AI ACCELERATOR: Pre-application masterclass with mentors
Teisipäev, 20. jaanuar 2026 kell 09:30 - 13:00
Saturn, Teaduspargi 6/1, Tehnopol campus
Applications for the Tehnopol Startup Incubator AI Accelerator open on January 5, and early-stage AI startups and founders are invited to join the AI Accelerator pre-event on January 20.
During the pre-event, participants will receive a clear overview of the application and registration process, the evaluation and selection criteria, and what the accelerator expects from early-stage AI teams. The session is designed to help founders understand whether the program is a good fit and how to prepare a strong application.
You will also hear first-hand experience from Sercan (Sarge) Altundaş, co-founder of Neocortex, who participated in the previous AI Accelerator batch. Neocortex was among the top three teams and received a €10,000 grant. Sercan will share practical insights into what made their application successful and what value the accelerator delivered for their startup.
The program continues with a keynote by Liisi German, focusing on the key challenges early-stage AI startups face.
After the presentations, 30 selected companies will have the opportunity to take part in one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced Estonian AI experts. These personalised sessions are intended to help founders validate their ideas, assess program fit, and evaluate whether their project is feasible within the accelerator timeframe.
Even if you are not selected for 1:1 mentoring, the event still offers strong value through expert insights, peer learning, and the opportunity to connect with the community.
Agenda
09:30–09:45 – Gathering, networking and coffee
09:45–10:05 – Welcome and AI Accelerator overview by Andra Jüristo, AI Accelerator Program Manager, followed by an AI program overview by Rauno Varblas, Head of the AI field
10:05–10:30 – Founder experience from the AI Accelerator, shared by Sercan (Sarge) Altundaş, founder of Neocortex
10:30–11:00 – Challenges in AI startups, presented by Liisi German, Product Manager focusing on AI
11:00–13:00 – One-on-one mentoring sessions and networking
Mentors
Otto Mättas, Early Stage Researcher at TalTech
Tauri Tuubel, CTO at Defendec and Reconeyez
Taavi Tammiste, Head of AI at Defsecintel
Terje Ennomäe, CEO at Feelingstream
Liisi German, Product Manager focusing on AI
The event will be held in English.
Registration
This event is free of charge, but advance registration is required.
When registering, please select your ticket type:
• Regular ticket – participation as a listener
• 1:1 mentoring ticket – participation + 1:1 mentoring
(If you wish to receive mentoring, please register only with the 1:1 mentoring ticket. One ticket per team/company is sufficient, additional team members can register with a regular ticket.)
Space is limited, so make sure to secure your spot today!
Applications for the new AI Accelerator are open til Febraury 1st, more about the accelerator 👉 https://www.startupincubator.ee/en/aiaccelerator/