Estonia Injects €17M into AI, Drone, and Cleantech Startups
The Estonian Enterprise and Innovation Foundation is backing 14 domestic companies with state funds as part of a nearly €26 million total investment aimed at accelerating the development of export-oriented products in strategic sectors like robotics and renewable energy.
- —The Estonian Enterprise and Innovation Foundation (EIS) has initiated development projects for 14 Estonian companies through its applied research program, aiming to create globally competitive, high-value products.
- —These projects collectively involve an investment of nearly 26 million euros, with EIS providing 17 million euros in funding.
- —A significant focus of these development projects is on advancing drone technology, alongside initiatives in robotics, energy, and artificial intelligence.
- —One notable recipient is the AI-based startup Better Medicine, which is receiving 1.66 million euros from the Estonian state for its 2.33 million euro development project.
- —Estonian cleantech company Soldera has been awarded 1.6 million euros in non-dilutive funding from the Estonian Enterprise Agency to accelerate the development of its AI-driven infrastructure for managing renewable energy certificates across Europe.
Recap
Estonia's €17 million investment in 14 tech firms is a calculated move to diversify its innovation economy beyond its well-known defense sector. By targeting high-growth areas like AI and cleantech, the government is actively cultivating a new generation of export-focused companies designed to compete globally and build long-term economic resilience. The support for infrastructure platforms like Soldera reveals a sophisticated strategy to capture foundational roles in burgeoning international markets.