Tiivik
Join the University of Tartu program for the development of research-driven business ideas TIIVIK
TIIVIK is designed for researchers and students who wish to develop research-intensive business ideas, build strong entrepreneurial teams and promote innovation, science-based entrepreneurship and the practical application of scientific results in society.
TIIVIK Program for Students
The TIIVIK program is highly practical—it gives students the opportunity to address real-world problems and implement tangible solutions, all in collaboration with University of Tartu researchers. It is aimed at enterprising students, offering them the chance to develop research-intensive business ideas originating from the university and gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience. The program includes a range of activities—workshops, mentoring, and networking events—to support students on their entrepreneurial journey. After completing the necessary training, students can tackle the day-to-day challenges of UT research teams, helping a science-based project reach its next logical development stage and accelerate its path to market.
Within the program, participants:
- Attend [hybrid] seminars to learn the fundamentals of developing and managing a research-intensive enterprise.
- Gain practical experience in a multidisciplinary team, tackling challenges that arise in creating and launching a science-based company.
- Network with researchers and other forward-thinking students interested in technology transfer and research-driven entrepreneurship.
- Earn 6 ECTS credits by creating tangible value and helping a research team reach the next phase of development.
- Conclude the program with a dynamic sprint focused on developing bold business ideas.
- Receive support and guidance from mentors participating in the program.
In summary, the TIIVIK program enables students and researchers to work closely together to develop innovative ideas and bring them to market. This synergy helps create knowledge-based solutions that deliver significant practical value to the participants and to society as a whole.
TIIVIK Program for Researchers
The TIIVIK program offers researchers the opportunity to explore the commercial potential of their scientific work and gain the knowledge and skills needed to start and grow a business. As part of the program, participants:
- Take part in hybrid seminars and expert meetings to acquire practical entrepreneurial know-how.
- Receive comprehensive support in business development, team building, and bringing a product or service to market.
- Become familiar with opportunities for establishing a research-intensive company.
- Develop alternative commercialization strategies, such as creating a spin-off company or licensing research results.
The TIIVIK program is ideal for those who wish to take their research a step further with the support of experts in their field.
Stage 1: February 19 – April 30, 2025
Inspirational hybrid-format seminars tailored to two groups:
- Researchers participate in a business development program “From Science to Business!” focused on commercialization opportunities for specific scientific results.
- Entrepreneurial students gain knowledge and skills to become active members in science-driven start-up teams, taking the lead in business strategy creation and development.
Stage 2: May 1 – June 30, 2025
Team formation, strategy development, mentoring sessions, and workshops:
- Teams composed of researchers and students, formed during the pre-training phase, work together with mentors and business experts to develop a science-based product or service.
- The program accelerates the market entry process by guiding participants in creating a detailed business strategy and an action plan for future activities.
Why join the program TIIVIK?
- Support for developing research-based entrepreneurship: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the commercialization potential of scientific results and acquire practical skills to develop and bring a product or service to the market.
- Experts and mentors: Collaborate with experienced industry professionals and international consultants from the MIMIR Fellows program to shape a clear and actionable business strategy.
- Networking and connections: Engage with investors, science parks and business advisors and establish valuable contacts during the final presentation day of the program.
- Collaborators and team building: Form strong research-student teams equipped with the skills to advance science-driven entrepreneurship.
- Internationally recognized tools: Learn to use the KTH Innovation Readiness Level™ model to evaluate innovation readiness, set action plans and sustainably develop your idea across six key areas.
How to join?
For researchers:
Complete the registration form, including an evaluation of your project's technological readiness level. Demonstrate readiness to build a team to bring the business idea to life. Join Here!
For students:
Apply with a motivation letter highlighting your strengths, skills and experience. Join Here!
Application deadline: researchers until February 2, 2025 (inclusive), final student openings available!
Results Announcement by February 12, 2025
From Science to Business seminars
| For researchers | For students | |
| 19.02 | Joint Kick-Off Event | |
| 26.02 | Product & Service design/ Markko Karu | Idea and Idea Evaluation / Siim Läänelaid |
| 05.03 | Market Development / Andres Kuusik | Market and Market Development |
| 12.03 | Intellectual Property / Relika Alliksaar Williams | Intellectual Property / Aleksei Kelli |
| 19.03 | Teamwork & organization development / Veiko Valkiainen | |
| 26.03 | Business Law & Founders’ Agreements Alex Luik Hedman Legal/ KTH IRLmethod introduction | |
| 02.04 | Elevator Pitch ABC / Maret Ahonen | Elevator Pitch ABC |
| 09.04 | Elevator Pitch practice | Investment & Venture Capital |
Workshops
| 25.04 | Demo day & researcher-student team formation |
| 07.05 | 1st workshop |
| 14.05 | 2nd workshop |
| 21.05 | 3rd workshop |
| 28.05 | 4th workshop |
| 11-12.06 | 2-day business idea sprint & demo presentations |
The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the schedule.
Are you ready to take your scientific idea to the next level? Join now and be part of shaping the future of entrepreneurship!
Researcher, give your scientific idea the chance to become a practical solution! Help shape the research-driven entrepreneurial landscape in Estonia and join HERE!
Student, are you curious and seeking practical entrepreneurial experience along with the opportunity to learn how to launch and grow a science-based start-up? Help shape a research-driven future and join HERE!
Application deadline: researchers until February 2, 2025 (inclusive), final student openings available!
For researchers:
Triinu Lööve - triinu.loove@ut.ee
For students:
Mervi Raudsaar - mervi.raudsaar@ut.ee
The TIIVIK development program is funded by the European Union's Structural Funds through the public procurement HNR230095 "Development of Estonia's Start-up Ecosystem and Development Programs for Start-up Entrepreneurs 2024."
