UniTartu Ventures

UniTartu Ventures - from university research to global market breakthroughs

We team up with early-stage deep tech investors and the University of Tartu-linked researchers, startups and spin-offs

Simplifying the path from research to market

UniTartu Ventures offers a clear roadmap for turning university research into successful businesses:

- Mentorship for business growth and teamwork.

- Creating strategies to protect and use your intellectual property effectively.

- Getting your startup investment-ready.

- Bringing in co-investors committed to long-term success.

We invest in university research with an 'IP-for-equity' model, ensuring that groundbreaking ideas have the backing they need.

In collaboration with the University of Tartu's Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, we're not just investors but partners for sustainable growth. We look for co-investors who match our commitment, paving the way for financial support now and in the future.

Founders

We invest in companies founded by faculty, researchers, and graduate students. We are looking for a solid team with the ambition to grow and scale. UniTartu Ventures is focusing on early-stage start-ups.

Deep tech Focus

Life sciences, processing & computing, food & agriTech, energy & cleanTech, infrastructure.

Ambitious uniqueness

Intellectual knowledge-based uniqueness with a global market potential.

Highlighted Teams

Gearbox Biosciences

Develops a new type of production strains for industrial recombinant protein production.

https://gearbox.bio/

Up Catalyst

Focuses on turning the harmful greenhouse gas CO2 into valuable carbon nanomaterials and graphite.

https://upcatalyst.com/

Vectiopep

Masters tissue-specific RNA delivery for efficient cancer immunotherapy.

https://vectiopep.eu/

EsaDres

Is a research-based health-tech company designing and developing personalised wound care products.

https://www.esadres.com/

Silklytics

Develops low-cost chemical tests to help simplify analysis with microfluidics technologies.

GaltTec

Aims to utilise knowledge gained through scientific research to develop hands down the best microtubular solid oxide fuel cells.

https://www.galttec.com/

“In ten years, Estonia has achieved an excellent position in developing startups in IT. Now we are aiming to upscale the creation of innovative international companies based on research done also in other fields. The timing is right and the expert knowledge of the researchers of the University of Tartu is the best intellectual capital for investing.”

- Heidi Kakko, Chair of Board, UniTartu Ventures