AI Arenguprogramm:

AI TOOTEPÕHISTE ETTEVÕTETE TEKITAMISE NING RAHVUSVAHELISELE KASVULE VIIMISE PROGRAMMI PAKKUMUS 2025–2027 SA Tallinna Teaduspark Tehnopol (Tehnopol) teeb ettepaneku Eesti AI tootepõhiste ettevõtete esile kutsumise ja rahvusvahelisele kasvule viimise programmi (edaspidi AI programmi) elluviimiseks 2025–2027 aastal. Programmi eesmärk on tuua turule uusi ettevõtteid, mis arendavad unikaalset AI toodet või teenust, pakkuda ettevõtetele rahvusvahelist kompetentsi ja tuge välisturgudele laienemiseks, kapitali kaasamiseks ning leida Euroopa-üleseid koostööprojekte ning rahastusvõimalusi, et tagada selliste ettevõtete kiire areng. AI programm aitab kaasa Eesti strateegilisele eesmärgile jõuda 2030. aastaks 500 süvatehnoloogilise (deep-tech) ettevõtteni ökosüsteemis ja tagada tehisintellektil põhinevate lahenduste laiaulatuslik rakendamine nii era- kui avalikus sektoris. AI programmi koostamisel lähtutakse Tehnopoli kogemusest AI arenguprogrammi ellu viimisel aastatel 2022–2024. AI PROGRAMMI EESMÄRGID 1. AI tootepõhiste iduettevõtete tekkele kaasa aitamine ja turule toomine AI kiirendiprogrammiga Programmi esimeseks eesmärgiks on luua uusi AI-tehnoloogiaid arendavaid idu- ning hargettevõtteid (spin-off) ning toetada nende abil uute tehisintellektipõhiste toodete ja teenuste turule toomist. AI kiirendiprogrammiga pakutakse uutele, varajase faasi, AI iduettevõtetele abi toote- ja äriarenduses ning leitakse esmased kliendid või turul testimise võimalused. AI programmi perioodil tuuakse turule 32 AI tootepõhist iduettevõtet, kes saavutavad oma esimese käibe ja selle kasvu, mis kajastub ettevõtte kiirendi lõpetamise hetkele järgneva majandusaasta aruandes. 2. AI tehnoloogiatel põhinevate kasvuettevõtete toetamine nende rahvusvahelistel turgudel laienemisel ja kapitali kaasamisel läbi rahvusvaheliselt kõrgelt hinnatud 10 mentori kompetentsi ja partnerlussuhete Programmi teiseks eesmärgiks on koondada 10 rahvusvahelistest mentoritest koosnev AI tippekspertiis ja luua koostöövõrgustikud Eestis tegutsevate või rahvusvaheliste partneritega, tagamaks AI tehnoloogiatel põhinevate ettevõtete jõudmine (välis)turgudele ja täiendava rahastuseni. Eesmärgi saavutamiseks luuakse võrgustik AI tippekspertidest, keda kaasatakse üks-ühele nõustamiseks AI tootepõhiste ettevõtete kasvuambitsioonide saavutamisel. Lisaks sellele kasutab Tehnopol täna toimivaid koostöövõrgustikke (EIS, EDIH AIRE, TalTech, Tartu Ülikool) ning liitub uute rahvusvaheliste võrgustikega, et leida ettevõtetele paremaid võimalusi rahvusvahelistele turgudele sisenemisel. Tegevuse elluviimiseks kasutab Tehnopol AI programmi rahastust 2025. aastal, sellest järgnevatel aastatel rakendatakse eesmärgi saavutamiseks teisi projekte ja rahastusallikaid, mille ettevalmistused kestavad 2025. aastal. AI programmi rakendamise esimese aasta ehk 2025. a tegevuste järgselt jõuab 3 AI tootepõhist ettevõtet välisturule (hiljemalt programmi lõpus aastal 2027). Lisaks kasvab tippekspertide abil programmis osalenud ettevõtete uutest arendatud toodetest ekspordikäive vähemalt 9 miljonit eurot ja kaasatakse 3 miljonit eurot kapitali rahvusvahelistest era- või avalikest fondidest, millest vähemalt 2 miljonit eurot on erakapital. 3. Euroopa-üleste projektide ja avalike rahastusvõimaluste leidmine, AI tootepõhiste ettevõtete kiire tootearenduse, turule jõudmise või kapitali kaasamise toetamiseks 1 Programmi kolmandaks eesmärgiks on leida Euroopa-üleseid projekte ja rahastusvõimalusi, mis aitavad AI tootepõhistel ettevõtetel lihtsamini ja kuluefektiivsemalt jõuda uutele eksportturgudele, teostada keerulisi tootearendustegevusi, käivitada klientidega pilootprojekte ning kaasata kasvuks avalikku- või erakapitali. AI programmi perioodil on eesmärgiks algatada 5 rahvusvahelist projekti (sh. näiteks INTERREG, Horisont, I3 jt. meetmetes), mis toovad täiendavalt 2-3 miljonit eurot rahastust Eesti AI tootepõhiste ettevõtete toetamiseks ning millest saavad osa vähemalt 500 Eesti ettevõtet. EESMÄRKIDE SAAVUTAMISEKS ELLUVIIDAVAD TEGEVUSED AI programmi kolm eesmärki saavutatakse läbi järgmiste tegevuste. 1. AI tootepõhiste iduettevõtete kiirendiprogramm Uute AI tehnoloogiaid arendavate iduettevõtete tekkeks on Tehnopol disaininud 6-kuulise AI vertikaalile mõeldud kiirendiprogrammi, kasutades kogemusi AI arenguprogrammi eelmisest perioodist. Programm koosneb kvaliteetsetest sihtrühmale vastavatele ja inspireerivatest ideepäevadest, praktilisest koolitussarjast, mida viiakse ellu koos AI valdkonna ekspertidega, regulaarkohtumistest võtmementoriga, ekspertmentorite kaasamisest, kohortidele mõeldud demopäevadest ja valdkondlikest üritustest. Kogu programmi vältel tegeletakse ka aktiivselt AI põhiste rahvusvaheliste tippekspertide värbamisega mentorbaasi (vt ka p 2 tegevusi). AI valdkonna rahvusvaheline tippekspert on spetsialist, kellel on AI arendustes tehniline taust ning kes omab teadmisi ja kogemust AI põhise toote või teenusega müügist rahvusvahelistel turgudel, omab laiaulatuslikku globaalset ärikontaktide võrgustikku ja suudab tuua Eesti iduettevõtteid kokku oluliste investorite, organisatsioonide ja võtmeisikutega, et toetada nende rahvusvahelist kasvu ja innovatsiooni arengut. AI kiirendiprogrammi sihtrühmaks on varajases faasis AI tehnoloogiaid arendavad iduettevõtted või hargettevõtted (spin-off), kes vajavad oma toote või teenuse kiiremaks turule toomiseks ja turutõrke ületamiseks kiirendiprogrammi ekspertmentorite tuge ja koolitusi. Samuti on sihtrühmaks ka varasemalt AI programmis osalenud AI tehnoloogiatega töötavad tudengid, teadlased ja VKE-d, kes soovivad lansseerida AI põhiseid tooteid ja/või arendada uut ärisuunda, toodet. AI programmis viiakse läbi viis 6-kuulist AI kiirendiprogrammi tsüklit, mille raames toetatakse ideepäevadel vähemalt 300 unikaalset osalejat, kiirendiprogrammides kokku 40 unikaalset iduettevõtet (8 ettevõtet kohordis). Lisaks toetatakse demopäevadel (pärast iga kiirendiprogrammi lõppu) ekspertpaneeli valikul arendusgrandiga kuni 15 ettevõtet (5 kohordi puhul kuni 3 ettevõtet kohordi kohta). Hinnanguliselt suudab edukalt kiirendiprogrammi läbida, turu ja toote vahelise sobivuse leida ca 80% kiirendiprogrammi osalejatest, millest tulenevalt jõuab programmi tulemusel edukalt turule 32 AI tootepõhist iduettevõtet, kes loovad kasvavat käivet. 2  AI ideepäev 300 osalejat AI kiirendiprogramm 40 iduettevõtet Edukalt turul 32 iduettevõtet Arendusgrantiga tunnustatud 15 iduettevõtet Kiirendiprogrammi toetavad ideepäevad ja mentorbaasi täiendamine rahvusvaheliste tippekspertidega 1.1 AI Ideepäevad Iga AI kiirendiprogrammi tsükli eel korraldatakse AI ideepäev, kokku toimub kolme aastase programmi vältel 5 AI ideepäeva, kus on kokku 300 osalejat. 2022–2024. a ellu viidud AI arenguprogramm on aidanud jõuda praktilise ja toimiva ürituse formaadini, mis tagab olulise ja kvaliteetset iduettevõtete voo AI kiirendiprogrammi. Kolme aasta jooksul valideeritakse AI valdkonna ekspertide abil vähemalt 60 ettevõtte AI lahenduse turupotentsiaali ja tiimi tehnilist pädevust, mis aitab kiirendisse tuua kvaliteetsemaid projekte ning rohkem edulugusid, mis tõstavad programmi mainet. Kolme aasta jooksul jõuab AI kiirendisse 15 ettevõtet, kes on osalenud ideepäevadel. AI ideepäevade eesmärgid on: - tutvustada AI kiirendiprogrammi ja kandideerimise protsessi; - võimaldada AI tehnoloogiapõhiseid ideid ja prototüüpe valideerida AI valdkonna välisekspertidega, saada kohest tagasisidet kitsaskohtade ületamiseks; - inspireerida AI kiirendist sündinud kogemuslugudega; - anda uusi teadmisi ja ülevaadet AI arengutrendidest; - tutvustada rahvusvaheliste AI tippekspertide toel pakutava AI kasvunõustamise võimalusi; - tutvustada käimaolevaid AI fookusega rahvusvahelisi projekte, mis on avatud Eesti ettevõtetele. 3 AI ideepäeval osalevad iduettevõtted saavad: infot AI kiirendiprogrammi kohta, tagasisidet oma AI tehnoloogipõhistele äriideedele, uusi valdkondlikke teadmisi, osa võimestavatest kogemuslugudest, võrgustuda, leida koostööpartnereid jpm. Ideepäeva keskmes olevate tagasiside sessioonidel osalevad AI eksperdid aitavad tehisaru kasutavaid tooteid ja ideid turule sobivamaks sättida, vastavad küsimustele, valideerivad eristuvust ja ärilist potentsiaali. Ideepäevadel kaasatakse AI valdkonna eksperte Tehnopoli mentorite kogukonnast ning samuti toetavad antud üritused uute AI valdkonna ekspertide leidmist ja värbamist Tehnopoli mentorite kogukonda. AI ideepäeva näidis ülesehitus: - Inspireerivad kogemuslood AI kiirendi alumnidelt; - AI kiirendiprogrammi tutvustus; - 1:1-le kohtumised AI ekspertide ja mentoritega, ideede valideerimine, tagasiside; - Võrgustumine. Tehnopolil on üle 150 erialamentori, kellest ca 10% nõustab ettevõtteid tehisintellekti teemal. Ideepäevade raames jätkatakse koostööd Eesti AI valdkonna ekspertide ja mentoritega, kes omavad kompetentsi tehnilisel tasemel ning on ka AI valdkonnas äriliselt ja ka tehnoloogiliselt võimekad. 1.2 AI kiirendiprogramm AI on kõrgtehnoloogiline toode, mille arenduse ning turuvalmiduse saavutamise tsükkel on keskmisest pikem ning tootearenduse kulu võrreldes keskmise tarkvara iduettevõtetega suurem. Tegemist on turutõrke faasiga, kus erakapital ei ole veel valmis investeerima, puuduvad varajase faasi tootearendustoetused ning uute ettevõtete arengut aitab märkimisväärselt tugiprogramm koos rahastusega. Samas on Eesti ettevõtete konkurentsivõimelisuse tagamiseks kriitiline suurendada AI tehnoloogiatel põhinevate lahenduste hulka turul ning seeläbi toetada ettevõtlust ja majanduse kestlikkust laiemalt. AI kiirendiprogrammi eesmärk on toetada ja kiirendada AI tehnoloogiaid arendavate iduettevõtete turuvalmidust ning elujõulisust. Programmi osaks on koostöö valdkonnapõhiste ekspertide ja mentoritega, kellest osad saavad olema programmis võtmementorid, praktiline koolitusprogramm, võimalus kasutada erinevate valdkondade mentoreid, avatud kontori kasutusvõimalused. Iduettevõtete vastuvõtmiseks moodustab Tehnopol ekspertpaneeli, mis koosneb AI valdkonna ekspertidest, kiirendi võtmementoritest ja Tehnopol esindajatest. Programmi vastuvõtmisel hindab ekspertpaneel: • meeskonda, kompetentse ja võimekust viia ellu toote- ja äriarendustegevusi; • tooteideed, selle unikaalse AI komponendi sisaldust, arendust; • ärimudelit, selle eskaleeritavust erinevatele segmentidele rahvusvahelistel turgudel; • meeskonna valmidust panustada ajaliselt kiirendiprogrammi, et jõuda minimaalselt piloteerimisvalmiduseni klientidega; • Eesti registreeritud ettevõtte olemasolu, selle piisavat VTA jääki, maksuvõla puudumist. Tegevused, mis toetavad kiirendis osalevaid ettevõtteid: • Kõik meeskonnad osalevad AI valdkonnaspetsiifilises koolituste programmis; • Igal meeskonnal on AI tehnilise ja ärilise taustaga võtmementor, kes määratakse vastavalt ettevõtte fookusvaldkonnale ja eksperdi profiilile; • Kõigil AI kiirendis osalevatel ettevõtetel on võimalik kaasata valdkondlikke mentoreid erinevatest valdkondadest (juriidika, müük, finantsid, ESG, IP kaitse, turundus ja 4  kommunikatsioon, disain, eksport, rohetehnoloogia, tervisetehnoloogia jne, kes on kinnitatud Tehnopoli mentorite andmebaasi); • Kiirendiprogrammi kuue kuu jooksul saavad kõik meeskonnad kasutada Tehnopol Startup Inkubaatori koostöötamiskeskust; • Kiirendi meeskonnad saavad osaleda erinevatel AI kogukonna üritustel; • Meeskonnad saavad osa erinevatest turundus ja kommunikatsioonitegevustest, mis tõstavad programmis osalevate ettevõtete nähtavust (videolood, artiklid, postitused); • Matchmaking kohtumised Tehnopoli külastavate AI fookusega rahvusvaheliste delegatsioonidega, toetamaks meeskondade ekspordivõimekust; • Erinevad soodustused koostööpartnerite poolt (Scoro, Amazon Web Services, Miro jne) kui ka eksklusiivsed sooduskoodid Eesti erinevatel tehnoloogia konverentsidel (Latitude59, sTARTUp Day jne). AI tehnoloogiaid arendavate iduettevõtete vajadusi arvestades on kokku pandud spetsiaalne kiirendi koolitusprogramm, mis aitab tõsta ettevõtete tehnoloogilist võimekust, parandada toodete ja teenuste kvaliteeti, kiirendada turule jõudmist ning saavutada paremaid tulemusi turul. Selleks viib Tehnopol koostöös AI valdkonna mentoritega1 läbi järgmised koolitused: • Eskaleeritava ärimudeli ja tugeva meeskonna ehitamine; • (Suur)andmed ja nende kasutamine AI tehnoloogias; • AI tehnoloogiatel põhinev tootearendus ja testimine; • Kliendi vajadusest lähtuva unikaalse väärtuspakkumise disain; • Valideerimine, piloteerimine ja turule sisenemise strateegia; • Intellektuaalne omand, selle kaitsmine ja kokkulepped; • Investorvalmiduse saavutamine ja rahastusvõimaluste leidmine. Koolitusprogrammi täiendatakse vastavalt turu vajadustele. Tehnopoli mentorite nimekiri on kättesaadav kodulehel: https://www.tehnopol.ee/ariteenused/mentorid/ https://www.startupincubator.ee/tiim-ja-mentorid/ 1.3 AI demopäev ja arendusgrandid Iga AI kiirendi lõpus korraldatakse programmis osalenud ettevõtetele demopäev, kus võetakse kokku AI kiirendiprogrammi tsükkel, tutvustatakse jätkurahastuse võimalusi (EIS väike-RUP, EDIH AIRE jt sel hetkel asjakohased rahastusallikad), toimuvad esitlused ekspertkomisjonile ning tunnustatakse parimaid meeskondi arendusgrantidega. Demopäevadele kutsutakse esitlusi kuulama tehisintellekti arendavatesse iduettevõtetesse investeerivad (ingel)investorid, investeerimisvõrgustikud (ESTBAN, ESTVCA) ja VC fondid (Karma Ventures, Specialist.VC, Superangel jt). Samuti on oodatud osalema nii Eesti kui ka rahvusvaheliste AI projektide ja tegevustega seotud partnerid ning ülikoolid (TalTech ja Tartu Ülikool). AI kiirendiprogrammi läbinud iduettevõtete esitlus tehakse demopäeval ekspertkomisjonile Demopäeva ekspertkomisjoni kuuluvad nii Eesti kui ka võimalusel rahvusvahelised tehisaru eksperdid, võtmementorid, jätkurahastuse pakkujad ja Tehnopoli esindajad. Meeskonnad tutvustavad ekspertkomisjonile saavutatud eesmärke, AI lahenduse eripära ja ärilist potentsiaali, tasuvust ja ettevõtte plaani järgmiseks kolmeks kuuks. 1 Tehnopoli mentorite kogukond on hetkel iga-aastasel täiendamisel, lepingud allkirjastatakse hiljemalt jaanuari kuu jooksul, see ei välista aga ka uute ekspertide või mentorite kaasamist jooksvalt. 5 Komisjon valib välja kuni 3 kõige suurema äripotentsiaaliga AI tehnoloogiat arendavat iduettevõtet, keda premeeritakse arendusgrandiga2. Ühe kiirenditsükli kohta on arvestatud arendusgrandi suurus 30 000 eurot ning selle jagunemine otsustatakse kohapeal, ekspertkomisjoni poolt. Kogu AI kiirendiprogrammi vältel on arendusgrantide kogumaht 150 000 eurot. Arendusgrandi võit annab AI tehnoloogiaid kasutavate toodete arendamisele olulise tõuke, kiirendab kasvu ja tugevdab ettevõtte turupositsiooni. Arendusgrant loob võimaluse investeerida tootearendusse, vähendada riske ja kasvatada meeskonda. Selle toel tekib ettevõttel täiendav motivatsioon jätkata innovatsiooni loovate lahenduste arendamist ja toetab ettevõtte eesmärki saavutada suurem mõju oma valdkonnas. Grant on eelkõige mõeldud meeskonna tootearendustoetuseks ja rakendub praktikas üldjuhul ettevõtte tööjõukuluna või ettevõtte tegevuste alustamiseks vajaliku ja toetava riistvarana. Kuivõrd AI-põhine tarkvara on enamike nende ettevõtete peamine toode, toimub ka selle arendamine enamasti ettevõtte siseselt, siis on lisaks vajalikele tootekomponentidele ning tootearenduseks vajalike teenuste tellimisele grantrahastuse eest lubatud ettevõtte töötajatele palga maksmine. Seejuures ei oma tähtsust, kas ettevõte omab varasemalt teisi siseriiklikke või rahvusvahelisi toetusi, kuivõrd üldjuhul on AI rakenduste põhise toote/teenuse turule toomine pikemaajalisem protsess, eriti kui sellega kaasneb ka riistvara arendus. Arendusgrandi väljamaksmiseks sõlmib Tehnopol ettevõttega toetuse saamise väljamaksmiseks lepingu. Toetuse finantskontroll toimub 6 kuud peale toetuse väljamaksmist ja seda viib läbi Tehnopol. Kontrolli käigus esitavad ettevõtted arved koos maksedokumentidega, kõik tegevused ja kulud peavad olema kooskõlas toetuslepinguga, kulud peavad olema tehtud abikõlblikkusperioodil ja kas tegevused on kooskõlas kuludega. Abikõlbulikud kulud toetuse raames on: • tööjõukulud; • konsultantide ja ekspertide tasud, mis on seotud projekti eesmärkidega; • uued seadmed või tarkvara, mis on vajalikud arendustööks ja mida ei kasutata üldotstarbeliselt; • teadus- ja arendusteenused (nt laboritööd, analüüsid, testimine); • IT- ja disainiteenused; • 5% eelarvest on lubatud kasutada projektiga/arendusega otseselt seotud lähetustega (nt konverentsid, partnerite külastused); Mitteabikõlbulikud kulud: • rendikulud, elektri- ja kommunaalteenused; • üldotstarbeline arvutitehnika; • maksuvõlad, viivised ja muud trahvid; • kulud, mis on kaetud mõne teise rahastusallikaga; • kulutused, mis ei ole selgelt seotud projekti eesmärkide ja tegevustega; • kulud, mis on tehtud enne arendusgrandi lepingu sõlmimist; Toetuse abikõlblikud ja mitteabikõlblikud kulud markeeritakse ka AI programmi programmdokumendis (vt p dokumentatsioon). 2 Soodustamaks uute AI-põhiste lahenduste väljatöötamist ning turule tulekut, antakse kuni kolmele parimale ettevõttele/meeskonnale kiirendi lõpus arendustoetust. Tegemist on grandiga, mida loetakse ettevõttele antavaks vähese tähtsusega abiks. Grant makstakse välja grantlepingu allkirjastamise järgselt kiirendis osalenud Eesti ettevõttele (isegi kui asutaja on välisriigist pärit kodanik tuleb ettevõte registreerida Eestisse), ekspertkomisjoni otsusega ning enne väljamakse teostamist kontrollib Tehnopol ettevõtte VTA piisava jäägi olemasolu. 6  Mõõdik Tulemus Kirjeldus Enne iga kiirendiprogrammi tsüklit, toimub Kiirendiprogrammi ideepäevad 5 üritust ideepäeva üritus, millel kokku osaleb vähemalt 300 osalejat. Kokku osaleb ideepäevadel kolme aasta jooksul Ideepäeval osalejate arv 300 300 osalejat AI ideepäevadel valideeritakse koos AI valdkonna Ideepäevadel valideeritud 60 ekspertidega vähemalt 12 ettevõtte ideed ürituse ettevõtete arv kohta 3 aasta jooksul viiakse läbi 5 AI kiirendiprogrammi AI kiirendiprogrammi tsükleid 5 tsüklit, koos turundus- ja värbamiskampaaniatega. 3 aasta jooksul osaleb programmis 40 iduettevõtet, Iduettevõtteid kiirendiprogrammis 40 so. 8 ettevõtet tsüklis. Iga kiirendiprogrammi tsükli lõpus toimub Demopäevad 5 demopäev kiirendis osalenud ettevõtete tulemuste presenteerimiseks ja parimate valikuks igas kiirendiprogrammi tsüklis valitakse kuni 3 parimat ettevõtet, kes saavad arendusgrandi. Kiirendiprogrammi arendusgrant 150 000 eurot Seejuures arendusgrandi kogumaht on 150 000 eurot, mis jagatakse parimatele 5 kohordi ettevõtetele Kiirendiprogrammi tulemusena jõuab 32 iduettevõtet ehk 80% kiirendiprogrammis AI põhised iduettevõtted turul ja 32 ettevõtet osalenutest uue tehisintellektil baseeruva toote või nende esmane käive või käibe kasv ja käibe kasv teenusega turule ja saavutab pärast programmi läbimist järgneva aasta majandusaasta aruande põhjal esmase käibe või käibe kasvu Hiljemalt 1 aasta jooksul pärast kiirendiprogrammi Era- või avalikust fondist lõppu on 30% programmi läbinud ettevõtetest 12 ettevõtet riskikapitali kaasamine kaasanud laienemiseks vajaliku era- või avalikust fondist riskikapitali (mitte tagastamatut toetust). AI programmi investeering AI põhise iduettevõtluse arendamiseks: 485 625 eurot, millele lisanduvad arendusgrandid kokku 150 000 eurot. 2. AI tehnoloogiatel põhinevate ettevõtete kasvu tugiprogramm AI tootepõhiste idu- ja kasvuettevõtete rahvusvahelisel laienemisel, partnersuhete käivitamisel ja kasvuks vajaliku era- ja avaliku kapitali kaasamisel pakub AI programm tugiteenust 1 aasta vältel vajaduspõhiselt, vastavas arenguetapis olevatele ettevõtetele. Tugiteenuse pakkumine 1 aasta jooksul ehk 2025 aastal tugineb Tehnopoli strateegiale kaasata AI programmi vahenditest Eestisse täiendavaid rahvusvahelisi võimalusi sh rahastusvõimalusi, mida on täpsustatud punktis 3. Kasvu toetavad personaalsed tugiteenused tagatakse 2025 aastal kuni 15-le kasvuvalmidusega AI tootepõhisele ettevõttele. Tugiteenuste, kuid seejuures ka kiirendiprogrammi teenuste, pakkumiseks luuakse portfell kuni 10-st rahvusvahelisest tippeksperdist, kes suudavad ettevõtteid otseselt aidata spetsiifiliste tootearendus ja integratsioonitegevustega, turgudel laienemise ja klientide otsekontaktidega ning era- ja avaliku kapitali kaasamisega. Tugiteenuste pakkumise tulemusena jõuab 3 AI tootepõhist ettevõtet välisturule, kasvatades märkimisväärselt eksportkäivet, või kaasates arenguks vajalikku kapitali era- ja avalikest finantseerimisallikatest hiljemalt 2027 aastaks. 