29 January at 13:00, Anu Puulmann, specialist in development projects and the field of creative entrepreneurship at Viljandi Culture Academy, will lead the seminar “Innovation playground: exploring creative mentorship”. The seminar focuses on the role of creative mentorship as a driver of innovation and offers participants practical tools, including creative problem-solving exercises and quick feedback methods that can be applied in developing business ideas.
Later the same day, at 14:00, the cybersecurity workshop “We’ll deal with cybersecurity later – strategy or a ticking time bomb?” will take place. Led by Mari Seeba, author of a security level assessment tool developed during doctoral studies at the University of Tartu, participants can assess their company’s security and understand the risks of postponing cybersecurity measures. Mari Seeba is a leading cybersecurity expert at the Estonian Information System Authority with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and information security audits.
Neil Thomas’ seminar “The Bio‑Entrepreneur’s Roadmap: Founding, Building, and Partnering in Deep Tech” will take place on 30 January at 12:00. Thomas is an experienced expert in IP and licensing who helps research‑based ideas develop into companies ready for investment and collaboration. The seminar will address securing technology rights, patenting risks, and the strategic partnership journey from the laboratory to a global licensing or sales deal.
Main programme
On 29 January from 12:15 to 12:40, Glen Kelp, representative of GaltTec OÜ, a University of Tartu spin-off company, will take the main stage with the talk “The necessary madness: Leaving academia for the trenches of deep tech”. He will share his journey from researcher to entrepreneur and the challenges of building a deep-tech company. GaltTec develops lightweight electric power sources for drones in Tartu using innovative fuel cell technology and is the first Estonian company to have completed the NATO DIANA programme.
On 30 January from 13:40 to 14:25, the panel discussion “The creative scientist: Why the future of deep tech depends on imagination” will explore the role of creativity and imagination in the development of deep technologies. The discussion will feature Tõnu Esko, Vice Rector for Development at the University of Tartu; Meelis Kull, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the Institute of Computer Science; and Pille-Riin Lillepalu-Tubli, Coordinator of the Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship at Viljandi Culture Academy. The discussion will be moderated by the Director of EIT Culture & Creativity North Kati Uusi-Rauva.
Pitching competition
As part of Startup Day, a pitching competition will be held, featuring research-intensive companies from the University of Tartu and the best teams from the Delta X programme. On the pitching stage, research-based solutions and business models aimed at market entry will be presented. Detailed information about participants and the schedule will be announced later.
Demo area
At the Startup Day demo area, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the University of Tartu’s research and development projects.
University of Tartu Neuromarketing Lab of the UT School of Economics and Business Administration showcases eye-tracking and emotion measurement technologies that help companies and start-ups better understand why people make certain decisions. This research-based approach makes it possible to assess how customers actually perceive adverts, brands and products, and to develop effective marketing solutions and a more convenient user experience.
Huber Flores’ research group presents a smart ring capable of detecting narcotic substances in drinks. The development has progressed beyond the initial prototype, and the team is actively seeking opportunities to commercialise the idea.
The Psyrreal project, led by Madis Vasser, offers a virtual reality experience that simulates the effects of hallucinogenic substances. The solution aims to support therapy and mental health and proved very popular at the previous Startup Day.
The microbe and material interactions research group led by Professor Angela Ivask presents antimicrobial coatings for use in public spaces. The group has developed technology to create antimicrobial components for coating both hard surfaces and textiles. In addition, a service of testing antimicrobial efficacy is offered to participants.
University of Tartu Institute of Technology showcases a robotic arm that makes coffee. This is a practical and eye-catching example of applying robotics to everyday processes, which has been highly appreciated by audiences in previous years.
SemuBot is a student project aiming to develop Estonia’s first human companion robot, capable of moving, interacting and expressing itself in Estonian. The robot’s applications range from care services (e.g. elderly care, speech therapy for children) to various service and industrial environments, where it can help people.
Tartu Observatory presents Estonia’s first deep-space instrument OPIC, developed as part of the European Space Agency’s Comet Interceptor mission. In addition, the observatory showcases machine-learning-based landscape navigation capability, Estonia’s first lunar rover, and satellites being developed by students that will open the door to a new space age.
The University of Tartu Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation introduces its activities and services and provides a cosy meeting and networking area for visitors interested in entrepreneurship.
Tickets are available at Startup Day webpage.
Read more similar news
