Estonian deep-tech startups can now apply for a grant of up to €50,000 to implement their business development projects. The grant call, managed by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), is open from March 17 to April 14, 2025. The goal of the grant is to support the development of high-tech products and services and their expansion into international markets.

Who is eligible for the grant? The grant is available to micro and small enterprises registered in Estonia that have been operating for up to five years. The applicant must be a deep-tech startup working in fields such as advanced materials, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomous vehicles, robotics, photonics, microelectronics, nanotechnology, quantum computing, medical and neurotechnology, or space technology. The company must have at least two full-time employees.

What can the grant be used for? The grant can be used for various activities, including:

• Testing product, service, or technology suitability for international markets and gathering feedback from potential customers.
• Conducting demand validation studies or initial market research among potential clients.
• Test marketing in target markets.
• Developing an internationalization strategy.
• Analyzing international growth financing options.
• Strengthening management and organizational development to support international growth and implementing sustainability principles.
• Searching for international investors.
• Conducting intellectual property rights and patent analysis.
• Ensuring compliance with international regulations for product, service, or technology expansion.

Application requirements and process The maximum grant amount is €50,000, with at least 25% of the total project cost required to be covered by the applicant.