7 Lisaks personaliseeritud nõustamisteenustele pakutakse AI programmis rahvusvahelist kasvu- ja kapitalivõimalusi otsivatele ettevõtetele kiirkohtumisi AI valdkonna ekspertide ja mentoritega ning osaliselt võrgustumise üritusi, kuhu on võimalik kaasata välisekspertiisi. Ürituste korraldamisel ja koostöövõimaluste avamisel tehakse koostööd rahvusvaheliste AI ettevõtteid ja eksperte koondavate võrgustikega (sh. AI Alliance, AI4ALL, AI4EU jt.) ja Eestis tegutsevate tugiprogrammide ja ülikoolidega (sh. EIS, EDIH AIRE, TalTech, Tartu Ülikool). AI programmi ettevõtete kiiret kasvu toetavad tegevused 2025 aastal: 2.1. Rahvusvaheliste AI tippekspertide koondamine ja ettevõteteni toomine Tehnopol koondab 10 rahvusvahelist AI tippeksperti, praktikut, kes on võimelised nõustama kasvavat ettevõtet uute turgude avamisel, keerukates tootearendustegevustes, rahvusvaheliselt kapitali kaasamisel ja avalike toetusmeetmete rakendamisel. Nagu punktis 1 viidatud, on tippekspertideks isikud, kellel on nii AI rakenduste tehniline taust, kuid kes omavad konkurentsitihedas AI arenduste valdkonnas rahvusvahelise äriarenduse teadmisi, kogemusi ja võrgustikku. Tippeksperdid töötavad vastavalt enda spetsiifilistele teadmistele ettevõtetega üks-ühele, nõustades AI tootepõhist ettevõtet konkreetse kasvueesmärgi saavutamisel – turg, toode, kapital. Tippekspertide tuge pakutakse kuni 15-le AI tootepõhisele ettevõttele, kes on juba kasvufaasis. Samade tippekspertidega toetatakse ka kiirendiprogrammi osalejaid, keskendudes suure ekspordivõimekuse ja kasvupotentsiaaliga ning skaleeruva ärimudeliga iduettevõtete võimestamisele. Tänaseks on Tehnopol kaardistanud osaliselt kaasatavad AI põhiste toodete äriarenduse tippeksperdid, kelledega on alustatud mentorleppe sõlmimise protsessi. TIppeksperdid nagu näiteks: • Karl Grabbi (USA, PWC kogu AI üksuse juht); • Luis Lamb (USA, Boeing AI ja ML üksuse juht); • Amelia Zins (Saksamaa, Google Program Manager); • Jakub Šuster (USA, Elv.ai CEO, Forbes 30 under 30); • Danilo McGarry(UK, UnitedHealth, Citi AI & digital transformation lead). Loetelu täieneb AI programmi elluviimise perioodi jooksul lähtuvalt ka kiirelt areneva AI valdkonna fookustest ja arengutest. Mentoritega, kelledega on sõlmitud mentorlepingud, teavitatakse programmi vahearuannetes. 2.2. Kiirkohtumised AI-põhiste kasvumentoritega Tehnopol korraldab AI programmi jooksul 2 kiirkohtumiste sessiooni, kokku kuni 30-le AI valdkonna ettevõtetele, kelle fookuses on eksportturgudele sisenemine, tootearendus, kapitali kaasamine või partnerite leidmine. Kiirkohtumiste sessioonil saavad ettevõtted ühe päeva jooksul ligipääsu kuni 15-le valdkonna eksperdile, kellega valideerida oma toote potentsiaali, ettevõtte kasvustrateegiat, luues ka vajalikke omavahelisi otsekontakte. Sündmustele on kaasatud peamiselt Eesti eksperdid ja mentorid ning igale sündmusele ka rahvusvaheline tippekspert (online), kellega ettevõtetel on võimalik kohtuda kiirkohtingute või grupinõustamise formaadis. 2.3. AI kogukonna sündmused koostöös Eesti ja rahvusvaheliste partneritega Tehnopol teeb strateegilist koostööd partneritega, et tutvustada programmi jooksul lansseeritud ettevõtteid, tehtud edusamme. Igal aastal tehakse koostöös Eesti partneritega üks ettevõtete ja edulugude demoüritus (EDIH AIRE, Latitude59, Startup Day). AI programmi 2025 aasta jooksul tehakse 2 koostöösündmust erinevate partneritega. 8 2.4. AI-matchmaking & kogukonnaplatvormi halduskulud ja arendustööd Lisaks füüsilistele kontaktsündmustele, jätkatakse AI programmi kodulehel ai.tehnopol.ee matchmaking-kogukonnaplatvormi arendamist, mille eesmärgiks on viia kokku AI lahendatavate äriprobleemidega ettevõtjad ja lahendusepakkujad. Probleemi omanikud saavad platvormil teha enesehinnangu AI lahenduse kasutuselevõtmiseks ja vastavalt valmiduse hinnangule saada soovitusi AI teemaliste ürituste, koolituste, mentorite ning sobivate partnerite ja lahendusepakkujate kohta. Platvorm on kasutatav ettevõtete tegevusvaldkondade ülese töövahendina. Veebipõhine kogukonnaplatvorm on pidevalt avatud nii AI lahenduste pakkujatele kui väljakutsete omanikele ning selle abil luuakse programmi jooksul 300 kasulikku kontakti. Mõõdik Tulemus Kirjeldus Programmi raames kaastakse ettevõtete kasvu Rahvusvahelised AI tippeksperdid AI 10 nõustama rahvusvahelised tippeksperdid ja programmis praktikud spetsiifilistes kasvuvaldkondades. 1 aasta jooksul toimub 2 AI mentorite AI mentorite kiirkohtumise üritused 2 kiirkohtumise üritust, kus osaleb vähemalt 30 ettevõtet 1 aasta jooksul saavad 1-1 nõustamisteenust kuni Idu- ja kasvuettevõtteid nõustatud 15 15 suure kasvupotentsiaaliga AI tootepõhist ettevõtet. Vähemalt 3 AI tootepõhist ettevõtet on saavutanud Edukalt kasvanud AI tootepõhist 3 ekspordiga olulise käibe kasvu ning kaasanud ettevõtet märkimisväärse investeeringu. Läbi kasvu nõustamisteenuse kaasavad AI programmis osalevad ettevõtted kasvu toeks 3M€ Kaasatud era- ja avalik kapital 3M€ era- või rahvusvahelist avalikku kapitali, millest vähemalt 2 M€ on erakapital. 1 aasta jooksul on AI kogukonna üritustel 100 AI sündmused 2 osalejat AI lahenduste pakkujatele kui väljakutsete Kontaktid matchmaking platvormilt 300 omanikele luuakse platvormil programmi jooksul 300 kasulikku kontakti 3 a jooksul. AI programmi investeering tulemuste saavutamiseks: 71 561€ 3. Euroopa projektide ja avalike rahastusvõimaluste leidmine AI tootepõhiste ettevõtete kiire tootearenduse, turule jõudmise või kapitali kaasamise toetamiseks kaasatakse AI programmi raames lisavahendeid Euroopa programmidest, meetmetest. Programmi jooksul on eesmärk käivitada kuni 5 AI tehnoloogia ja ettevõtluse arendamise projekti, mis toob ettevõtete toetamiseks täiendavalt 2–3M€ vahendeid ja mille tegevustest saavad osa vähemalt 500 Eesti ettevõtet. Euroopas avaneb mitmeid projektimeetmeid (sh. I3 Horisont, INTERREG) ning AI ettevõtete ja tehnoloogiate toetamiseks on saadaval erinevat rahastust erinevatest allikatest. Tõstmaks Eesti konkurentsivõimelisust tehisintellekti arendamisel ja kasutamisel, on oluline see rahastus maksimaalselt ära kasutada ja ettevõteteni tuua. Ettevõtted saavad projektirahastuse abil teostada kvaliteetset ja fokusseeritud tootearendust, vähendada 9 eksportturgudele sisenemise kulusid ning lihtsustada ligipääsu uutele klientidele ja pilootprojektidele. AI programmis valib Tehnopol välja sobivaimad meetmed ja projektid, kuhu on mõistlik kandideerida, mis sobituvad AI programmi tegevustega ning mis pakuvad otsest tuge AI tootepõhistele ettevõtetele. Tehnopol aitab luua ka õiged konsortsiumid rahvusvahelistest partneritest, kellega koos projekte ellu viia, pakkudes osalevatele ettevõtetele partnerite lisandväärtust ja tuge. Hetkel on Tehnopol ettevalmistamas kolme taotlust: • GSAI, Interreg Central Baltic, taotluse esitamise tähtaeg 31.10.2024. Projekt keskendub AI lahenduste kasutuselevõtule ettevõtte ärimudelis. Projektis toimub kolm rahvusvahelist kiirendi programm, milles osaleb kokku 45 ettevõtet (15 Eestist, 15 Soomest, 15 Rootsist). Kiirendi programm keskendub teadmuste ja praktiliste oskuste arendamisele AI kasutuselevõtuks ettevõtte ärimudelis koostöös rahvusvaheliste partnerite ja koolitajatega. GSAI programmi läbinu on potentsiaalne kandideerija/osaleja AI kiirendiprogrammi. Projekti positiivse otsuse korral algavad projekti tegevused mais 2025. Tehnopol on konsortsiumis koos AI valdkonnas tegutsevatest organisatsioonidest nii Rootsist kui ka Soomest. Projekti lisandväärtus osalevatele ettevõtetele on ka grantrahastus välise turu valideerimiseks. Projekti kogueelarve 1 997 292,75 eurot. Tehnopoli eelarve 424 843,82 eurot, millest 20% omaosalus on 84 968,76 eurot. • AI4AI, I3 Strand2A Horizon, taotluse esitamise tähtaeg 05.12.2024. Projekt keskendub rahvusvahelisel tasandil AI põhiste teadmiste ja oskuste jagamisele Eesti ettevõtetele ning projekti tegevuste puhul on tegemist sarnaselt 2022 – 2024 a Eestis rakendatud AI programmi pilootprojektide rahastuse projektiga mille raames valitakse välja ettevõtted, kellel on AI põhine väljakutse/probleem ning neile leitakse AI lahendusi pakkuvad ettevõtted. Lahenduste pakkujad ja väljakutsete omanikud saavad olla projekti raames 10st erinevast projekti partneri riikidest. Väljakutsete lahendamiseks jagatakse ettevõtetele kokku kuni 3 mln eurot (10 riigi ettevõtete peale). Lisaks viiakse läbi erinevaid koolitusi, demo-day'sid AI teadmuse kasvatamiseks ja pakutakse rahvusvahelist AI põhist mentorlust ettevõtetele. Projekti positiivse otsuse korral algavad tegevused jaanuaris 2026 ja projekt kestab 3 aastat. Tehnopol on konsortsiumis Läti, Leedu, Poola, Saksamaa, Austria, Rumeenia, Hispaania ja Portugalist pärit partneritega. Projekti lisandväärtus on täiendav grantrahastus AI rakenduste elluviimiseks. Projekti kogueelarve 10 mln eurot, Tehnopoli eelarve sellest kuni 1 mln eurot (hetkel 978 000), millest omafinantseeringu osa on 30% tegevuskuludest ehk umbes 210 000 eurot. • HAIKU, Horizon, taotluse esitamise tähtaeg 22.01.2025. Projekt keskendub AI kasutustingimuste regulatsioonide väljatöötamisele tervishoiu sektoris, millega kaasneb tervishoiuvaldkonna AI ekspertide kaasamine, pilootprojektide läbiviimine, heade ja jagamist väärivate kaasuste loomine ja jagamine. Projekti kogueelarve on 4 500 000 eurot, millest Tehnopoli osa on 500 000 eurot ja omafinantseering 20%, ehk umbes 100 000 eurot. Projekti positiivse otsuse korral algab projekt november 2025 ja kestab 3 aastat. AI programmi ressursside kasutamine ja projektides osalemine lähtub põhimõtetest: • Projektide valikul peetakse ennekõike silmas väärtust ja hüvesid, mida projekt toob AI tootepõhistele ettevõtetele, sh. rahaline tugi tootearenduseks, ekspordiks, pilootarenduste ellu viimiseks, klientide leidmiseks, investeeringute kaasamiseks. • Projektide eesmärk valideeritakse iga kord AI programmi tellijaga, MKMi esindajaga. 10  • AI programmi perioodil koondab Tehnopol õiged konsortsiumid partneritest, et saavutada projekti ja AI programmi vahelisi sünergilisi eesmärke. Tehnopol koostab või osaleb projektide kontseptsioonide välja töötamisel, projektipakkumuste kirjutamisel, projektide käivitamisel ja ellu viimisel, garanteerides teenuse või tugifinantseeringu jõudmise AI programmi sihtrühmani. • AI programmi vahenditest kaetakse projektis osalemise nõutav omafinantseeringu määr, mis on olenevalt projektist vahemikus 10–30% projektieelarvest. Omafinantseeringu määra kulude katteks rakendatakse ainult positiivse projektitaotluse puhul. AI tehnoloogiatel põhinevate ettevõtete kasvu toetamine Euroopa-üleste projektide ja avalike rahastusvõimalustega, peamised tulemusmõõdikud on: Mõõdik Tulemus Kirjeldus Programmi raames käivitatakse 5 Euroopa EU finantseeringuga rahvusvaheliste vahenditest finantseeritud projekti, mis toetavad AI 5 projektide arv tootepõhiste ettevõtete kasvuambitsioonide saavutamist. Programmi raames tuuakse läbi Euroopa vahendite Täiendavad vahendid kuni 3M€ Eesti AI tootepõhiste ettevõtete kasvu toetamiseks kuni 3M€ lisavahendeid. Uute projektide käivitamisel, saavad projekti Kasusaajad 500 tegevustes osaleda ja kasu vähemalt 500 Eesti ettevõtet. AI programmi investeering, mis avaneb eduka projektitaotluse puhul: kuni 500 000€ PROGRAMMI ELLUVIIMIST TOETAV TURUNDUSTEGEVUS AI programmi turunduse- ja kommunikatsiooni eesmärk on tõsta AI valdkonna tuntust, luua teadlikkus AI programmi jätkumisest ning täienenud väärtuspakkumisest ja tutvustada kasvu toetavaid jätkutegevusi. Programmi eesmärkide saavutamiseks (vt programmi eesmärgid) kombineeritakse fooni loovad ja teadlikkust tekitavad kommunikatsioonitegevused makstud turunduskampaaniatega. Fooni loovate tegevustena tutvustatakse üldisemalt AI programmi tegevusi, liitunud tiimide arengut, toimunud üritustel saadud teadmisi, tutvustatakse kogemuslugusid ja nii kiirendiprogrammi kui kasvutegevuste tulemusi. Kampaaniatega otsitakse osalejaid ideepäevadele, värvatakse AI tehnoloogiaid arendavaid varajase faasi iduettevõtteid AI kiirendiprogrammi kohortidesse, leitakse osalejaid kasvunõustamise kiirkohtumise üritustele ja AI tippekspertide nõustamisele, kogukonna üritustele. Programmi turunduse ja kommunikatsiooniga tekib AI tehnoloogiatooteid arendavatel ettevõtetel ja laiemal avalikkusel arusaam, et Eesti riik toetab AI lahenduste põhist uusettevõtlust, investeerides sellega ettevõtluskeskkonna konkurentsivõimelisuse tõstmisse ja riigi majanduse kestlikusse. Oluline on tutvustada sihtrühma kõnetavalt AI ideepäevi ja AI kiirendiprogrammide sisu, tagamaks piisav ja kvaliteetne avalduste voog AI kiirendisse. Sama oluline on leida just õige profiiliga osalejaid kasvunõustamise kiirkohtumise üritustele, et õnnestuks neid edasi suunata tippekspertide poolt pakutavasse kasvunõustamisse. Kuna AI kogukonna üritustele osalejate leidmise peamine kommunikatsiooniraskus lasub ürituse korraldajal, siis neid toetatakse põgusamalt, kasutatakse otsekutseid. Üritustel tekkinud uudset sisu levitatakse hiljem nii osalejatele kui ka laiemalt sotsiaalmeedia ja Tehnopoli kanalite kaudu. Turunduseesmärkide saavutamiseks kombineeritakse: 11  • Makstud digikampaaniad (META ja Linkedin, Google Ads või GDN ehk Google Display Network reklaamid, Foundme ja Geeniuse portaalid); • Postitused AI valdkonna sotsiaalmeedia gruppides (META: AI mõtteklubi, AI Estonia, AI & Machine Learning Estonia, Eesti Tehisintellekti Selts, Data Science Estonia, Vabakutselised arendajad ja disainerid; Linkedin: AI Estonia, AI Developers Estonia, TechSisters Estonia jt) • Otseturundus koostöös Foundme portaali ja Äripäeva infopangaga; • Sihtotsing rahvusvaheliste tippekspertide värbamiseks (sihitud postitused LinkedIN- is, otsepöördumised käsitsi valitud kontaktidele, rahvusvahelised AI fookusega, tehnoloogia ja startup üritused, rahvusvaheliste partnerite soovitused ja kontaktiloome) • Meediasuhtlus (nii siseriiklik kui rahvusvaheline) ja sisuturundus (pressiteated, teemapakkumised meediale, kogemuslood, sisuturunduslikud artiklid, startup podcastid) • Tehnopoli kanalid (otseturunduslikud AI listid, mis sisaldavad nii rahvusvahelisi kui Eesti iduettevõtete ja AI tippekspertide kontakte, koduleht, uudiskiri, sotsiaalmeedia, linnaku ekraanid); • Partnervõrgustik (EDIH AIRE, ülikoolid, EIS, Startup Estonia, ITL eResidentsus jt), rahvusvahelised AI võrgustikud (AI Alliance, AI4ALL, AI4Europe) ; • Üritused (AI fookusega ja/või kogukondi ühendavad startup konverentsid Slush AI Day, Latitude59, AI Summit, WebSummit, AI4, ECAI 2025) AI programmi tuntuse tõstmiseks ja huviliste voo garanteerimiseks AI programmi eri osadesse, üritustele. Sisuloomel jätkatakse AI programmist juba tuttavate visuaalide kasutamist. Esimese kiirendikohordi värbamiseks ja üritustele osalejate leidmiseks kasutatakse varasema AI programmi jooksul loodud videosisu, pildimaterjale ja artikleid. Turunduskampaaniates kasutatakse programmis osalenud ettevõtete tsitaate, kaasatud rahvusvahelisi tippeksperte ja Eesti AI valdkonna mentoreid ning programmi müügiargumente. Makstud kampaaniate puhul kasutatakse sõnumite A/B testimist. AI ideepäevadele osalejate leidmiseks loodav kommunikatsioon on laiema fookusega, eesmärk on jõuda võimalikult paljude sihtrühma esindajateni ja julgustada neid üritusel osalemisega kiirendisse kandideerima. AI kiirendisse osalejate leidmiseks kasutatakse ideepäevast tekkinud huviliste voogu, korraldatakse makstud kampaaniaid, kasutatakse otseturundust ja partnervõrgustikke. AI kiirendiprogrammi iga tsükli järgselt tehakse arendusgrandi saanud ettevõtetega videolugu (mida ettevõte saab vajadusel kasutada ka episoodidena). Videoid levitatakse sotsiaalmeedias ning kasutatakse uute värbamisvoorude materjalina. Rahvusvaheliste AI tippekspertide kaasamiseks tehakse otsepöördumisi, kasutades selleks nii juba olemasolevat kontaktvõrgustikku kui ka luuakse täiesti uusi kontakte (osaledes projektide kaudu erinevatel rahvusvahelistel AI fookusega konverentsidel). AI kiirkohtumise üritustele osalejate leidmiseks kasutatakse peamiselt otseturundust kuid ka makstud digireklaame, sisuturundust, sotsiaalmeedia postitusi, Tehnopoli oma kanaleid ja meediasuhtlust. See toob kvaliteetse voo AI tippekspertidega nõustamisele. Lisaks levitatakse tippekspertidega kohtumisvõimaluste infot ka makstud postitustega, otseturunduslikult, Tehnopoli kanalites ja partnervõrgustiku kaudu. AI kogukonna koostööüritustele osalejate leidmiseks kasutatakse varasemate ürituste jt turundustegevuste käigus tekkinud otseturunduslikke liste, digireklaame, meediasuhtlust, sisuturundust, partnervõrugstikku ja Tehnopoli oma kanaleid. Kogu AI programmi vältel loodavas kommunikatsioonis viidatakse rahastajale Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministeeriumile tekstis sõnaliselt ja visuaalides logoga. 12 Kõik loodud materjal antakse vabakasutuseks nii AI programmi tellijale kui ka programmis osalenud iduettevõtetele. Lisaks, tutvustatakse programmi eri osasid, sellest sündinud edulugusid ja mentoreid nii Tehnopoli kodulehel, uudiskirjas kui ka sisuturunduslike artiklitena. ai.tehnopol.ee lehe sisu uuendatakse vastavalt AI programmi uuendatud kirjeldusele. Kogu eelneva AI arenguprogrammi sisu jäetakse arhiivina ligipääsetavaks samal lehel. Tehnopoli turundusmeeskonna poolt viiakse ellu tegevused, mis puudutavad tekstiloomet, kampaaniate strateegiat ja loogikat, postitusi ja reklaamide seadistusi META kanalites ja Googles, veebilehe sisutekstide uuendamist, ürituste produktsiooni ja kajastamist. Sisseostetavateks teenusteks on disainitööd, videote tootmine, suurematel üritustel pidlistamine, Linkedin kampaaniate seadistamine,, Äripäeva infopanga ja vajaduspõhistelt teiste kanalite meediaost, veebide vajaduspõhised hooldus- ja arendustööd. Vajadusel tellitakse suurematele üritustele ka tehniline partner. 13 TEGEVUSTE GANTT TABEL I kv II kv III kv IV kv I kv II kv III kv IV kv I kv II kv III kv IV kv Tegevused 2025 2025 2025 2025 2026 2026 2026 2026 2027 2027 2027 2027 1.1. AI Ideepäevad x x x x x 1.2. AI kiirendiprogramm x x x x x x x x x x x 1.3. AI Demopäev x x x x x 2.1. Rahvusvaheliste AI tippekspertide värbamine x x x x 2.2. AI põhised konsultatsioonid ettevõtetele x x x 2.2. AI mentorite kiirkohtumiste üritused x x 2.3. AI Põhised Partnerite sündmused x x x Vahearuanded x x x x x Lõpparuanne (I kv 2028)3 x 3 lõpparuanne esitatakse 2028. a jaanuaris peale programmi tegevuste lõppu. 14 MÕÕDIKUD JA OODATAVAD TULEMUSED PROGRAMMI RAKENDAMISE VÄLJUNDMÕÕDIKUD Teenus Mõõdik Tulemus Kirjeldus 3 aasta jooksul viiakse läbi 5 AI kiirendiprogrammi 1. AI kiirendiprogrammi tsükleid 5 tsüklit, koos turundus- ja värbamiskampaaniatega. 3 aasta jooksul osaleb programmis 40 iduettevõtet, 1. Iduettevõtteid kiirendiprogrammis 40 so. 8 ettevõtet tsüklis. Kolme aastase programmi jooksul toimub 5 1. Ideepäevad 5 ideepäeva Kokku osaleb ideepäevadel kolme aasta jooksul 300 1. Ideepäeval osalejate arv 300 osalejat AI ideepäevadel valideeritakse koos AI valdkonna Ideepäevadel valideeritud 1. 60 ekspertidega vähemalt 12 ettevõtte ideed ürituse ettevõtete arv kohta Iga kiirendiprogrammi tsükli lõpus toimub 1. Demopäevade arv 5 demopäev kiirendis osalenud ettevõtete tulemuste presenteerimiseks ja parimate valikuks igas kiirendiprogrammi tsüklis valitakse kuni 3 parimat ettevõtet, kes saavad arendusgrandi. 150 000 1. Kiirendiprogrammi arendusgrant Seejuures arendusgrandi kogumaht on 150 000 eurot eurot, mis jagatakse parimatele 5 kohordi ettevõtetele Programmi raames kaasatakse ettevõtete kasvu Rahvusvahelised AI tippeksperdid 2. 