Wrapping up: From One Accelerator to Five Startup Successes
June 2025 marked the end of our very first GreenTech Accelerator (Rohekiirendi). Throughout the programme, we collaborated with more than 20 teams, supportive partners, and several local municipalities who stepped up to share their real-life challenges and test bold new ideas. The journey led to many achievements: GreenDice expanded its focus to schools, ILUS piloted bikes in Tartu and Soldera secured a EUR 2.5 million investment. In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes to explore some of the success stories and the lessons we’ll carry forward.
Every accelerator has its standout moments, and Rohekiirendi was no exception. Here are some of the highlights that made us proud:
- Strong teams, lasting connections. The five teams selected for the main programme brought energy and motivation from day one. They not only grew individually but also built bonds with each other.
- Pilots in municipalities. GreenDice and ILUS Bike stood out with successful pilots, working closely with municipalities during the programme and continuing to collaborate with several of them afterward.
- Sharpened pitching skills. By the time Latitude59 2025 rolled around, the transformation was clear: the startups’ pitches were sharper, more confident and far more compelling than at the start programme.
- Fundraising progress. One of our stars, Soldera, secured private funding of EUR 2.5 million. Several other teams came very close – proof that the programme helped move them closer to investment readiness.
The impact wasn’t only felt among startups. The accelerator also deepened cooperation between partners. The collaboration between BIA and Teaduspark worked so well that we have decided to keep the accelerator format alive and we’re already preparing the next chapter together. Notably, the people made the journey special. Working with such motivated teams was a pleasure in itself – and seeing many of them continue to join forces in new projects today is perhaps the biggest success of all.
Running the first GreenTech Accelerator gave us also valuable insights into what makes an accelerator truly work. Here are the takeaways we’ll carry forward:
- Commitment matters. With a small group, every absence was noticeable. Making participation in trainings and events mandatory ensures momentum and helps teams get the full benefit of the programme.
- Balance the rhythm. Too much activity at once can overwhelm; too little can slow progress. A steady rhythm of monthly workshops, regular mentoring and joint collaboration days keep energy high throughout the programme
- Celebrate the finish. A softer closing, with space for reflection and a final joint event, gives teams a sense of achievement and strengthens long-term bonds.
- Engage stakeholders early. Municipalities were eager but often constrained by budgets and staff. Involving them earlier in recruitment and co-designing pilots can unlock stronger engagement.
The first GreenTech Accelerator was a learning journey as much as it was a success story. Many of the takeaways have already been put into practice in other accelerator programmes we’re running. Each round makes us better at creating environments where teams can grow, connect and take bold steps forward. A big thank you goes to our partners, Sparkup Tartu Science Park and Tehnopol Science and Business Park, whose support and collaboration made this first edition possible. We’re excited to carry these lessons forward and continue building stronger accelerators together – breakthrough begins with collaboration!
This accelerator was funded by the Environmental Investment Center and the Ministry of Climate of Estonia.
