Frequently Asked Questions

As part of the Estonian public sector, our ultimate goal is to position Estonia as a testing ground for innovative technologies, leading to economic growth for the country. We are looking for entrepreneurs who can transform challenges into new market opportunities, ultimately generating economic benefits for Estonia.

Accelerate Estonia projects are experimental collaboration projects between businesses and the Estonian public sector. Accelerate Estonia does not offer mentorship or product development support to companies. Instead, unlike business accelerators and incubators, we provide assistance in removing regulatory barriers.

No, participation in the program is completely free of charge.

Why is the program free? As a national innovation lab, our broader goal is to stimulate economic growth by creating new market opportunities. By supporting innovation, we bring economic benefits to all of Estonia.

As part of the programme, we conduct activities such as pilots and impact analyses, in collaboration with the participating companies. If possible, we assist in securing the necessary resources to bring these initiatives to life.

No, companies are not required to physically relocate to Estonia for the program. However, to initiate necessary activities for program participation, such as impact analyses or pilot projects, participating companies must establish a legal entity in Estonia. Our partner, e-Residency, is fully prepared to assist companies with the registration process.

A regulatory barrier can take many forms. 

It could be specific legislation that blocks a new solution from entering the market. In other cases, a solution might be legally permitted but is held back by complex or excessive bureaucracy. Additionally, regulatory barriers may arise from a lack of legal clarity or the absence of relevant regulation, preventing innovative solutions from being introduced.

It’s important to understand that the Accelerate Estonia program does not aim to create new market restrictions. Our goal is not to impose limiting regulations or foster monopolistic market conditions. Instead, our focus is on opening markets, not restricting them.

We are also not looking for projects that solely center on government-private sector collaboration or solutions that seek clients in the public sector (B2G business model). However, we welcome companies with B2C or B2B business models whose solutions are currently hindered by specific regulatory barriers.

When we identify a specific regulatory barrier together with the participating company, we determine which legal acts need to be amended and how the proposed changes can be achieved.

However, for the state to amend a law or process, concrete data is needed to demonstrate the economic impacts of removing the legislative barrier on the market, stakeholders, and the country as a whole.

To this end, AE, in collaboration with the participating company, conducts an impact analysis, pilot project, or another developmental activity. The outcome of the program may be a legislative amendment, a process reorganization, or another change within the public sector.

Accelerate Estonia addresses regulatory barriers in the private sector, rather than responding to public sector demands, unlike GovTech programs. The program aims to foster private sector innovation by creating scalable solutions that tackle global challenges and offer economic opportunities for Estonia.

Yes, we are part of the Estonian public sector. Accelerate Estonia operates under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.