10 nõustama 10 rahvusvahelist AI valdkonna AI programmis tippeksperti 2025 aasta jooksul saavad 1:1 nõustamisteenust 2. Idu- ja kasvuettevõtteid nõustatud 15 kuni 15 suure kasupotentsiaaliga AI tootepõhist ettevõtet. 2025 aasta jooksul toimub 2 AI mentorite AI mentorite kiirkohtumise 2. 2 kiirkohtumise üritust, kus osaleb vähemalt 30 üritused ettevõtet AI lahenduste pakkujatele kui väljakutsete Kontaktid matchmaking 2. 300 omanikele luuakse platvormil 300 kasulikku kontakti platvormilt kogu programmi jooksul 3 aasta vältel Programmi raames käivitatakse 5 Euroopa EU finantseeringuga vahenditest finantseeritud projekti, mis toetavad AI 3. 5 rahvusvaheliste projektide arv tootepõhiste ettevõtete kasvuambitsioonide saavutamist. Vähemalt 500 ettevõtet saavad osa uutest Uutes projektides kaasatud Tehnopoli poolt käivitavatest ja AI valdkonna 3. 500 ettevõtete arv arendustele suunatud rahvusvahelistest projektidest. 15 Programmi tulemusmõõdikuid jälgitakse, hinnatakse ja raporteeritakse jooksvalt programmi elluviimise perioodi jooksul. Programmi tulemusmõõdikuid arvestatakse perioodil 2025-2028. PROGRAMMI TEGEVUSTE RAKENDAMISEST TEKKIVAD TULEMUSMÕÕDIKUD Nr Mõõdik Protsent/Arv Kirjeldus 32 ettevõtet ehk 80% osalenutest jõuab turule uue AI tootega ning suudab seda piloteerida või müüa. See AI tootepõhiseid 80% ehk 32 1. tähendab, et ettevõte saavutab esmase käibe või käibe iduettevõtteid turul ettevõtet kasvu, mis kajastub kiirendi lõpust ettevõtte järgmise majandusaasta aruandes. Kolme aasta jooksul korraldatud AI ideepäevadel 1. Ideepäevade tulemus 15 osalenud ettevõtetest jõuab kokku vähemalt 15 ettevõtet AI kiirendisse. Vähemalt 3 AI tootepõhist ettevõtet on saavutanud Edukalt kasvanud AI 2. 3 olulise käibe kasvu läbi ekspordi ning kaasanud tootepõhist ettevõtet märkimisväärse investeeringu. Läbi kasvu nõustamisteenuse kaasavad AI programmis Kaasatud era- ja avalik 2. 3M osalevad ettevõtted 3M€ era- või rahvusvahelist avalikku kapital kapitali, millest vähemalt 2 M€ on erakapital. AI programmis osalevad ettevõtted loovad AI 2. Täiendav eksportkäive 9M€ lahendustelt 9M€ täiendavat eksportkäivet. Programmi raames tuuakse läbi Euroopa vahendite Eesti 3. Täiendavad vahendid kuni 3M€ AI tootepõhiste ettevõtete kasvu toetamiseks kuni 3M€ lisavahendeid. DOKUMENTATSIOON Kõik AI programmi ellu viimisel tekkiv materjal salvestatakse digitaalselt, kõiki GDPR ja turvastandardeid silmas pidades. Materjali säilitatakse kuni 7 aastat. AI programmi ellu viimist reguleerib Tehnopoli põhikiri, sisekord ja protseduuride kirjeldused, sh. AI programmi kord, mis on koostatud perioodil 2022-2024. AI programmi raames välja antavad sihtfinantseeringud ja otsustuspõhimõtted kirjeldatakse AI programmi korras. AI programmi kord vaadatakse üle ja täiendatakse iga uue rahastusperioodi alguses vastavalt loodud uutele ootustele või tekkinud praktikale. AI programmi kord on kohustuslik dokument ja lisa iga lepinguga kinnitatud rahastusotsuse puhul. Programmi korda täiendavad teatud määral programmi raames loodud juhendmaterjalid. MEESKOND Programmi elluviimiseks moodustatakse meeskond Tehnopol töötajatest ning kaasatakse välist ekspertiisi, ennekõike valdkonnapõhise ja ärilise, mentorluse läbi viimiseks. AI programmi ellu viiv meeskond on järgmine: 16  AI programmi üldine ülesehitus, strateegilised otsused, Martin Goroško partnerlussuhted, rahvusvaheliste koostöövõrgustike leidmine ja käivitamine, AI tippekspertide kaasamine. AI programmi partnerlussuhted, tippekspertide kaasamine, Anu Puusaag rahvusvaheliste projektide käivitamine, koostöövõrgustike leidmine. AI programmi igapäevane ellu viimine, kasvu nõustamise koordineerimine, mentorite ja ekspertide töö koordineerimine, AI Rauno Varbas sündmuste korraldamine, koostöövõrgustike leidmine ja käivitamine. AI kiirendiprogrammi koordineerimine ja elluviimine, mentorite ja Kristiina Libe partnerite kaasamine ja iduettevõtetele suunatud tegevuste elluviimine. AI iduettevõtluse kogukonnale suunatud tegevuste üldine Anne-Liisa Elbrecht koordineerimine, partnerlussuhted, strateegilised otsused kiirendiprogrammi ellu viimisel. AI programmi turundus- ja kommunikatsiooni üldine Kristi Jõeäär koordineerimine ja turunduseesmärkide tagamine. Aivi Varik AI programmi online ja kampaaniategevused ja ürituste tugi. 17  EELARVE MAKSUMUS TEEMA/TEGEVUS (EUR) 1. AI Kiirendiprogramm 1.1. AI kiirendiprogramm (5 kiirenditsüklit) 272 600 Kiirendiprogrammi sihtfinantseeringud/arendustoetus 150 000 Kiirendiprogrammi toetav turundus 48 652 Kiirendiprogrammi projektijuhtimine (kiirendiprogrammide juhtimine sh osalejate valik, hindamine, kaasamine, 1:1le töö kiirendiprogrammi vältel, 164 373 koolitusprogrammi koostamine, mentorite valik ja suhtlus ja vahendamine, jooksvad ülesanded ja töö turundustiimiga) KOKKU 1. Kiirendiprogrammi tegevused 485 625 KOKKU Kiirendiprogrammi sihtfinantseering 150 000 2. AI võimekuse kasvatamine Eesti ettevõtetes 2025 2.1. AI mentorite kiirkohtumiste sündmused (2 sündmust) 8 000 2.2. AI põhised konsultatsioonid ettevõtetele 18 750 2.3. AI põhised partnerite sündmused, täiendatud AI programmist 3 000 2.4 AI-matchmaking platvormi halduskulud, täiendavad arendused ja sisuloome (3a) 6 000 AI võimekuse kasvu toetav turundus 8 488 Rahvusvahelised suhted (strateegiliste partnerluste loomine tugeva AI majandusega riikidega ja seal tegutsevate tugiorganisatsioonide 5 000 ja ekspertidega ning rahvusvaheliste tippekspertide võrgustiku kaardistamiseks) Projektijuhtimine AI võimekuse tõstmiseks ettevõtetes 2025 aastal (ekspertide otsing ja kaasamine, ürituste ettevalmistus, kohapealne korraldus, ja järeltegevused, sisuprogrammi koordineerimine ja modereerimine, osalejatega suhtlemine, matchmaking kohtumised, ürituste tagasiside 22 323 kogumine, ürituste koordineerimine turundustiimiga, rahvusvaheliste projektide otsimine, loomine, partnerite kaasamine, läbirääkimised, projekti koostamine) KOKKU 2. AI võimekuse kasvatamine Eesti ettevõtetes 71 561 3. Euroopa projektide ja rahastusvõimaluste leidmine ja kaasamine perioodiks 2025-2027 3.1. Omafinantseringute kate rahvusvahelistele projektidele* 500 000* 3.1.1 GSAI projekti eeldatav omafinantseering (20%) 85 000 3.1.2 HAIKU eeldatav projekti omafinantseering (20%) 100 000 3.1.3. AI4AI projekti eeldatav omafinantseering (30%) 210 000 KOKKU Rahvusvaheliste projektide omafinantseeringute kate 500 000 Sh teadaolevate projektide taotlemise omafinantseeringu kate 395 000 Üldkulud Programmijuhtimine (KPI-de kogumine, programmi andmehaldus ja -analüütika, programmi aruandlus ja muu dokumentatsioon. 18 264 Suhtlus teiste organisatsioonide sh MKM ja osalemine programmi raames muudes arendustegevustes, mis seotud otseselt või kaudselt AI lahendustega) Overhead 10% tegevuskuludest 72 545 (bürookulud, tehnilised töövahendid programmi tegevuste elluviimiseks) Kokku üldkulud 90 809 AI Programmi eelarve 2025-2027 KOKKU 1 297 994 *Avaneb edukate projektitaotluste puhul ning vastavalt konkreetse projekti nõutud omafinantseeringu määrale. 18 19  LEPING nr 1-7/25-0097 Majandus- ja Kommunikatsiooniministeerium (edaspidi MKM), mida esindab majandus- ja tööstusminister Erkki Keldo ja Sihtasutus Tallinna Teaduspark TEHNOPOL, (edaspidi eraldise saaja), mida esindab juhatuse liige Agnes Roos, edaspidi nimetatud eraldi pool või koos pooled, sõlmivad lepingu alljärgnevas: 1. Lepingu objekt MKM eraldab eraldise saajale 1 297 994 eurot (edaspidi eraldis) lepingu lisas fikseeritud tegevuste elluviimiseks eeldusel, et MKM-le eraldatakse 2026. ja 2027. aasta riigieelarve seadustega selleks vajalikud vahendid. Kui 2026. ja/või 2027. aasta riigieelarve seadustega eraldatakse MKM-le lepingu täitmiseks vahendid väiksemas summas, kui punktides 2.1 ja 2.2 toodud eraldise osamaksed kokku, täpsustavad pooled pärast 2026. ja/või 2027. aasta riigieelarve seaduste jõustumist lepingu lisas fikseeritud tegevusi ja punktides 2.1 ning 2.2 toodud osamaksete suurust, lähtudes tegelikult MKM-le eraldatud vahenditest. 2. Eraldise väljamaksmine 2.1. MKM kannab eraldise summas 797 994 eurot 2025.–2028. aastal osamaksetena eraldise saaja arveldusarvele (IBAN EE681010220031892015, SWIFT EEUHEE2X, SEB Pank) järgmiselt: 2.1.1. esimene osamakse summas 313 706 eurot 10 päeva jooksul lepingu allkirjastamist arvates; 2.1.2. teine osamakse summas 242 144 eurot 10 päeva jooksul esimese vahearuande MKM poolt heakskiitmisest arvates; 2.1.3. kolmas osamakse summas 181 608 eurot 10 päeva jooksul teise vahearuande MKM poolt heakskiitmisest arvates; 2.1.4. neljas osamakse summas 60 536 eurot 10 päeva jooksul lõpparuande MKM poolt heakskiitmisest arvates. 2.2. MKM kannab eraldise summas 500 000 eurot osamaksetena punktis 2.1 märgitud eraldise saaja arveldusarvele 10 päeva jooksul MKM-ga kooskõlastatud Euroopa projektides osalemiste ametlike kinnituste MKM-le esitamisest arvates. Iga osamakse suurus on võrdeline selles Euroopa projektis osalemise omafinantseeringu suurusega, milles osalemise ametliku kinnituse eraldise saaja MKM-le esitab. 3. Euroopa projektides osalemine 3.1. Kui eraldise saaja peab lepingu lisas fikseeritud tegevuste elluviimiseks vajalikuks osaleda Euroopa projektis, mida ei ole lepingu lisas nimeliselt nimetatud, ja milles osalemise omafinantseeringuks soovib eraldise saaja kasutada punktis 2.2 nimetatud eraldise osamakset, kooskõlastab ta selle eelnevalt MKM-ga, esitades enne projektis osalemise taotluse esitamist selleks pädevale asutusele selle kavandi (sisaldades minimaalselt projekti eesmärki, tegevusi ja eelarvet) MKM-le kooskõlastamiseks. 3.2. MKM kooskõlastab talle esitatud Euroopa projektis osalemise taotluse kavandi 7 päeva jooksul kavandi saamisest arvates. Kui MKM jätab taotluse kavandi kooskõlastamata, võib  2 eraldise saaja taotluse kavandit muuta või täiendada ja esitada see uuesti MKM-le kooskõlastamiseks. Muudetud või täiendatud taotluse kavandi kooskõlastab MKM 1 päeva jooksul. 3.3. Kui MKM jätab Euroopa projektis osalemise taotluse kavandi või selle muudetud või täiendatud versiooni kooskõlastamata, ei kuulu selles Euroopa projektis osalemise omafinantseeringu kulu lepingu kohaldamisalasse. See aga ei vabasta eraldise saajat lepingu lisas fikseeritud tegevuste elluviimisest ulatuses, mille elluviimiseks peab eraldise saaja vajalikuks kõnesolevas Euroopa projektis osalemist. 4. MKM õigused ja kohustused 4.1. MKM-l on õigus kontrollida eraldise saaja tegevuse vastavust lepingus kokkulepitule, sealhulgas: 4.1.1. saada (täiendavat) informatsiooni eraldise saajalt lepinguliste kohustuste täitmise kohta; 4.1.2. kontrollida eraldise saaja juures MKM-le esitatud aruandluse, informatsiooni ja dokumen- tide õigsust; 4.1.3. auditeerida eraldise saaja lepingu täitmisega seonduvat tegevust. 5. Eraldise saaja õigused ja kohustused 5.1. Eraldise saaja kohustub lepingu lisas fikseeritud tegevused ellu viima hiljemalt 31.12.2027, lähtudes lepingu lisas toodud eelarvest. 5.2. Eraldise saajal on õigus MKM-ga kooskõlastatult teha lepingu lisas toodud eelarveridade vahel muudatusi. 5.3. Eraldise saajal on kohustus koostada MKM-i nõudmisel eraldise kasutamisega seotud ülevaateid ja muul viisil anda aru eraldise kasutamisest ning lepingu lisas kirjeldatud AI programmi edenemisest. 5.4. Eraldise saajal on kohustus informeerida MKM-i olukorrast, kus lepingu täitmine osutub võimatuks. Sellisel juhul kohustuvad pooled 30 päeva jooksul kokku leppima edasise tegevuse ja vajadusel muudavad lepingut. 5.5. Eraldise saajal on kohustus tagada auditeerivatele või kontrollivatele MKM ametnikele juurdepääs tööks vajalikule informatsioonile ning dokumentidele. 5.6. Eraldise saajal on kohustus kanda 2025. ja 2026. aastal kasutamata jäänud eraldise vahendid järgmisesse eelarveaastasse. 5.7. Eraldise saajal on kohustus tagastada lepingu lõppemisel kasutamata jäänud eraldise jääk MKM-le 30 päeva jooksul pärast asjakohase aruande MKM poolset heakskiitmist ning MKM nõudel lepingus fikseeritud eesmärgist erineval eesmärgil kasutatud eraldise. 6. Eraldise saaja aruanded 6.1. Eraldise saaja esitab MKM-le aruandeid elektroonilises vormis e-posti kaudu järgmiselt: 6.1.1. esimese vahearuande hiljemalt 15.02.2026; 6.1.2. teise vahearuande hiljemalt 15.02.2027; 6.1.3. lõpparuande 45 päeva jooksul lepingu lisas fikseeritud tegevuste elluviimisest arvates, kuid mitte hiljem kui 14.02.2028. 6.2. Vahearuandes peab eraldise saaja esitama ülevaate lepingu lisas toodud tegevuseesmärkide progressist vastavalt tegevuste elluviimise ajakavale, ülevaate vahendite kasutamise kohta, hinnangud tegevuste tulemuslikkuse kohta ja asjakohasel juhul parendusettepanekud edaspidiseks. Lõpparuanne peab sisaldama ülevaadet lepingu lisas kirjeldatud AI programmi tulemuslikkuse ning vahendite kasutamise kohta. Lepingu erakorralise ülesütlemise korral tuleb eraldise saajal MKM-le esitada aruanne tehtud ja tegemata jäänud kulutuste ning tehtud ja tegemata jäänud tegevuste kohta 30 päeva jooksul lepingu lõppemisest arvates. 6.3. MKM kiidab talle esitatud aruande elektroonilises vormis e-posti teel heaks 30 päeva jooksul aruande saamisest arvates.  3 6.4. Kui MKM ei kiida aruannet heaks ja osutab selle puudustele, siis parandab eraldise saaja aruannet ning esitab kahe nädala jooksul MKM tagasiside saamisest arvates MKM-le parandatud aruande. MKM annab parandatud aruandele hinnangu kahe nädala jooksul selle saamisest arvates. 6.5. Kui MKM ei anna aruandele või parandatud aruandele hinnangut punktis 6.4 toodud tähtaja jooksul, loevad pooled aruande MKM poolt heaks kiidetuks. 7. Kontaktisikud 7.1. Eraldise saaja kontaktisik lepinguga seotud küsimustes on AI valdkonnajuht Rauno Varblas, [email protected], tel +372 5863 8322. Eraldise saaja volitab oma kontaktisikut eraldise saaja nimel esitama punktis 3 toodud Euroopa projektis osalemise taotluse kavandeid ja punktis 6 toodud aruandeid. 7.2. MKM kontaktisik lepinguga seotud küsimustes on andmete ja tehisintellekti nõunik Astrid Valtna-Dvořák, [email protected], tel +372 5885 1070. MKM volitab oma kontaktisikut punktis 3 toodud Euroopa projektis osalemise taotluse kavandeid kooskõlastama või vajadusel neid kooskõlastamata jätma ning punktis 6 toodud aruandeid MKM nimel heaks kiitma või vajadusel neid tagasi lükkama. 8. Lõppsäte Lepingu allkirjastamisel on lepingule lisatud üks lisa: AI tootepõhiste ettevõtete tekitamise ning rahvusvahelisele kasvule viimise programmi pakkumus 2025–2027. MKM Eraldise saaja Registrikood: 70003158 Registrikood: 90008258 Suur-Ameerika 1, 10122 Tallinn Teaduspargi 6/1 12618 Tallinn Telefon: 6256 330 Telefon: 4 800 200 A/a: EE932200221023778606 Swedbank A/a: EE681010220031892015 SEB Pank (allkirjastatud digitaalselt) (allkirjastatud digitaalselt) Erkki Keldo Agnes Roos majandus- ja tööstusminister juhataja Partnership agreement Preamble Having regard to: Article 26 (1) a of Regulation (EU) 2021/1059; the following agreement is hereby made between the lead partner (LP) of the project and the Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV project partners as listed in the project data for the implementation of the Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project CB1000678, Advance4Growth, A4G, approved by the Monitoring Committee/Steering Committee of the Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 on 28.1.2026. Abbreviations Programme – Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 AA –Audit Authority AF – Application Form EC - European Commission ERDF – European Regional Development Fund EU – European Union JS - Joint Secretariat LP - Lead Partner MA - Managing Authority MC – Monitoring Committee PP - Project Partner (PPs – Project Partners) SC - Steering Committee Articles Article 1: Legal framework 1. The following legal provisions and document constitute the contractual basis of this partnership agreement and the legal framework for the implementation of the project Advance4Growth • The European Structural and Investment Funds Regulations, Delegated and Implementing Acts for the 2021-2027 period, as further specified below; • The Interreg Programme Central Baltic 2021-2027 approved by the European Commission on 7.6.2022 setting the programme (hereinafter referred to as Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Interreg Central Baltic programme); • The laws of the PP's countries applicable to this contractual relationship; 2. The following laws and documents constitute the legal framework applicable to the rights and obligations of the parties to this agreement: • Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 966/2012, together with related Delegated or Implementing Acts; • The European Structural and Investment Funds Regulations, Delegated and Implementing Acts for the 2021-2027 period, especially: ▪ Regulation (EU) No 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021, laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund, and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1303/2013, and any amendment; ▪ Regulation (EU) No 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1301/2013, and any amendment; ▪ Regulation (EU) No 2021/1059 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on specific provisions for the European territorial goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1299/2013, and any amendment;  • Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR); • Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Commission Regulation (EU) No 1407/2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid, Regulation (EU) 2021/1237 of 23 July 2021 amending Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty; Delegated and Implementing acts, as well as all applicable decisions and rulings in the field of state aid; • All other EU legislation and the underlying principles applicable to the LP and the PPs, including the legislation laying down provisions on competition and entry into the markets, the protection of the environment, and equal Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV opportunities between men and women; • National rules applicable to the LP and its PPs and their activities; • Project data, comprising but not limited to latest project documentation such as application form and all project information available in the electronic system (Jems); • the subsidy contract, concluded between the LP of the project and the MA; • All manuals, guidelines and any other documents relevant for project implementation (e.g., Programme Manual and practical guides) in their latest version, as published on the programme website or handed over to the LP directly during the project implementation. Should the above-mentioned legal norms and documents, and any other documents or data of relevance for the contractual relationship be amended, the latest version shall apply. Article 2: Definitions For the purposes of this partnership agreement, the following definitions apply: a) Project partner: any institution financially participating in the project and contributing to its implementation, as identified in the approved application form. It corresponds to the term “beneficiary” used in the European Structural and Investment Funds Regulations. b) Lead partner: the project partner designated by all partners and who assumes responsibility for ensuring the implementation of the entire project according to Articles 23 (5) and 26 (1) b of Regulation (EU) No 2021/1059. c) Project data: data comprising but not limited to latest project documentation such as application form and all project information available in the electronic system. Article 3: Subject of the Partnership Agreement This partnership agreement lays down the arrangements regulating the relations between the LP and all the PPs, in order to ensure sound implementation of the project as in the latest version of the project data, as well as in compliance with the conditions for support set out in the European Structural and Investment Funds Regulations, delegated and implementing acts, the programme implementation manual based thereon, and the subsidy contract signed between the MA and the LP. The subsidy contract is an annex to the partnership agreement. Article 4: duration of the partnership