AI ACCELERATOR: Pre-application masterclass with mentors
Monday 7. September at 12:00 - 16:30
Saturn, Teaduspargi 6/1, Tehnopol campus
Applications for the Tehnopol AI Accelerator open on 24 August, and early-stage AI startups and founders are invited to join the AI Accelerator pre-application masterclass on 7 September.
During the 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 programme is a good fit and how to prepare a strong application.
You will also hear first-hand experience from Paul Sokk, founder of PocoBit, who participated in AI Accelerator Batch 5. PocoBit was among the top three teams and received a €10,000 development grant. Paul will share practical insights into what made their application successful and what value the accelerator delivered for their startup.
The programme continues with a keynote, “What Makes an AI-First Startup Investable in 2026?”, with the speaker to be announced.
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 programme 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 valuable expert insights, peer learning and an opportunity to connect with the AI community.
Agenda
12:00–12:30 Gathering, networking and coffee
12:30–12:50 Welcome and AI Accelerator overview by Andra Jüristo, AI Accelerator Programme Manager, followed by Rauno Varblas, Head of AI at Tehnopol, who will introduce AI growth advisory opportunities supported by leading international AI experts and ongoing international AI-focused projects open to Estonian companies.
12:50–13:15 Founder experience from the AI Accelerator, shared by Paul Sokk, founder of PocoBit
13:15–13:45 TBC keynote: What Makes an AI-First Startup Investable in 2026?
13:45–14:00 Short break
14:00–16:30 One-on-one mentoring sessions and networking
Mentors
Tauri Tuubel, Vice President of Research & Development at Reconeyez
Märt Ridala, CEO at DataSky
Taavi Tammiste, Head of AI at DefSecIntel
Terje Ennomäe, CEO at Feelingstream
Sercan Altundas, CEO at Neocortex
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, and additional team members can register with a regular ticket.
Space is limited, so make sure to secure your spot.
Applications for the new AI Accelerator are open until 25 September. More about the accelerator 👉 https://www.tehnopol.ee/en/accelerator/the-ai-accelerator/
The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the agenda as the event approaches.