Profile
Who are we?
Tartu Science Park (TTP) was established in 1992 as the first organization of its kind in the Baltic States.
In 1996, the ownership form was changed, and the City and County of Tartu, the University of Tartu, the Estonian University of Life Sciences, and the University of Tartu Institute of Physics founded the Tartu Science Park Foundation, which operates to this day.
A science/technology park is defined as a real estate-based initiative:
- That has close ties with universities, research centers, and other higher education and research institutions;
- That is established to support the creation and growth of knowledge-intensive or value-adding companies;
- Whose goal is to promote technology transfer, i.e., the application of scientific results in business.
Science parks became more widespread around the world in the 1980s. The concept of a science park involves a collection of (high) technology firms that are spatially connected, often located on or near a university campus. The know-how circulating within this cluster acts as a growth impulse and creates added value. For instance, well-known companies like Nokia and HP emerged from science parks. Similarly, the Cambridge Science Park has seen numerous small companies spring up based on the university’s intellectual potential, driving local economic growth.
What make us stand out?
The science park creates an environment that encourages innovation, knowledge, and technology transfer to support entrepreneurs in implementing new insights and technologies.
The statutory goals of the science park are as follows:
- Developing a business environment in Tartu that fosters innovation and knowledge and technology transfer – a science park.
- Supporting new technology-based companies in developing innovative products and services.
- Providing services and organizing training aimed at increasing the international competitiveness of South Estonia.
- Creating an attractive business environment for companies through real estate development.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SERVICES
Within the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Center AIRE, we provide consulting services for manufacturing and industrial companies.
We typically encounter two types of companies: those who have heard of AI but do not know how their company could benefit from it, and those who see that AI could be applied and beneficial but do not know where to start and what to do.
Consulting on the feasibility of artificial intelligence provides knowledge on whether and where AI can be used within the company. If we find potential areas, we assist in devising a plan and project for how to start, what data needs to be collected, etc.
In summary, we help understand whether and how to adopt artificial intelligence.
ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTING ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY CONDITIONS
Tartu Science Park experts visit companies to conduct a questionnaire aimed at assessing the circular economy situation. The result is a report indicating the company’s level of circularity.
The report provides a general score of the circular economy level along with specific points indicating areas of strength and improvement. Based on the results, experts advise on how companies can better implement circular economy solutions.
The next step for companies is to participate in a free training program and/or apply for financial support to implement circular economy-related solutions.
This service for companies is funded through the Up2Circ project.
Scaleup Launchpad
Scaleup Launchpad is a cross-border growth programme for matured startups ready to take the next step with scaling their business.
The programme takes about 10 months where we give you plenty of time to build your business because that is the priority. The Scaleup Launchpad is there to concrete support your growth providing you business opportunities, expertise, connections and networking. The programme is designed together with Tampere, Tartu and Norrköping to bring the opportunities that these regions can offer easily available for you.
DRONE LIVING LAB
We are participating in the community work of ZeroEST to create an innovation environment for unmanned aviation in Tartu, aimed at airspace users, service developers, industrial companies, and research institutions.
This initiative creates conditions for the development of innovative aviation concepts and safety standards, as well as facilitates the safe testing of automated aviation systems.
We are creating a sustainable development environment for the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicle systems and services in the region. Future services may include, for example, first aid and medical services, critical infrastructure monitoring, providing access to hard-to-reach areas, “last-mile” package delivery, etc.
Partners in the drone field include the City of Tartu, Tartu Science Park, Tartu County Municipalities Association, the Estonian Transport Administration, and the Estonian Aviation Academy.
ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) provides advice and information on how to grow: market intelligence, EU and national regulations, support measures. It supports the creation of new business contacts, business contact information, technology transfer, and matchmaking events. Best practices include innovation audits, sustainability audits, and digital readiness audits.
- International B2B matchmaking – find distributors, technology development partners, technology implementers, or investors
- Networking events and training