agreement Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV The present partnership agreement comes into force once it has been signed by the LP and each PP individually or by all PPs, and under the condition that the project is approved for co-financing by the Programme. It remains in force until the LP and PPs have completed in full their obligations as further defined in article 6 of this agreement towards the MA and any relevant European body. Article 5: Roles and duties in the partnership The LP of the project: • Is entitled to represent the PPs in the project. • Is responsible for the overall coordination, management and implementation of the project towards the MA. • Ensures timely commencement and implementation of the activities within the lifetime of the project, in compliance with all obligations to the MA. The LP must notify the JS of any factors that may adversely affect implementation of the project activities and/or the financial plan. • Monitors the delivery of the agreed work plan setting out tasks to be undertaken as part of the project, the role of the PPs in their implementation, and the project budget. • Prepares and submits the project progress reports, including supporting documents, according to the programme manual, and additional requested documents and/or information from JS and MA. • Addresses requests for project modifications, according to the programme manual. • Is, in general, the contact point representing the partnership for any communication with the JS/MA or any other of the programme bodies. • Provides the partners with copies of all relevant project documents, and reports on the implementation of the project. The LP must regularly inform the PPs of all relevant communication between the LP and the JS/MA. • Carries out any other tasks agreed with the project partners. PPs are the bodies responsible for carrying out specific project activities in the manner and scope indicated in the project data. PPs commit themselves to undertake all steps necessary to support the LP in fulfilling its obligations as specified in the Subsidy Contract signed between the MA and the LP, as well as in this agreement. The PPs must: • Actively cooperate in the implementation of the project; • Cooperate in the staffing and/or financing of the project in accordance with the partnership agreement; • Keep to other obligations on the basis of this partnership agreement. • Provide the LP with all the information and documents required for Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV coordinating and regularly monitoring the technical and financial progress of the project; and necessary in preparing the progress and final reports concerning the part of the project that the partner is responsible for as needed before, during and after the project duration; • Provide any additional information related to reporting to the LP or JS/MA if requested, in due time as needed during and after the project duration. The PPs are responsible for: • Carrying out the specific activities set out in the project data; • Complying with any deadlines set by the programme, the LP, or agreed within the partnership • Notifying the LP of any factors that may adversely affect the implementation of the project in accordance with the project data; In particular, for the part of the project for which it is responsible, each PP must ensure: • That it is in compliance with relevant rules concerning, inter alia, equal opportunities, protection of the environment, financial management, branding, public procurement and State Aid; • That it is implemented in accordance with the rules and procedures set in the programme manual; Article 6: Financial management of the project Each PP must: • Set up separate accounts or adequate bookkeeping systems for the financial settlement of the project, ensuring that expenditure and revenues, as well as the received national and programme co-financing related to the project, are clearly identified. • Strictly follow the EU eligibility rules as well as further eligibility rules set up by the programme in the programme manual and, if applicable, national rules. • Be responsible for guaranteeing the sound financial management of programme funds received and, in cases of recovery, for reimbursing the LP or relevant programme body directly for unduly paid programme funds, in Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV accordance with the rules and procedures set in the programme manual; • Regularly submit expenditures for verification to the designated controllers, according to the rules set at programme and national level. Verified expenditures must be submitted through the programme's electronic monitoring system to the LP immediately after verification • Return to the LP or any relevant programme body any amounts of programme co-financing unduly paid concerning their participation in the project, in accordance with the rules and procedures set in the programme manual. In the case of national co-financing, the specific regulation of the country granting it applies. • Ensure that the expenses incurred are strictly related to the project activities, in line with the project data. • Ensure that programme requirements on eligibility of expenditure, as provided for in the programme manual and in line with the Subsidy Contract signed between the MA and the LP, are strictly respected. • Set up a physical and/or electronic archive where data, records and documents composing the audit trail are stored, in compliance with the requirements described in the programme manual. Furthermore, the LP must: • Ensure that the expenditure presented by the PPs participating in the project has been incurred for the purpose of implementing the project, and corresponds to the activities agreed between those partners as specified in the project data. • Verify that the expenditure presented by the PPs participating in the project has been validated by the controllers, according to the rules set at programme and national level. • Receive co-financing for the entire project and transfers it to the other partners participating in the project without delay. • Constantly monitor the spending of the project budget foreseen for each PP, and ensure that budget shifts are carried out within the limits and according to the rules as set out by the programme in the programme manual, If a PP fails to inform the LP of any deviation from the project data, the LP is then entitled to refuse to include in the project report the costs of this partner that are connected to such deviations and/or that result in an overspending of the approved budget of this partner. Similarly, if a PP fails to provide the necessary input for the preparation of the project reports within the deadline agreed with the LP, the LP may refuse to report the costs of this PP to the programme, in agreement with the JS/MA. The LP is responsible for distributing the balance payments received from the MA to the PPs. The PPs must provide access to the premises, documents and information, irrespective of the medium in which they are stored, for verifications by the MA, the JS, the AA, relevant national authorities, authorised representatives of the EC, the European Anti-Fraud Office, the European Court of Auditors, the Group of Auditors and any external auditor authorised by these institutions Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV or bodies. These verifications may take place up to 5 years from 31 December of the year of the last payment from the programme to the LP or PP. The PPs must ensure that all original documents, or their certified copies, in line with the national legislation related to the implementation of the project, are made available until the above final date of possible verifications, and until any on-going audit, verification, appeal, litigation or pursuit of claim has been completed. Article 7: Recoveries Should the MA, in accordance with the provisions of the respective articles of the co-financing contract, demand repayment of programme funds already transferred, each PP must transfer to the LP or relevant programme body any amounts paid to them in excess, according to the rules and timeframe as set out by the programme in the programme manual and recovery documents. In such cases, the LP must immediately forward to the PPs the recovery documents received from the MA, by which the MA has asserted the repayment claim, and notify every PP of the amount repayable. If the recovery concerns the LP alone, then the LP must not stop payments to the other PPs. Article 8: Modifications, withdrawal from obligations The LP and each PP agree not to withdraw from the project unless there are unavoidable reasons for doing so. Should this nonetheless happen, the LP and the remaining PPs must find a solution in agreement with the rules and procedures as described in the programme manual. Should a PP fail to comply with its obligations under this partnership agreement, the partnership may decide as a last resort to remove this PP from the project and request modifications as outlined in the programme manual. The LP can, if necessary, request modifications of the project data to the JS/ MA or other relevant Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV programme body. Any modifications requested, including budget, partnership and operational changes, must be agreed and authorised by the PPs beforehand, according to pre-agreed rules of procedure or other decision-making mechanism established in the partnership. The LP and PPs must strictly follow the provisions of the programme manual when requesting and/or implementing modifications in the project. Article 9: Information and communication, publicity and branding The LP and the PPs must comply with the EU publicity rules as well as the communication requirements outlined in the programme manual, and provide any material developed during the lifetime of the project that may be useful to publications at the programme level. The LP and PPs ensure that any outcome and result produced during project implementation can be used by all interested parties and organisations, and are in the public interest and publicly available. Moreover, the PPs will support the LP and play an active role in any actions organised by the programme to disseminate and capitalise on project results. Article 10: Intellectual property rights, confidentiality and conflict of interest The LP and PPs must undertake to enforce all applicable national and EU law, including but not limited to laws on intellectual property rights, especially copyright, regarding any output produced as a result of project implementation. The LP or PP shall ensure that it has all rights to use any pre-existing intellectual property rights, if necessary for the implementation of the project. The result of the joint activities covered by the agreement concerning reports, documents, studies, electronic data and other outputs, are the joint property of the partnership, unless specifically agreed otherwise. The LP and PPs are obliged to take all necessary measures in order to avoid conflicts of interest, and to keep each other informed without delay on any circumstances that have generated or may generate such conflict. Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV The LP and PPs are obliged to inform the relevant programme bodies if there is any sensitive or confidential information related to the project that may not be published or made publicly available. This clause does not affect the LP and PPs obligation to make all results and outputs of the project available to the public. Article 11: dispute settlement Disputes arising between PPs or between the LP and PP/PPs concerning their contractual relationship and, more specifically, the interpretation, performance and termination of this agreement should strive to be resolved amicably. Should this not be possible, the law of the country of the LP shall apply. Article 12: third party contracts, liability and outsourcing In the case of cooperation with third parties including but not limited to sub-contractors and in- house bodies, with regard to the project, the relevant PP remains solely responsible towards the other PPs concerning compliance with its obligations as set out in the programme manual. PPs must inform each other about the scope of such contracts and the names of the contracted parties. Should a PP not comply with its obligations, this PP must be solely responsible for damages and costs resulting from this non-compliance. Article 13: Assignment, legal succession In the case of legal succession; e.g., where the LP or any PP changes its legal form, the LP or PP is obliged to transfer all duties and obligations under this contract to its successor. Legal succession shall be formalised according to the rules as set out in the programme manual. Article 14: Amendment of the partnership agreement Amendments to the partnership agreement must be properly documented. If applicable, in accordance with the rules and procedures as set out in the programme manual, the LP presents the amended partnership agreement to the relevant programme body without undue delay. Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Article 15: Termination The partnership agreement must be terminated as a consequence of termination of the co- financing contract. Following termination of the partnership agreement, the LP and PPs are still obliged to comply with all the requirements after closure, such as recoveries or document retention for audit and evaluation purposes. Final Provisions The partnership agreement is written in English. If this document and its annexes are translated into another language, the English version will be the binding one. Should conflicting clauses or interpretation thereof between this agreement and the subsidy contract arise, the subsidy contract takes precedence. If any provision in this partnership agreement should be wholly or partly ineffective, the parties to the partnership agreement undertake to replace the ineffective provision by an effective provision which comes as close as possible to the purpose of the ineffective provision. Amendments and supplements to the present agreement must be in written form. Consequently, any changes to the present agreement will only be effective if they have been agreed on in writing. Signatures All PPs must sign and date the partnership agreement. - Lead Partner: Norrköping Science Park - Partner 2: Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol - Partner 3: Association CLEANTECH LATVIA List of annexes • Annex 1 – Subsidy contract Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV • Annex 2 – Detailed budget by categories and spending plan • Annex 3 – Project application Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Partner Organisation abbreviation Country ERDF ERDF % Rate LP1 NOSP Sverige (SE) 336881,44 46,82% PP2 Tehnopol Eesti (EE) 199179,20 27,68% PP3 CL Latvija (LV) 183479,20 25,50% Total 719539,84 0,00% Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV ERDF % of total Public Contribution Auto Public Contribution Private Contribution 80,00% 84220,36 0,00 0,00 80,00% 49794,80 0,00 0,00 80,00% 0,00 0,00 45869,80 80,00% 134015,16 0,00 45869,80 Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Total partner contribution Total eligible budget % of Total eligible budget 84220,36 421101,80 46,82% 49794,80 248974,00 27,68% 45869,80 229349,00 25,50% 179884,96 899424,80 100,00% Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV  CB1000678 Advance4Growth Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Application Form Export Downloaded on 2026.06.10 - 06:59:02 Version 2.0 Form language: EN Input language: EN Currency: EUR  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 A - Project identification A.1 Project identification Project id (automatically created) CB1000678 Name of the lead partner organisation Norrköping Science Park Name of the lead partner organisation in Norrkoping Science Park English Bridging regional export connections to help Central Project title Baltic SMEs grow and expand in the UK market Project acronym Advance4Growth Programme priority Innovative Business Development Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Programme objective PO1: More exports by SMEs Project duration in months 30 2  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 A.2 Project summary Give a brief overview of the project. The information written here will be used to produce content for various platforms, such as the project webspace, booklets etc. Make sure that the information provided in the project summary field is coherent, well-structured, catchy, and understandable for an external reader considering all the points mentioned below. For a first step application, please include the indicative budget of your project (total budget and budget per partner) to the end of the summary. the common challenge of the programme area you are jointly tackling in your project the overall objective of the project and the expected change your project will make to the current situation the main outputs you will produce and those who will benefit from them the approach you plan to take and why a cross-border approach is needed what is new/original about the project Advance4Growth will support SMEs in the Central Baltic region(CBR) to create new business opportunities and overcome obstacles they face expanding into the UK market, Golden Triangle. The Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV project will focus on the Golden Triangle in UK, as strategic gateways, due to their high growth potential and demand for innovation and research which aligns with the strengths of our CB SMEs and their expressed export interest. Targeted SMEs are within deep-tech. The project will secure 10 sales contracts in the UK by creating a pool of 60 companies from 3 partnering countries(Estonia, Latvia and Sweden). The second goal is to foster cross-border collaborations between the countries for on-boarded SMEs, partners, and local organizations. Actions Supported: Conduct market analysis to identify and support SMEs to find new business opportunities in the UK. Develop support networks through collaborations between 3 partnering countries, business support organisations, industry experts, and regional authorities both on target markets and in the CBR. Create value propositions and offer selected SMEs up to 25 hours of mentoring to support their entry to the UK.. Organise regular seminars/webinars on market-specific challenges and opportunities in CBR. Organise inbound delegation to the CBR from UK market as well as creating delegations to the UK market, into Golden Triangle area (London, Cambridge, Oxford). 