On 29 January, the closing event of the EnerHUB Engineering Incubator’s 2025/2026 season took place, where student teams who completed the programme presented their ideas and development work. The DEMO presentations brought together young engineers’ creativity, science-based solutions, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

The full-scale engineering-focused incubation programme for student companies was launched in August 2025 in cooperation with Junior Achievement Estonia, Vivita, and Enefit. The programme aims to support students, teachers, and mentors by inspiring young people to develop engineering-related ideas and businesses under the guidance of practicing engineers.

Strong Participation and Notable Results

According to EnerHUB Programme Manager Maarika Truu, a total of 10 student teams from Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu participated in the programme during the season. Of these, 9 teams successfully completed the programme, and several student companies have received awards and recognition at fairs and competitions.

“Particularly significant is the fact that nearly one third of the participants were girls. Engineering remains a field with a low representation of women, which is why early exposure to engineering and science-based entrepreneurship is critically important,” Truu emphasized.

Science, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship Hand in Hand

Darja Saar, Member of the Management Board of the Tallinn Science and Technology Centre Foundation, highlighted the broader impact of the programme:
“Increasing the share of science-based student companies is extremely important. Bringing together science, engineering, and entrepreneurship supports both the development of our economy and young people’s future career opportunities. I am pleased that, together with our partners, we can contribute to this and support the growth of entrepreneurial engineers.”

Graduates of the 2025/2026 Incubation Programme

Kick&Go – Foldable and portable football goals
School: Mustamäe Upper Secondary School

Chargity – A home EV charger rental platform
School: Tartu Tamme Upper Secondary School

Vifix – A spray that neutralizes blue light emitted from screens
School: Tallinn 21st School

Neutra – Odour-neutralizing sachets for waste bins
School: Tallinn 21st School

Scentura – Wooden aroma bracelets
School: Tallinn Pae Upper Secondary School

WoodCloud – A home NAS solution for creating a personal cloud storage
School: VOCO

Kiryak – An everlasting writing instrument
School: Pärnu Koidula Upper Secondary School

Grippy – An anti-slip spray for indoor sports athletes
School: Pirita Upper Secondary School of Economics

VOOL – A 3D-printed sieve for cleaning food products
School: Lilleküla Upper Secondary School

Looking Ahead

Graduates of the EnerHUB programme were invited to participate in the Estonian Research Council’s national Student Inventors’ Competition. Applications for the next incubation season, 2026/2027, will open in May 2026.

The EnerHUB Engineering Incubator is a collaboration platform for student companies, young science projects, and practicing engineers, aiming to increase the number of science-based entrepreneurial initiatives among young people and to guide them towards careers in engineering. The incubator’s pilot project was launched in 2024 with the incubation of the student company Velogen at the Energy Discovery Centre, followed by the decision to establish a full-scale incubation programme for upper secondary and vocational school students.

Photo credit: Helen Västrik