Head of Tehnopol Startup Incubator
Estonia’s startup sector has enjoyed international success over the years, but lately there’s a sense that the ecosystem needs a refresh. Much of the earlier success came from those who dared to take the first step – to venture into the unknown, take risks, and believe in their ideas. Today, we urgently need that same courage again, so the next wave of startup success stories can rise.
Estonia’s startup sector has seen international success over the years, but lately there’s a sense that the ecosystem could use a fresh spark. Much of the earlier success stemmed from individuals who dared to take the first step – to venture into the unknown, take risks, and believe in their ideas. Today, we urgently need that same boldness again to spark the next wave of startup success stories.
The potential is there: according to StartupBlink’s latest index, Estonia still ranks among the world’s top startup nations, holding the 11th position globally.
The startup world has always been exciting, yet full of challenges. Not every idea works right away – and that’s perfectly natural. But if you have an idea, you’ve validated its necessity and – perhaps most importantly – you’re not afraid to fail while testing it, then you’re already on the right track. A thriving ecosystem can be recognized by the fact that entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to say: this solution doesn’t work, let’s try a different approach.
The courage to take the first step
Starting a startup doesn’t necessarily mean you have to quit your main job right away. On the contrary – launching a company often offers the chance to gradually test your idea in the market and assess whether it has the potential to become a viable business.
Working on your startup alongside a full-time job provides a sense of security and stable income, while allowing the company to grow and develop at its own pace. This approach helps reduce risk, maintain motivation, and build a foundation for making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship if needed. Such a major career shift is never taken lightly, but past success stories have shown that the risk can pay off many times over. At the same time, such a transition requires a strong community that encourages not only starting up, but staying the course.
We should see that same kind of courage more among students. University hallways often give birth to ideas that seem too wild at first to ever become real. Yet many of the world’s biggest success stories have started from these “crazy” student ideas. If young people had the right environment and mentors to help them test and develop those ideas, the next international success could be born right here in Estonia.
But if you have an idea, you’ve validated its necessity and – perhaps most importantly – you’re not afraid to fail while testing it, then you’re already on the right track. A thriving ecosystem can be recognized by the fact that entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to say: this solution doesn’t work, let’s try a different approach.
Nanordica Medical is one of the companies that has participated in Tehnopol’s Startup Accelerator. Photo: Nanordica Medical
Calculated risks and ecosystem support
Years ago, artificial intelligence seemed like a distant and complex concept to many. Today, the question is: why aren’t you using AI? The same shift has happened with cybersecurity and defense technologies – they’ve become globally significant fields where solutions are being sought with increasing urgency. That’s exactly why both Europe and Estonia have made deep tech startups and their resilience a key focus. In fact, 63% of startup investments made last year were directed into deep tech.
But in the world of startups, it’s not just about money. Just as important is the feeling that when you take a risk, someone’s there to back you up. That’s where a supportive community and wider ecosystem come in: Estonia offers several accelerator programs that provide support, experience, and mentorship, helping young companies validate and develop their ideas.
The startup world offers great opportunities for those ready to bring their ideas to life. In this environment, courage and initiative are rewarded at every step – whether through new connections, inspiring experiences, or unexpected breakthroughs.
Even a small initiative can grow into something that impacts thousands or even millions of people. That’s why it’s worth taking the first step – not just for the potential success, but because the journey of building and growing a startup broadens your worldview, builds skills, and offers unforgettable experiences.
In entrepreneurship, it’s normal that not everything succeeds. But if we can create an environment where founders feel they’re allowed to try and fail, new success stories will emerge. And Estonia’s startup sector needs those stories now more than ever.
But in the world of startups, it’s not just about money. Just as important is the feeling that when you take a risk, someone’s there to back you up. That’s where a supportive community and wider ecosystem come in: Estonia offers several accelerator programs that provide support, experience, and mentorship, helping young companies validate and develop their ideas.
The Tehnopol Startup Incubator is ready to embark on a winding but incredibly exciting journey with you. Are you ready too? Submit your application today – we’ll get in touch, validate your idea, and you might just be the next startup whose story we share across our channels! Learn more: startupincubator.ee