3  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 A.3 Project budget overview Programme funding Contribution Total Funding Funding Co-financing Automatic public Other public Total public Private Total source amount rate (%) contribution contribution contribution contribution contribution ERDF 719.539,84 80,00% 0,00 134.015,16 134.015,16 45.869,80 179.884,96 899.424,80 Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Total EU 719.539,84 80,00% 0,00 134.015,16 134.015,16 45.869,80 179.884,96 899.424,80 funds Total 719.539,84 80,00% 0,00 134.015,16 134.015,16 45.869,80 179.884,96 899.424,80 4  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 A.4 Project outputs and result overview Aggregated Programme value per Programme Result Measurement Output target Measurement Output Programme Output Output Title result Baseline indicator Unit value unit Indicator output indicator target value indicator Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Enterprises SMEs with non- Output participated 60,00 Company 60,00 financial 1.1 in project support activities Companies participated RCR04 SMEs in export introducing Output activities to marketing or 20,00 Company 20,00 1.2 achieve organisational marketing or innovation organisational innovation PSR1 Companies with achieved 0,00 10,00 Company sales and contracts to new markets 5  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 B - Project partners Partners overview Number Status Name of the Organization in english Country Organisation abbreviation Partner role Partner total eligible budget 1 Active Norrkoping Science Park Sverige (SE) NOSP LP 421.101,80 Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV 2 Active Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol Eesti (EE) Tehnopol PP 248.974,00 3 Active CLEANTECH LATVIA Latvija (LV) CL PP 229.349,00 6  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 B.1 Lead partner Partner number 1 Partner role LP Name of the Organization in original language Norrköping Science Park Name of the Organization in english Norrkoping Science Park Organisation abbreviation NOSP Department / unit / division Partner main address Country Sverige (SE) NUTS 2 Östra Mellansverige (SE12) Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV NUTS 3 Östergötlands län (SE123) Laxholmstorget 3 Street, House number, Postal code, City 60221 Norrköping Homepage www.nosp.se Address of department / unit / division (if applicable) Country NUTS 2 NUTS 3 Street, House number, Postal code, City Legal and financial information Type of partner Business support organisation Legal status Public VAT number (if applicable) 556415-1404 Is your organisation entitled to recover VAT based on national legislation for the activities Yes implemented in the project? Contact Legal representative CEO Jonas Nilson Contact person Project Manager Klara Ewald 7  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Contact Email [email protected] Telephone no. +46765345477 Motivation Describe the organisation's thematic competences and experiences that are relevant for the project. Avoid providing general information about the partner organisation. Indicate the relevant and concrete know-how which will be used to implement project activities. Norrköping Science Park (NOSP) is strategically located near Norrköping Campus and Linköping University, serving as a dynamic hub for innovation, business development and world-known research. With over two decades of experience, NOSP has specialised in nurturing startups and scale-ups, particularly in deep tech sectors such as advanced materials, visualization and AI. NOSP's participation in EU-funded initiatives like Bridging4Growth and Leap4Growth, has sharpened our focus on fostering international business growth and innovation. This includes expertise in emerging Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV technologies and regulatory frameworks essential for expanding SMEs into new markets. These competencies make NOSP exceptionally well-suited to lead the Advance4Growth project, bringing a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight that aligns directly with the project's objectives. Describe the main role (main activities and responsibilities) of the organisation in the project. Focus on why the partner organisation is optimal to fulfil the specific role and implement the specific tasks in the project. As the lead partner in Advance4Growth, NOSP will lead the efforts to enhance the export capabilities of SMEs in the Central Baltic region. NOSP also has a tight partnership with the extensive research done at Linköping Univeristy Campus Norrköping. Which makes NOSP suitable partners working towards a market with universities working with world-known deep tech research. The role will encompass organising comprehensive market analysis workshops, mentoring programs, and targeted training sessions tailored to the specific needs of SMEs preparing for international expansion. As well as coordinating network oppertunities for CBR SMEs both in the UK but as well as in the CB region. NOSP will also leverage its extensive network and experience from past projects to facilitate cross- border collaborations, ensuring that SMEs benefit from a unified approach to market entry. This includes managing demonstration projects and pilot tests that align with the project’s innovative market entry strategies, providing tangible benefits and real-world applications for SMEs. Besides as the project focuses on deeptech companies, NOSP has exquisite knowledge in the areas of smart manufacturing, electronics, visualization, logistics, semiconductors, and value chain development. This would be the knowledge and experience to be shared with other partnering countries' and their companies. Describe the organisation's experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Instead of providing a long list of projects the organisation has participated in, mention the most relevant experience of the partner organisation from the relevant field: thematic experience, experience in management of and participation in international projects. Indicate if you are planning to bring in relevant expertise for the project to the partner organisation(s). 8  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Motivation NOSP has a strong track record of leadership and active participation in major EU-funded initiatives. We serve as Lead Partner for Leap4Growth and contributed as a partner to projects such as Bridging4Growth and Scaleup Launchpad, where we developed tailored support mechanisms to advance SME internationalisation. Our extensive experience in managing complex, multinational projects has equipped us with the expertise required to effectively lead Advance4Growth, ensuring compliance with EU standards while driving the achievement of the project’s ambitious objectives. Through Advance4Growth, Norrköping Science Park is positioned to play a central role in accelerating SME internationalisation within the Central Baltic region. By leveraging our institutional knowledge and proven capacity in international project management, we aim to foster sustainable economic growth, competitiveness, and long-term development across the region. Co-financing Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Source Amount Percentage ERDF 336.881,44 80,00% Partner contribution 84.220,36 20,00% Partner total eligible budget 421.101,80 100,00% Origin of partner contribution Source of contribution Legal status of contribution Amount % of total partner budget NOSP Public 84.220,36 20,00% Total Sub-total public contribution 84.220,36 20,00% Sub-total automatic public contribution 0,00 0,00% Sub-total private contribution 0,00 0,00% Total 84.220,36 20,00% 9  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 B.1 Project Partner 2 Partner number 2 Partner role PP Name of the Organization in original language Tallinna Teaduspark Tehnopol SA Name of the Organization in english Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol Organisation abbreviation Tehnopol Department / unit / division Business Development Unit Partner main address Country Eesti (EE) NUTS 2 Eesti (EE00) Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV NUTS 3 Lõuna-Eesti (EE008) Mäealuse 2/4 Street, House number, Postal code, City 12618 Tallinn Homepage www.tehnopol.ee Address of department / unit / division (if applicable) Country NUTS 2 NUTS 3 Street, House number, Postal code, City Legal and financial information Type of partner Business support organisation Legal status Public VAT number (if applicable) EE100855346 Is your organisation entitled to recover VAT based on national legislation for the activities Yes implemented in the project? Contact Legal representative Mrs Agnes Roos Contact person Ms Anu Puusaag 10  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Contact Email [email protected] Telephone no. +3725090541 Motivation Describe the organisation's thematic competences and experiences that are relevant for the project. Avoid providing general information about the partner organisation. Indicate the relevant and concrete know-how which will be used to implement project activities. Tehnopol Science and Business Park is Estonia's largest hub for high-tech entrepreneurship, aimed at making the Estonian economy more sustainable through rapid growth of startups and SMEs. For over 20 years, Tehnopol has been offering a comprehensive range of services to foster development and expansion into global markets. These services include modern office spaces, business counseling, startup accelerating and facilities for innovation testing. Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV According to Tehnopol's strategy, starting from fall 2025, it specializes on five main areas: health-tech, defence-tech / dual-use, AI, deep tech and digital technologies (smart city for instance). Tehnopol provides services both to early stage startups by providing focus areas based accelerations and aprox to 100 companies annually will benefit from direct support like support by mentors/experts, have testing opportunities, recieve grants or will be guided in to get investments and will be supported for their export activities. Due to several changes and for the need to find new unicorns in Estonia, Estonian governement have now focused both on defencetech and deeptech companies acceleration. Thus, Tehnopol has updated its strategy and added deeptech as one of the focus areas and its' activities and services will be aligned for it as well. Task created for Tehnopol, is to support deeptech companies growth both on early stage and scale-up level. Thus, Tehnopol has created additional experts/mentors and also investors pool for deeptech companies and is actively looking for and promoting initiatives that support companies with specific needs (risky, needs specific testing, long runway, science based team etc). Besides, Tehnopol facilitates business matchmaking, mentoring, collaborations with universities and government entities to provide the supportive network to deeptech companies as well. Closeness to Taltech university is the key element here, but close connections are made also to other universities in Estonia. Describe the main role (main activities and responsibilities) of the organisation in the project. Focus on why the partner organisation is optimal to fulfil the specific role and implement the specific tasks in the project. 11  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Motivation Tehnopol´s main role is to represent deeptech companies from Estonia throughout the project. As refered earlier, Tehnopol is now focused on deeptech sector, thus the pipeline of deeptech companies is generated and accessible for Tehnopol. Besides, it has very close collaboration with Taltech and Tartu university, that most probably will have important role in creating deeptech startups. Besides startups, Tehnopol will focus on deeptech scale up companies and UKś Golden Triangle will probably provide best opportunity to either test the solutions, find new collaboration opportunities for the solution or new team members and last but not least, match with potential business partners as the area is open for innovation. Besides being the main host for deeptech companies in Estonia for the project, Tehnopol will conduct the events and matches made with Estonian companies and partners. As the project focuses on creating crossborder linkages, Tehnopol has very good reach to deeptech area network including universities, investors, public and private organisations and other tech companies. In more specifics, the areas of focus would be AI, defence-tech/dual-use, healthtech and digitalisation in different environments (incl smart city, greentech for example). Besides, as Tehnopol has partnered up with the same consortia previously in several 4Growth initiatives and as Advance4Growth focuses on providing new market access to deeptech companies, Tehnopol Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV has the experience, knowledge and connections to run the project in cooperation with the partners. Previously created connections in term of healthtech from project Health-3-2-1 will be analysed and added if needed besides of the national support system that is provided by Estonian Government to Estonian companies. Last but not least, Tehnopol will be again responsible for mentors procurement, by using the experience and legal aspects. Describe the organisation's experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Instead of providing a long list of projects the organisation has participated in, mention the most relevant experience of the partner organisation from the relevant field: thematic experience, experience in management of and participation in international projects. Indicate if you are planning to bring in relevant expertise for the project to the partner organisation(s). 12  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Motivation Tehnopol has a long history of involvement in EU co-financed and other international and national projects, establishing itself as an essential partner for Estonia. It has participated in numerous projects funded by Interreg Central Baltic, Horizon programs and also I3 initiatives, which play a significant role in its funding strategy. Mostly Tehnopol has consistently demonstrated its ability to comply with project regulations, manage finances effectively, meet reporting deadlines, and deliver expected outcomes without significant difficulties. Among the projects with Interreg Central Baltic, Tehnopol has participated in the Leap4Growth, Bridging4Growth, Health-3-2-1, 4SmartGrowth, Scale-Able etc projects that were all committed to support the export growth to Estonian tech companies. Several projects are still running, but the outcomes of these projects confirm that Estonian tech companies are capable of finding new business partners abroad and although being small, are very flexible and agile and have capacity to create sales outside of EU markets. Each of the project has its specifics, but key lessons learned from these initiatives are the importance of creating online connections and focus on these maintainance later, creating new network with the help of partners and their national networks, and managing costs efficiently, due to long experience in similar projects. Tehnopol has also created a lot of knowledge from international mentors´ procurement Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV processes held together with official partners. Not less important is the companies´ pool that have had access to several export projects, who are now doing sales markets, but share important feedback of their market entrance processes. Last but not least important is the cooperation among partners of the project. Consortia for A4G have long history and has gained a lot of trust. Thus, the tasks divided by partners are always delivered in its full volume and thus the project outcomes are actually approachable. Co-financing Source Amount Percentage ERDF 199.179,20 80,00% Partner contribution 49.794,80 20,00% Partner total eligible budget 248.974,00 100,00% Origin of partner contribution Source of contribution Legal status of contribution Amount % of total partner budget Tehnopol Public 49.794,80 20,00% Total Sub-total public contribution 49.794,80 20,00% Sub-total automatic public contribution 0,00 0,00% Sub-total private contribution 0,00 0,00% Total 49.794,80 20,00% 13  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 B.1 Project Partner 3 Partner number 3 Partner role PP Name of the Organization in original language CLEANTECH LATVIA Name of the Organization in english CLEANTECH LATVIA Organisation abbreviation CL Department / unit / division N/A Partner main address Country Latvija (LV) NUTS 2 Latvija (LV00) Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV NUTS 3 Rīga (LV006) Dzerbenes 27 Street, House number, Postal code, City LV1006 Riga Homepage www.cleantechlatvia.com Address of department / unit / division (if applicable) Country Latvija (LV) NUTS 2 Latvija (LV00) NUTS 3 Rīga (LV006) Valmieras 31 Street, House number, Postal code, City LV1009 Riga Legal and financial information Type of partner Business support organisation Legal status Private VAT number (if applicable) 50008104111 Is your organisation entitled to recover VAT based on national legislation for the activities No implemented in the project? Contact Legal representative Mrs. Evija Pudane 14  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Contact Contact person Mrs. Evija Pudane Email [email protected] Telephone no. +37129560650 Motivation Describe the organisation's thematic competences and experiences that are relevant for the project. Avoid providing general information about the partner organisation. Indicate the relevant and concrete know-how which will be used to implement project activities. CLEANTECH LATVIA is cluster organizations which since it's establishment is oriented to support SME’ s export and innovation activities. For more than 12 years we are assisting our members in their business development and strategic partnerships establishment, to develop and implement clean and environmentally friendly technologies, to promote a circular economy and industrial symbiosis as a new Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV generation business model, to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises, oriented towards sustainability, to cooperate for entering new markets, creating new value chains, developing innovative products and services. The focus of the deeptech section would be everything that has connection with the clean- or greentechnologies as described above. Export promotion is our key competence and offer to enterprises. We attract financing to support companies activities abroad and we have been organized: export visits to 30+countries; 60+ export events: 500+ companies participated 90% of which were SMEs. As some of the markets are emerging economies, we have not only offered new products and services, but also improved the knowledge of the stakeholders in this market about environmental technologies, smart urban solutions and digital opportunities. Innovation support over 10+ years helps to identify new exportable, global products. Collaboration with universities and R&D centers is a base for tech development. Describe the main role (main activities and responsibilities) of the organisation in the project. Focus on why the partner organisation is optimal to fulfil the specific role and implement the specific tasks in the project. Based on the previous experience, gained in various export-related projects as well as ongoing projects Bridging4Growth and Leap4Growth, we will provide Latvian SME's with comprehensive information on the development of the targeted markets, business environment, investment policy and available funding opportunities as well as development projects in the direction of sustainable and smart development. Based on our many years of experience, we will not only provide general advice but also provide support in business negotiations as far as is acceptable to businesses and pay close attention to explaining differences in culture and business environment. For successful Latvian SME's involvment local partner with experience in export promotion is crutial. Last but not least are important the focus areas - clean and sustainable tech, renewable energy, resource efficiency, industrial symbiosis, bioeconomy, and smart infrastructure - that would be the specific knowledge and experience to be shared within the project activities. 