On 1 April 2026, TRINITI hosted a deep-tech focused pitch event together with EstBAN (Estonian Business Angels Network), bringing investors, ecosystem players and startups together to explore how to invest in science-based university spin-offs.
The panel discussion focused on the legal, structural and practical realities of backing research-driven companies and founders. The discussion featured Valter Võhma, Associate Partner at TRINITI, Kadri Sundja from UniTartu Ventures, and Pirko Konsa from Tartu Science Park, and was moderated by Karin Oras, Associate Partner at TRINITI.
“A defining challenge in university spin-offs is translating publicly funded research into scalable ventures, supported by clear and robust IP frameworks that protect public value while enabling the spin-off to fundraise and commercialize. We are very happy to see that Estonian universities are fully engaged in enabling this and hopefully we can see many successful Estonian university spin-offs reach global success in the very near future.” said Valter Võhma.
The speakers highlighted the importance of strong IP structures, the national expectations surrounding support for deep tech startups, and the current landscape for deep tech and university spin-off companies.
Following the panel, we heard pitches from three deep tech startups:
• CogniFlow – a TalTech spin-off developing advanced microfluidics-based diagnostic solutions for the analysis of cells, bacteria, and other microparticles. See the pitch video.
• Urban Farm – an Estonian agritech company focused on vertical farming and smart greenhouse solutions to grow fresh, sustainable produce in urban environments. See the pitch video.
• Cornea Sense – a health tech startup developing innovative diagnostic technology to support the detection and monitoring of eye and metabolic diseases. See the pitch video.
Thank you to our speakers, founders and investors for an insightful evening dedicated to long-term, science-based innovation.
