University of Tartu introduced deep-tech companies and research projects at Startup Day

At the Startup Day business festival held in Tartu from 28 to 30 January, the university’s researchers showcased latest achievements in their research and development work and held discussions about them.

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At the opening of the festival, Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser emphasised the central role of universities in the creation of research-based deep-tech companies. According to him, such companies do not emerge by chance, but from long-term research combined with an entrepreneur’s ambition. “The university’s task is to provide researchers with an environment where they can safely fail a hundred times before achieving success. This is how knowledge becomes solutions, and solutions become businesses,” said Asser.

On the main stage, Glen Kelp, co-founder of GaltTec OÜ – a deeptech spin-off of the University of Tartu – reflected on his journey so far. His team develops and manufactures electric power sources for drones and other mobile devices.

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Kelp emphasised that Europe must take its innovation deprivation more seriously. Having defended his doctoral degree in the United States, he has witnessed the entrepreneurial spirit there firsthand and hopes to see a similar pace of action in Europe, especially considering the current geopolitical context. “To defend what we have, we need to innovate, and at a much faster pace than Europe has done so far,” Kelp said. He encouraged researchers to become entrepreneurs and reminded them that a range of programmes and experienced mentors can support them along the way. In Estonia, for instance, the Tehnopol Science and Business Park and the Tartu Science Park offer valuable opportunities.

The panel discussion “The creative scientist: Why the future of deep tech depends on imagination” explored the role of creativity. The discussion featured University of Tartu Vice Rector for Development Tõnu Esko, Professor of Artificial Intelligence Meelis Kull and Coordinator of the Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship at Viljandi Culture Academy Pille-Riin Lillepalu-Tubli and was moderated by Kati Uusi-Rauva, Director of EIT Culture & Creativity North. The panel concluded that imagination and creative thinking are not soft values butskills that create competitive advantage in deep tech – skills that can be trained and which require conscious, consistent cultivation. Read more on the university website.

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On 17 January, the Delta X businessmodel competition for university, uppersecondary and basicschool students was held at the sports hall of the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The three best finalists were invited to present their ideas at Startup Day’s pitching competition, UniTartu DeltaX Pitch Match.

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The main prize of €500, sponsored by Swedbank, was won by the team Laisk Püks, which is developing handmade underwear designed for people with physical special needs or an active lifestyle. The side fastenings and adjustable sizing help make dressing easier and support hygiene in specific situations.

In addition, three researchintensive companies took part in the pitching competition after completing the University of Tartu Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre’s researchintensive business development programme “From Science to Business!”. Personomist presented an application for indepth, multi-perspective assessment of personality traits; BVfree showcased a diagnostic test that enables precise screening of the vaginal microbiome and antibiotic resistance; and Targeted Cure for HPV introduced an HPV drug candidate designed to inhibit skin HPV infections.

At the demo area, visitors could try out researchbased solutions, such as eyetracking and emotionmeasurement experiments used in neuromarketing, test a smart ring that detects narcotic substances in drinks, experience virtual reality through the Psyrreal programme, examine antimicrobial surface coatings, see cutting-edge space technology, use a coffeemaking robotic arm, and interact with a prototype of the humanoid robot Semubot.

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At the Startup Day, the University of Tartu was also represented in several seminars and discussion panels exploring various perspectives of entrepreneurship driven by creativity, cybersecurity and research. Drawing on the experiences of researchers, entrepreneurs and practitioners, the discussions addressed a range of opportunities and risks, success factors and challenges.

The next Startup Day will take place in Tartu on 27–29 January 2027.