15  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Motivation Describe the organisation's experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Instead of providing a long list of projects the organisation has participated in, mention the most relevant experience of the partner organisation from the relevant field: thematic experience, experience in management of and participation in international projects. Indicate if you are planning to bring in relevant expertise for the project to the partner organisation(s). Most of CLEANTECH LATVIA projects were focused on export promotion and the development of new products to meet export markets needs. With our experience and knowledge, we have not only participated in various EU-funded projects but also become an important partner in the project applications of our members, providing our knowledge and experience throughout the project. One of the most important sources of our funding is the ERDF-financed project "Cluster CLEANTEACH LATVIA", the purpose of which is to continue to strengthen and develop the operation of the CLEANTECH LATVIA cluster and promote the development of circular economy, export, and competitiveness of our members and partners - clean technology industry merchants and research and educational institutions, the introduction of innovations and cooperation in the creation of new Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV products, techn ologies, and services. New similar project is in the implementation phase - one is from 2024-2026, 2nd 2026-2029 (project is confirmed with some conditions). To get better knowledge of export markets CLEANTECH LATVIA's runned as lead partner export-related project ENGINE (Capacity building of industry associations serving engineering companies in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan). Over this project we opened doors to target market through knowledge transfer events and networking events. Co-financing Source Amount Percentage ERDF 183.479,20 80,00% Partner contribution 45.869,80 20,00% Partner total eligible budget 229.349,00 100,00% Origin of partner contribution Source of contribution Legal status of contribution Amount % of total partner budget CL Private 45.869,80 20,00% Total Sub-total public contribution 0,00 0,00% Sub-total automatic public contribution 0,00 0,00% Sub-total private contribution 45.869,80 20,00% Total 45.869,80 20,00% 16  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C - Project description C.2 Project relevance and context C.2.1 What are the common territorial challenge(s) within the scope of your Programme Objective that will be tackled by the project? Please indicate what is the joint cross-border challenge that you and your partners will address in your project. Deep-tech SMEs in the Central Baltic Region (CBR) – Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia – face common barriers when scaling internationally, particularly in competitive markets like the UK. Their challenges are systemic, cross-border, and require joint approaches. The first challenge stems from the nature of deep-tech itself. These firms build on advanced scientific or engineering discoveries, often IP-based, requiring long development cycles, extensive Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV prototyping, and rigorous testing. This results in high financial and technological risks, limited resources due to small teams, and weak commercial capacity. While their solutions are often of high quality, many struggle to define and adapt go-to-market strategies and to gain visibility abroad. The second challenge relates to the UK and especially the Golden Triangle (London–Oxford– Cambridge). This ecosystem offers world-class research, investors, and early-adopter networks, but it is also closed, competitive, and highly relationship-driven. For small deep-tech firms, entering such an environment individually is nearly impossible. Third, scaling capacity and knowledge are limited. Many SMEs lack awareness of regulatory frameworks, especially post-Brexit, and struggle to tailor value propositions to sector needs. Peer-to- peer learning is scarce, meaning companies often repeat mistakes instead of refining approaches collectively. Finally, there is the issue of visibility. Alone, CBR SMEs cannot achieve the critical mass required to stand out internationally. By pooling resources, linking complementary solutions across borders, and leveraging both local and UK expertise, they can strengthen their position, build trust with stakeholders, and access value chains that remain otherwise out of reach. 17  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.2.2 How does the project tackle the identified common challenges and/or opportunities? Describe the approach the project takes. Describe the approach the project will take in addressing the common cross-border challenges and/or joint assets, e.g., describe main project activities to achieve project results. Please describe the cross- border elements in your project approach. Explain how activities will be organised in the project (e.g., how they will be structured, what will be their sequence, what specific methods will be applied, etc.). The project addresses cross-border challenges through a structured approach that combines SME selection, tailored support, knowledge sharing, expert mentoring, and direct exposure to the UK market. Activities ensure that participating firms are well-prepared to engage in the Golden Triangle. 1. Company selection and preparation. Each partner will use a personalised approach to identify SMEs with product readiness (at least pilot /testing stage), ambition, and resources. Selected firms will receive targeted training to refine market- specific value propositions and prepare for UK entry. 2. Knowledge sharing and collaboration. Three thematic events—one per partner country—will gather SMEs around technology areas aligned with partner strengths: NOSP (Sweden): smart manufacturing, electronics, visualization, logistics, Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV semiconductors, and value chain development. Cleantech Latvia (Latvia): clean and sustainable tech, renewable energy, resource efficiency, industrial symbiosis, bioeconomy, and smart infrastructure. Tehnopol (Estonia): digitalisation, AI, healthtech, smart cities, green tech, and defence/dual-use tech. This setup enables peer learning and cross-border solutions with stronger market potential. 3. Expert mentoring. UK-based experts will be recruited to provide up to 25 hours of guidance per SME, including sales leads, feedback on strategies, introductions, and piloting/testing opportunities. 4. Business missions. Two joint missions to the Golden Triangle will connect SMEs with clients, investors, academia, and partners. In return, UK delegations will visit CBR countries to expand cooperation. 5. Scaling support. By covering expert costs, pooling resources, and linking SMEs to UK networks, the project enhances visibility, credibility, and access to contracts and investments. Through this cross-border model, partners create value no single country could achieve alone, boosting the competitiveness of CBR deep-tech SMEs and their ability to grow in the UK market. 18  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.2.3 Why is cross-border cooperation needed to achieve the project’s objectives and results? Provide a concrete and specific description of the cross-border challenges and opportunities that will be tackled by the project (in relation to the needs of project target groups). Explain why your project is necessary for the involved regions/countries in terms of common challenges and/or joint assets addressed. Explain also why working on the Central Baltic scale is optimal for achieving the project results. For Northern European SMEs, the UK has long been a natural first step into global markets: English- speaking, innovation-friendly, and home to top universities and investors. Brexit, however, has reshaped this entry landscape. Regulatory complexity, reduced EU support, and uncertainty around standards now make solo entry harder and costlier. For deep-tech SMEs—facing long development cycles and high capital needs—these barriers can be insurmountable without collective support. Cross-border cooperation is essential. By joining forces across Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia, SMEs gain scale, credibility, and resources. Instead of fragmented efforts, the project builds a unified Central Baltic platform with stronger UK visibility. This shared identity draws on the “New Nordic” reputation for quality, sustainability, and trust—offering immediate advantages in investor and customer discussions. Collaboration creates synergies. A Swedish imaging sensor SME combined with Estonian AI can Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV deliver integrated Industry 4.0 solutions. Latvian hydrogen innovation paired with Estonian cleantech can address global sustainability challenges. These joint offerings are more attractive to UK corporates and investors than isolated technologies. Brexit also disrupted informal networks and EU-level cooperation. Pooling networks across three countries restores and expands access—connecting SMEs to mentors, corporates, research, and investors in the UK’s Golden Triangle. Group trade missions and matchmaking, unaffordable for individual SMEs, become accessible and strategically targeted. Finally, cooperation reduces risk. Deep-tech firms need repeated testing and validation. Sharing networks, costs, and knowledge makes this process more manageable. SMEs learn from each other, co-develop solutions, and avoid costly missteps. In short: Brexit raised barriers. Cross-border collaboration lowers them. The Central Baltic approach is not just optimal—it is necessary. 19  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.2.4 Who will benefit from your project? In the first column of each row, please select one of the pre-defined target groups from the drop-down list. Do not just categorically choose most or all the target groups but focus on and choose only the most relevant ones. Target Group Specification The Advance4Growth project targets deep-tech SMEs, defined by products or services based on scientific or engineering discoveries, protected by IP, often groundbreaking, high-risk, capital-intensive, and with significant but sometimes undefined market potential. Advance4Growth supports these SMEs by providing expertise, resources, and tailored market entry support to SME expand into the UK. This includes sales, testing, piloting, investment opportunities, or new development and research projects. Partners collaborate with national clusters, networks, researchers, and industry organisations to identify relevant SMEs and deliver targeted, practical support for successful international growth. Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV All partners will contribute to project activities with national public authorities and business support organisations. Both within the CBR and the target market, including the network of specific deep-tech areas covered in the project. There is an extensive network in the UK to collaborate from all partner countries such as Business Sweden, Swedish Chamber of commerce, representative office of Investment and Development agency of National public Latvia, embassies and honorary councils, international research institutes, authority including a network of universities of both regions and also network of investors etc. By working with these entities, Advance4Growth ensures that the project aligns with national policies and export strategies while providing SMEs with access to the resources they need to enter new markets and scale their companies. The project engages these authorities through regular consultations, joint events, and collaboration on export promotion strategies. C.2.5 How does the project contribute to wider strategies and policies? Please indicate to which strategies and policies on international and national level your project will directly link and contribute to and describe in what way you will contribute to them. Focus on the most relevant ones. . Strategy Contribution 20  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Strategy Contribution EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region – The project advances the objectives of the EUSBSR Policy Area Innovation by strengthening the Baltic Sea Region’ s (BSR) global competitiveness in innovation, fostering sustainable economic growth, and enhancing the region’s visibility and appeal as a preferred partner for international innovation collaboration. In particular, the project contributes to Policy Area Innovation, Action 3: Co-creative Innovation, by connecting innovation ecosystems across the BSR and piloting structured models and practices that actively engage SMEs in collaborative and co-creation activities. EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region By leveraging clusters and networks built on regional strengths and smart specialization, the project reinforces the BSR’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. It creates new international market opportunities for companies in the region and encourages cross-border consortia, aligning with EUSBSR goals to enhance cooperation, connectivity, and knowledge exchange. Moreover, the project supports EUSBSR Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV sustainability objectives by promoting SMEs addressing climate-related challenges and advancing the transition to a greener, more resource-efficient economy at regional and global levels. Estonian Research and Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategy 2021-2035. The project improves the competitiveness of the companies representing the national smart specialization strategy verticals, including digital solutions Other across all areas of life, health technologies, smart and sustainable energy solutions. Also, the project encourages the verticals related to exports and investments in the respected verticals. According to the Strategy, several deep-tech oriented regulations are confirmed Latvia's Sustainable Development Strategy until 2030 (Latvija 2030) - Priority: Innovative and eco-efficient economy The strategy emphasizes the need to develop export-capable sectors, Other especially high-tech and knowledge-intensive services. - Exports are considered a key driver of Latvia's competitiveness and sustainable growth. Latvia: National Development Plan 2021–2027 (NDP2027) - Export is one of the main directions of economic development. - The plan provides for: - Support for strengthening the export capacity of SMEs, especially in the Other fields of innovation and high technology. - Participation in international exhibitions, trade missions, contact exchanges, etc. - Increase in export volume by 20% per year as one of the goals. 21  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Strategy Contribution Utilizing Export Promotion Strategies in the Central Baltic regions: Advance4Growth leverages national and regional export promotion initiatives, such as: - Latvia (LIAA - Investment and Development Agency of Latvia): Leap4Growth collaborates with LIAA to enhance SMEs' export capabilities by connecting them with resources for foreign market success and innovation. - Estonia (Enterprise Estonia - EAS): The project aligns with EAS's mission to Other foster international growth by offering Estonian SMEs access to services that drive innovation and competitiveness in foreign markets. - Sweden (Business Sweden): Leap4Growth partners with Business Sweden to support Swedish SMEs in their international growth, providing them with strategic advice and practical tools for entering global markets. These collaborations ensure that participating SMEs benefit from the comprehensive support structures already in place in their respective countries, enhancing the regional capacity for international trade. Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Impact Innovation Programme This new initiative is led by Vinnova, Formas, and the Swedish Energy Agency and aims to foster long-term national competitiveness. Launched fully in Other 2024, it focuses on three primary areas: sustainable production and value chains, public health, and creating resilient communities. The programme’s goal is to address these challenges by supporting ecosystem-wide collaboration between public and private sectors​. C.2.6 Which synergies with past or current EU and other projects or initiatives will the project make use of? Project or Synergy Initiative 22  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Project or Synergy Initiative Advance4Growth will adopt and refine the successful strategies implemented in Bridging4Growth (B4G), especially in the areas of SME mentoring and cross-border collaboration. B4G's methodology for creating international business growth will be enhanced within Advance4Growth to offer more targeted support systems and export strategies. Partnerships from B4G will give Advance4Growth participants established channels for collaboration, reducing the time needed to form market connections and ensuring access to trusted partners. This collaboration enables target-market activities (like missions and expert networks) to be organized quickly, with each Bridging4Growth partner bringing valuable connections. The base of companies involved in B4G will also be useful for Advance4Growth. Established communication channels set up during B4G are adapted for this as well project, although the target audience differs. Finally, the well-organized, trusted B4G team will carry over to Advance4Growth. After 3 years, each partner’s strengths and areas for improvement are well Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV understood, allowing the project team to begin immediately without needing additional onboarding. Key B4G practices, such as effective mentoring, shared trade missions, and an established SME community, will be crucial values to continue in Advance4Growth. Advance4Growth will adopt the same pattern as B4G and Leap4Growth. The extensive knowledge and enormous network the project partners gain from L4G, Advance4Growth can use greatly. Not only will they run simultaneously making it easier for the well-working project team, it will also affect the companies approached, the communication channels that are used and the strategies that are Leap4Growth implemented. The L4G project will provide effectiveness in hiring experts and approaching international potential partners. It will provide tools to evaluate the companies ready for A4G project and give a much better starting point for the A4G team to emphasize the necessity of cross-border collaboration among deep-tech companies in creating holistic solutions for potential partners. The cross-border matchmaking tools and methodologies developed in SCALE-able for assessing scale-up readiness will be adapted for Advance4Growth. This will ensure that SMEs are well-prepared for international matchmaking events in CBR and in UK. SCALE-ABLE By integrating SCALE-able’s methodologies, Advance4Growth will offer SMEs a proven structure for readiness assessment, although the target audience differs from regular export market project, the methodology of matchmaking and readiness assessment, is still crucial Healthtech oriented project for UK market, will provide necessary network and connections already reached and gained in Health 3-2-1 project. As Advance4Growth will focus also on deep-tech companies within the healthtech Health 3-2-1 sector, the network of the Health3-2-1 is highly valuable. Experts of the H3-2-1 project will be met and added to A4G project according to the specific deep-tech companies needs. 