Overview on Estonia’s DeepTech Sector

ah0807
Jul 15
2 min read

Estonia has long been known for its digital-first mindset, but when it comes to real breakthroughs, it’s the deeptech sector that’s driving momentum.

The Estonian DeepTech Ecosystem Report 2024 shows just how central this space has become. In the past year alone, deeptech startups attracted €206.2 million in investment, accounting for 63% of all startup funding in the country. That number signals strong investor confidence in long-term, high-tech innovation.

Key Growth Areas

Estonia’s deeptech strength spans several sectors, with healthtech (23%), energy (16%), and defence/security (13%) taking the lead. These are fields where impact meets urgency and Estonian startups are delivering meaningful solutions on a global scale.

With 3,395 people employed in deeptech, the sector continues to be a key job creator. However, only 29% of these roles are held by women, a gap that reflects ongoing diversity challenges in the wider tech landscape.

Media attention has followed suit. In 2024, Estonian deeptech companies generated 8.9 million media clicks, placing them firmly in the public conversation and helping to attract interest from global partners and talent.

A Clear Challenge Ahead

Despite the promising growth and attention, one trend stands out as a red flag: the decline in new deeptech startup formation. As the global landscape becomes increasingly competitive, ensuring Estonia maintains its innovative edge will require targeted support, new funding instruments, and ecosystem-wide collaboration.

That’s why this report is more than just a summary of the past year,it’s a call to action. The 2025 DeepTech Action Plan outlines strategies to reinvigorate early-stage development, from founder support to regulatory alignment and new academic-industry partnerships.