University of Tartu

The University of Tartu is Estonia's leading center for research and education. While its primary role is that of an academic institution, it is also an active participant in the regional innovation ecosystem. The university fosters entrepreneurship through its Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a spin-off program, and by providing grants via a Proof of Concept fund. In late 2020, the university established a dedicated investment company, UniTartu Ventures OÜ, to act as its venture capital arm. UniTartu Ventures invests university-owned intellectual property in exchange for equity in early-stage, research-intensive deep tech companies and spin-offs. It focuses on sectors including life sciences, cleantech, and IT.