23  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Project or Synergy Initiative CLEANTECH CLEANTECH LATVIA growth project (2026-2029) is oriented to members export LATVIA promotion and new product development initiatives. Funding from this project will izaugsme be available for additional trips to UK or market research activities that won't be (CLEANTECH covered by A4G. CL will assure that there is no double funding for same activities. LATVIA growth) Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV 24  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.3 Project partnership Describe the structure of your partnership as a whole and explain why these partners are needed to implement the project and to achieve project objectives. Describe the main role, tasks, activities, and contribution to the project results of each partner in the project, and why the partners are best to fulfil the specific roles and implement the tasks. Describe the partner’s relevant key competences for that. Indicate the concrete know-how and tell what statutory mandate the partners have to implement the project and to confirm the durability and sustainability of its results. The Advance4Growth partnership is built on long-standing trust, strong communication, and equality, with all partners sharing responsibility for project activities. Previous successful collaborations provide a solid foundation for effective teamwork. Focused on deep-tech SMEs, roles are assigned according to each partner’s expertise and networks, making the consortium stronger together than any single organisation alone. Partners will support SMEs locally and host UK delegations in each Central Baltic country, combining visits with international and regional events. Matchmaking sessions will connect UK stakeholders with local companies, ensuring visibility on high-profile platforms and direct business opportunities. Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV NOSP brings deep international experience from Central Baltic and other EU projects, with strong connections across public and private sectors. It will organise matchmaking during major Swedish events such as TechArena and Almedalen, linking UK delegations with Nordic innovators. Tehnopol has extensive experience in EU projects (Interreg, Horizon, I3) and a strong presence in Estonia’s startup and scaleup scene. With a strategic focus on AI, defence/dual-use, healthtech, and digital technologies, it will host delegations at events like Latitude59 or Startup Day at Tartu, facilitating matchmaking for Estonian and Central Baltic deep-tech firms. Cleantech Latvia has strong export promotion experience. It connects companies, research, and public institutions in clean energy, green transition, and sustainability. It will link UK delegations with local players at Riga TechWeek, Deep Tech Atelier, TechChill and the European Hydrogen Valleys Investment Forum. Together, the consortium provides sector-specific expertise and ensures SMEs gain direct exposure to international markets. By aligning UK delegations with top events in each country, Advance4Growth creates a cost-effective platform for cross-border collaboration, visibility, and market entry. 25  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.4 Project work plan Number Work package name Cross-border activities to engage deeptech companies and create shared knowledge and 1 network in CBR 2 Preparation and support of sales and scaling opportunities in Golden Triangle area, UK. Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV 26  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Work package 1 Work package title Cross-border activities to engage deeptech companies and create shared knowledge and network in CBR Objectives Your objectives should be: realistic and achievable by the end of the project specific (who needs project outputs delivered in this work package, and in which territory) measurable – indicate the change you are aiming for Define one project specific objective that will be achieved when all activities in this work package are implemented and outputs delivered. Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV To target and attract 60 deeptech defined companies from 3 partnering countries to join the project and provide them a knowledge and connections to widen their network, identify potential customers, build their export strategies and provide opportunities to scale their companies. Think about the communication objective that will contribute to the achievement of the specific objective. Communication objectives aim at changes in a target audience's behaviour, knowledge or belief. Advance4Growth targets deep-tech companies, requiring a personalised communication approach. While general activities include a project website on Interreg CB and a LinkedIn page, each partner implements tailored outreach in their local language using the most effective channels. Norrköping Science Park coordinates overall communication, but partners attract local SMEs and promote the project through newsletters, social media, and official media. Tehnopol will use Startup Estonia, Enterprise Estonia, and university networks. NOSP will leverage networks like the Östergötland Chamber of Commerce, Business Sweden, RISE, Almi, and Linköping University’s UK connections. Cleantech Latvia will coordinate with universities, R&D institutions, the Latvian Cluster Network, and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, including its UK office, to maximise project visibility. Activities Activity 1.1 Launching the project and attracting deep-tech Title companies to join Start period Period 1, 1 - 6 End period Period 2, 7 - 12 27  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Activity 1.1 The value proposition for the deep-tech SMEs will be created. All project partners use their access to the target SMEs and deliver the value proposition to them via different communication channels (CB website, social media etc.) or by personal approach. Description A launch event will be organised by the project partners and is joint for the whole project. The event will attract SMEs to receive information of what the project can offer and encourage them to apply to the project. Deliverables 1.1 Running Delivery Deliverable title Description number period Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Project launch The value proposition and publicity clearly states what is the Period 2 D.1.1.1 and value beneft for the Central Baltic SMEs to take part in the project. , 7 - 12 proposition Activity 1.2 Application process and SME-s evaluation process Title for their scaling opportunities Start period Period 1, 1 - 6 End period Period 5, 25 - 30 28  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Activity 1.2 Consortia will create application procedures to confirm companies joining the project. Partners agree on selection criteria and for this project also crucial readiness evaluation method for selecting the SMEs applying to attend the project. As the readiness level for deep-tech companies vary a lot, the specific evaluation criteria and procedure will be confirmed. Selection will be done based on the SME´s market readiness level, ambition, resources availability, export potential and previous experience, Description existing product or service and/or technology readiness. An application form is developed for applying to the project. All partners disseminate the link to the application via their channels and display it on their chosen social media platforms. Application rounds will be open during the whole Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV project period. Among the submitted applications, the pool of SMEs will be selected. 60 SMEs are expected in total for the whole project to be selected and each of them will be evaluated for their market readiness level Deliverables 1.2 Running Deliverable Delivery Description number title period Application An application form is an online template that SMEs who wish form for the to attend the project, will fill in and submit. Partners select the Period 1 D.1.2.1 SMEs and most potential and promising SMEs to further participate in ,1-6 selection the project activities. criteria Pool of 60 60 companies will be selected among submitted applications SMEs to Period 5 D.1.2.2 to further proceed on the path towards scaling and export attend project , 25 - 30 activities activities Activity 1.3 Cross-border cooperation and coaching for CBR Title companies Start period Period 2, 7 - 12 End period Period 4, 19 - 24 29  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Activity 1.3 As Advance4Growth will focus on not just creating sales on the UK market, but providing scaling opportunities for CBR companies. The project will provide on spot networking events on specific topics within deep tech areas and deep tech research. Thus, each partner will host at least 1 event on specific deep tech topic (like Tehnopol either on AI, defencetech/dual-use, Cleantech Latvia on energy, hydrogen, envirotech, NOSP on smart manufacturing or other) that will be agreed during the project and according the interest or potential of participating companies. Besides hosting the event, it will be merged either with incoming delegation or guests from UK, Golden Triangle area. From both business and research. Or other bigger or smaller event, that gather the audience of this specific area Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV (like Tehnopol can use Latitude59 event for specific gathering, NOSP as Techarena, or Cleantech Latvia Deep Tech Atelier Riga or similar). Description Hosting events will focus on specifics of deep-tech areas, provide high level speakers and knowledge sharing, but most importantly will accept companies of each CB region and prepare them for matchmaking on spot. The aim of the matchmaking is to create and provide scaling opportunities for participating companies. It can thus turn out to find possibilities in some development projects, research, testing, piloting or combining different solutions and technologies into more holistic solutions. Delegations and or guests from the UK and/or Golden Triangle area are requested to provide on spot coaching sessions for participating companies. The coaching sessions will be primarily done by experts hired in WP2 activities, but can also be as guest coaches relevant to the topics in discussion. All the partners are responsible for the activity and will host at least 1 event during the project period. Deliverables 1.3 Running Delivery Deliverable title Description number period Agendas of event days and participating Participants from the UK Period 4, D.1.3.1 companies lists of CBR market events market and CBR 19 - 24 Outputs 30  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Output 1.1 Output Title SMEs participated in project activities Programme Output Indicator PO1O1: Enterprises with non-financial support Measurement Unit Company Target Value 60,00 Delivery period Period 5, 25 - 30 SMEs will engage in project activities, which will include application rounds, assessment for the Output Description project activities, cross-border cooperation and technology focused approach to combine and reach the best holistic solutions Output 1.2 Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Companies participated in export activities to Output Title achieve marketing or organisational innovation PO1O2: RCR04 SMEs introducing marketing or Programme Output Indicator organisational innovation Measurement Unit Company Target Value 20,00 Delivery period Period 5, 25 - 30 Participating companies will achieve organisational innovation and marketing outcomes through Output Description matchmaking sessions, export missions, and ongoing support. Investments 31  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Work package 2 Work package title Preparation and support of sales and scaling opportunities in Golden Triangle area, UK. Objectives Your objectives should be: realistic and achievable by the end of the project specific (who needs project outputs delivered in this work package, and in which territory) measurable – indicate the change you are aiming for Define one project specific objective that will be achieved when all activities in this work package are implemented and outputs delivered. The objective of this WP is to support and boost deep-tech companies' official agreements Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV settlements within the Golden Triangle area and in the UK. Measurable objective will be 10sales deals created during or shortly after the project. In addition to sales, the project will support companies in any other deal making process regarding either gaining investments, receiving testing or piloting opportunities, finding research partners or additional team members important for their technology or any other deal that supports their growth and their journey on reaching the market. The project team will keep records on participating companies and their achievements, confirming the achievements on written forms and sharing the outcomes publicly. Think about the communication objective that will contribute to the achievement of the specific objective. Communication objectives aim at changes in a target audience's behaviour, knowledge or belief. Advance4Growth targets deep-tech companies, requiring a personalised communication approach. While general activities include a project website on Interreg CB and a LinkedIn page, each partner implements tailored outreach in their local language using the most effective channels. Norrköping Science Park coordinates overall communication, but partners attract local SMEs and promote the project through newsletters, social media, and official media. Tehnopol will use Startup Estonia, Enterprise Estonia, and university networks. NOSP will leverage networks like the Östergötland Chamber of Commerce, Business Sweden, RISE, Almi, and Linköping University’s UK connections. Cleantech Latvia will coordinate with universities, R&D institutions, the Latvian Cluster Network, and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, including its UK office, to maximise project visibility. Activities Activity 2.1 Procurement of the local market expert for UK Title market Start period Period 2, 7 - 12 32  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Activity 2.1 End period Period 5, 25 - 30 Responsible for the UK market and Golden Triangle area activities, Tehnopol will implement appropriate procurement procedures to hire competent local market experts for the UK to support the project activities. Responsible partner Tehnopol prepares the tender documentation and agrees with other partners on the main selection criteria of the experts. After implementation of the procurement, an expert contract will be signed with the selected experts. The experts will assist the project to: Identify business opportunities in specific deep-tech areas in specific regions at UK Golden Triangle and support the entry of the CB SMEs into the target market Description Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Evaluate CB SMEs and find counterparts from the local businesses, facilitate the matchmaking that might include both business partnership, but also research partnership, investor relations, testing, piloting or other similar opportunities important for deep tech company growth Hold market introduction and/or technology based seminars and webinars for the companies Together with the project partners prepare and implement a high-quality export mission program for CB SMEs Assist the SMEs and project partners in any other way that is needed to ensure smooth entry to the UK market. Deliverables 2.1 Running Delivery Deliverable title Description number period Procurement procedures, correct documentation and archiving process will be Tender documentation for the Period 5 D.2.1.1 implemented. UK market expert , 25 - 30 Two seperate procurmenets with distinct ToRs. Contract with expert(s) Appropriate contract signed between the Period 5 D.2.1.2 supporting activities towards responsible partner and selected expert. , 25 - 30 UK market 33  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Activity 2.2 Digital matchmaking between SME and market Title expert, to initiate business relations Start period Period 2, 7 - 12 End period Period 5, 25 - 30 The local market experts and project partners will run ongoing digital discussions to matchmake and to prepare businesses and introduce relevant contacts. The local market experts play a central role in assessing the potential of the SMEs and its Description opportunities on the market in finding matching business interests. Digital matchmaking sessions Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV take place online, one-on-one. Digital matchmaking sessions will be organised continuously as soon as a suitable match is identified for a SME. Deliverables 2.2 Running Delivery Deliverable title Description number period Report on digital Digital matchmaking sessions will be documented Period 5, D.2.2.1 matchmaking sessions and compiled into the report 25 - 30 Activity 2.3 Title Export mission to the UK, Golden Triangle Start period Period 2, 7 - 12 End period Period 5, 25 - 30 34  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Activity 2.3 The project team will conduct two market missions combining different Golden Triangle areas. Thus, one export mission will be headed to London and Cambridge and the second one to London and Oxford. If there would be a chance to combine all three areas during one mission, the team will implement that. All the missions will have a fully prepared program. As two separate cities are involved, missions will last approximately 5 working days and include visits to the relevant industry event or mess, further training, meetings, company visits, visit to research centres, matchmaking etc. As the projects holds several deep-tech focused areas, the missions will be guided and divided by its specifics, thus the industry meetings, events and company visits will be Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV actually beneficial to all participants. Experts, hired by the procurement, together with the partners will put together a program that is well suited to the Description SMEs needs. The main aim of these events is to create connections and network necessary for future sales deals as well as for research opportunities , investor deals, testing or piloting opportunities. Export missions will be organised twice during the project period. The delegations will be compiled from the participating SMEs that are either advanced and identified potential business lead during the digital matchmakings, or are otherwise well suited to address the needs of the target market. Delegations can be formed from up to 10 companies per mission. Each mission will also include communication material that is done prior and post delegation. All to make sure the companies receive as much information as possible prior. Every activity during the delegation will be well documented as well as post delegation, to display on the chosen social media channels for all project partners and companies to take part in. Deliverables 2.3 Running Delivery Deliverable title Description number period Marketing Promoting the delegation and the participating SMEs via Period 4 D.2.3.1 materials prior of social media channels, the website and printing materials. , 19 - 24 the export mission 35  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 Deliverables 2.3 Running Delivery Deliverable title Description number period Agenda and The program/agenda and reports of the missions, Period 4 D.2.3.2 report of the including the list of the participating SMEs. , 19 - 24 export mission Video clips for the wider audience and other CB SMEs Video clips of Period 5 D.2.3.3 about the experiences and lessons learned from the point companies , 25 - 30 of view of the SMEs themselves. Investments Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV 36  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.5 Project Results Define one project main result. Choose the result indicator your result will contribute to. The measurement unit will be automatically added once the indicator is chosen. Define a target value for the contribution and indicate in which period the result will be delivered. Provide a description of the results. Explain their contribution to the programme result indicator and explain also how the target value was calculated. Result 1 PO1R1: PSR1 Companies with achieved sales and Programme result indicator contracts to new markets Measurement unit Company Baseline 0,00 Target value 10,00 Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Delivery period Period 5, 25 - 30 Increase in SME exports by achieving 10 new Result description international sales contracts in the UK. 37  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.6 Project Time Plan Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV 38  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.7 Project management In addition to the thematic work you will do in your project, you will need time and resources for coordination and internal communication. Please describe below how you plan to organise yourself to ensure the project work runs smoothly. C.7.1 How will you coordinate your project? Indicate who will be responsible for the coordination of your project. Tell what kind of management structures you will set up, and how the internal communication in the project will be organised. The Lead partner (LP) - Norrköping Science Park (NOSP) will lead and coordinate overall activities of the project. The LP will appoint an administrative person to coordinate the reporting and administrative tasks, communication (incl.agreements, reports, meetings, liaise) with the Managing Authority (MA) and Joint Secretary (JS). LP will create shared and cloud based folder for each project’ activities and tasks. Weekly meetings: LP will plan, organise and led weekly online meetings to cover the actual topics Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV following to the WP’s structure, outcomes, deliverables and marketing and communication in a line with EU visibility compliance. Memo of each meeting will be created. Kick-off will be organized by LP In period 1, to establish the work packages, discuss roles, tasks, meeting schedules, and reporting standards. Each partner leads activities in their local market and gives contribution to all project partners. A designated communication lead, LP will handle primary communication channels and ensure consistency. Partners are responsible for engaging with SMEs in their respective countries to support and create participation. Project period based face to face (F2F) meetings: At least once per period F2F meeting will be held, providing an opportunity for partners to assess project progress, strategise for upcoming periods and reinforce team cohesion. These F2F meetings will be combined with the activities and events implemented in each partnering country, providing the opportunity for team members to meet each countries’ companies as well, that provides opportunities to discuss potential cooperation opportunities with each company in person. The Steering Group (SG) will be established by appointing 1 person by each partner. LP will be responsible for organising and coordinating the SG meetings. Members will represent deep-tech sector companies and/or have experience in the UK market. MA will be invited to SG meetings. SG will meet at least once per year. 39  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.7.2 Which measures will you take to mitigate the risks and ensure quality in your project? Describe the specific approaches and processes of risk and quality management and identify the partners responsible for those. If you plan to have any type of project evaluation, please describe its purpose and scope. Plan measures to identify and monitor any risks for successful project implementation and plan respective activities to mitigate them. Based on previous partnership, followings Risks (R) identified and Mitigation plan (M) defined. R1: Attracting the right deep tech focused companies. (ALL) M1: Have strict criteria (evaluated by the experts) for companies participating. R2: Keeping companies motivated and involved till the finish. (ALL) M2: Build a strong team-feeling, personal and long-lasting connection and provide continued dialog enriched by valuable events. R3: Expectation management (companies will not receive what they expecting) (ALL) M3: Clear value proposition, straight communication and close dialogue since beginnings. Evaluation of received services over the project. R4: Lack of experience and/or market or technology knowledge for deep-tech companies and relevance of market experts (ALL) Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV M4: At least online meetings with the experts before contracting. Calls for experts till P5 to assure necessary competencies R5: Project team limited knowledge of specific deep-tech technologies or presence in the target area. (ALL) M5: Intense use of external partners and experts to mitigate this risk. In case of major changes which affect the implementation possibilities, the project will adjust the planned activities to meet the challenges in the most appropriate way. R6: Bad internal communication will lead to a risk of not reaching the goals. (ALL) M6: For effective communication partner meetings are held weekly and regular communication throught Whatsapp group. R7: Political or economical objectives may occur that affect project’s activities (ALL) M7: Weekly meetings ensure the team stays agile and responsive to political and economic shifts, ready to adapt the project plan when needed. R8: Several CB projects to run, risk of lack of resources M8: All partnering organisations and team members, with extensive experience in Interreg CB projects and strong existing relationships, are well-versed in administrative responsibilities and prepared to support each other to ensure smooth task delivery. 40  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.7.3 What will be the general approach you will follow to communicate about your project? Give information on how the project communication will be coordinated and how will the involvement of all partners be ensured. How will the communication activities contribute to disseminating your project results? Please note that all communication activities should be included in the work packages, as an integral part of your project. There is no need to repeat this information here. The communication activities for the project are defined across two dedicated work packages, which detail all essential tasks and deliverables aimed at promoting the initiative. Norrköping Science Park will take the lead in managing the overall communication strategy. Although, all project partners will play an active role in the communication efforts to ensure a unified and collaborative approach. To keep the project team consistently informed, communication will be a standing item on the agenda during our weekly project meetings. A detailed and regularly updated communication schedule will be maintained to ensure alignment across all initiatives. Additionally, monthly coordination meetings will be held with a responsible communicator manager to assess progress, plan upcoming activities, and exchange ideas. For external outreach, we will utilize multiple channels to effectively engage our target audience. The existing 4Growth LinkedIn page, which has a strong international following, will be transitioned and Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV rebranded to reflect Advance4Growth, main project activities will be promoted or consecutively planned to achieve organic reach to created publications. We will also actively contribute to the Central Baltic website by publishing project-related news, articles, and event updates. To strengthen our physical presence and provide accessible, tangible information to our stakeholders, we will produce printed promotional materials for relevant events. Moreover, targeted outreach will be carried out via personalized emails sent through the established networks and communities of each partner organization. To effectively engage key audiences in our target regions, we will partner with reputable business organizations—such as Business Sweden, Chamber of Commerce and equivalent institutions—and leverage their communication channels to amplify our message and strengthen our presence in the market. 41  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.7.4 How do you foresee the financial management of the project and reporting procedures for activities and budget (within the partnership and towards the programme)? Define the responsibilities, deadlines in financial flows, reporting flows, project related transfers, etc. The project will follow previous 4G project patterns as all the partners are already qualified in Interreg Central Baltic reporting system, the lead partner will make sure that all project partners fulfill the documents needed for reporting and keep an eye on timely reporting and due to all needs. Each partner will be responsible for their partner contribution and budget, and will have separate project-specific bookkeeping. The financial flows, management and reporting will follow the schedules and conditions defined by the CB program rules and instructions. Budgetary issues will be overseen at weeklies and also during physical meetings. Real-time financial tracking tools and a strong communication framework will ensure financial transparency and compliance throughout the project. By previous projects, project team members are already experienced in having a significant amount for external services provided to the companies both by services or covering direct costs. Each Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV partner will follow procurement laws set for each partnering country or will follow more specific procurement rules created for each organisation separately (for travelling for example). By adhering to these procedures, Advance4Growth ensures that all financial operations are transparent, efficient, and fully compliant with the Central Baltic Programme’s requirements. Besides direct travel support, individual expert work for companies will be calculated and reported separately (22 000 euros per company according to GBER). 42  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.7.6 Horizontal principles You must define the impact of the project on each of these principles by choosing ‘neutral’, ‘negative effects’ or ‘positive effects’. In general projects are not expected to have negative effect on any of the principles. If there are some specific measures planned to make a positive contribution, then ‘positive impact’ must be chosen, and an explanation provided. Horizontal Type of Description of contribution principles contribution Sustainability is definitely a key element to any deep-tech company. As technologies focused for this project will be several, the new solutions should provide sustainability, directly contributing to eco-innovation and environmental sustainability, as well as sustainable wellbeing. The project encourages the adoption of smart sustainable business Sustainable positive practices and technologies, also disruptive and new ones, which intend development effects to lead to reduce environmental impact and foster long-term economic growth within the region and hopefully globally as well.Directions like Greentech, cleantech, smart cities, industrial symbiosis main role is to Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV strengthen and develop sustainable, resource efficient and climate friendly solutions. Equal opportunities We will provide equal opportunities and non-discrimination to all neutral and non- potential participants, experts or interesents. discrimination Equality Over the project we are open to both gender involvement and don't put between men neutral any restrictions on that. and women 43  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.8 Long-term plans As a programme, we would like to support projects that have a long-lasting effect on the Central Baltic region and for those who will benefit from them. Please describe what you will do to ensure this. C.8.1 Ownership Please describe who will ensure the financial and institutional support for the outputs/deliverables developed by the project (e.g., tools), and explain how these outputs/deliverables will be integrated in the work of the partner institutions. All partnering organisations existing services includes extensive experience in export services, prior participation in EU-funded projects, and a history of collaboration with each other. Thus the project, provides a natural place to incorporate the project’s key deliverables seamlessly into the ongoing work of each partner institution. Each partner organization has the financial capacity to support the project within their respective budgets. Each partner has a network of deep-tech companies in their domain, supporting growth through investment, product development, and go-to-market strategies. Thus, the A4G project is another Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV small, yet important part within the partner’s services provided to specific scale-able companies. Continuous Funding: The project partners are committed to seeking additional funding from EU programs, national grants, and private partnerships to maintain financial support for the project’s initiatives. Operational Integration: Project tools and methodologies will be incorporated into the regular operations of partner institutions, ensuring that the project’s deliverables continue to be effective and beneficial for each partner to the greatest extent possible. Staff Empowerment: Partners will prioritise training staff to effectively use and sustain the project's outputs, fostering self-reliance and ensuring skills retention over time. All organizations aim to continue their efforts in internationalisation and maintain collaboration even after the project is completed. Impact Assessment: Regular monitoring and evaluation will track the effectiveness of the project’s outputs, providing data-driven insights for future enhancements. The project outputs and tools, e.g new international collaboration networks, will be utilized in the future. The relevant public deliverables will be shared in the relevant clusters and channels. These strategies will enable project partners to sustain long-term support for SME growth and internationalisation. 44  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.8.2 Durability To have a lasting effect on the Central Baltic region and its population, outputs or deliverables should be used by relevant groups (project partners or others) also after the project lifetime. For example, new practices in urban transport need to be used by local authorities to have less CO2 emissions, and the whole population will benefit from this. Indicate how the project partners will ensure the durability and sustainability of project results and outputs. The future likely lies in deep-tech companies and disruptive technologies that shape daily life and specific environments. Given the high quality and reputation of Northern European tech products and services, the project team strongly believes in the CB region’s market-ready solutions. Meanwhile, the Golden Triangle—home to six world-renowned universities and their ecosystems—is a major innovation hub with broad influence across various sectors. Now is the right time to enable CB region companies to play a vital role in shaping global future scenarios. Solutions accepted within the Golden Triangle will influence behavioral patterns across environments, and project activities will reflect this. Specific actions include: Institutional Integration: Core outputs—expert knowledge, training, and market strategies—will be Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV embedded into each partner’s SME support services. Partners will leverage existing networks, and identified experts will remain available for ongoing guidance. Policy Influence: Targeting deep-tech and disruptive technologies, A4G’s consortium will share results and recommendations with local and regional governments to shape policies that support SME internationalization. Embedding these strategies into public policy will foster lasting export conditions. Long-term Financing: The consortium will seek long-term funding options to sustain project initiatives, including national subsidies and private-sector partnerships. Export Network: A key output is an export network of mentors, consultants, and business representatives in target markets. Managed by partner organizations, this network will support future SMEs with valuable connections and insights. 45  Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 CB1000678 - Advance4Growth Version 2.0, 2026.06.10 C.8.3 Transferability Some outputs/deliverables that you will deliver could be adapted or further developed to be used by other target groups or in other territories. What will you do to make sure that relevant groups are aware of your outputs/deliverables and are able to use them? To ensure the transferability of our outputs, we will focus on four key elements: 1. Dissemination and Outreach: We will actively disseminate information about our outputs and deliverables to relevant groups through targeted outreach efforts. This may include organizing specific events like workshops, webinars, and conferences to share insights and tools developed by our project, but also creating articles, news and sharing the outputs by posting the insights on social media and other channels. Besides, as referred earlier, the engagement with important stakeholders is also a key element. 2. Engagement with Stakeholders and External Regions: We will actively engage with stakeholders, including development agencies, business support organizations, and policy-makers in other territories and EU regions, to ensure awareness of our outputs and facilitate their use. This may Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV involve establishing collaborative partnerships and networks to promote knowledge exchange and sharing. 3. Capacity Building: We will support capacity building initiatives to empower target groups to utilize our outputs effectively. This may include providing training, guidance, and technical assistance to facilitate their adoption and implementation. 4. Documentation and Accessibility: We will thoroughly document our outputs and deliverables both during and after the project as lots of outcomes might not occur and be seen clearly, including methodologies, outcomes, and best practices. This documentation will be made readily accessible through various channels, such as online platforms, reports, and publications. By implementing these key elements by being flexible according to the needs of the audience or target groups, we aim to maximize the transferability and uptake of our outputs. This will enable other target groups or territories beyond our project's immediate scope to effectively use them. 46  Signaturerna i detta dokument är juridiskt bindande. Dokumentet är signerat genom Penneo™ för säker digital signering. Tecknarnas identitet har lagrats, och visas nedan. "Med min signatur bekräftar jag innehållet och alla datum i detta dokumentet." Bo Åke Wass Evija Pudane Chairman of the Board Executive Director På uppdrag av: Norrköping Science Park På uppdrag av: Association CLEANTECH LATVIA Serienummer: b9c1ba754cd66c[…]6f6736b845995 Serienummer: [email protected] IP: 94.255.xxx.xxx IP: 86.63.xxx.xxx 2026-06-12 19:26:23 UTC 2026-06-15 08:14:16 UTC JONAS WILHELM NILSON Agnes Roos Penneo dokumentnyckel: Q9CJ7-UCLJ0-63TGX-7TIML-Y4DWL-9RJLV Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer På uppdrag av: Norrköping Science Park På uppdrag av: Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol Serienummer: f680f5870b13b3[…]a091b7d7f85a8 Serienummer: [email protected] IP: 212.181.xxx.xxx IP: 84.50.xxx.xxx 2026-06-15 08:53:34 UTC 2026-06-25 07:09:07 UTC Detta dokument är undertecknat digitalt via Penneo.com. 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