From Guitar Pedals and Grain Dryers to Rescue Solutions – See Which Companies Joined the AIRE Pre-Accelerator

AIRE has introduced a new service – the AIRE Pre-Accelerator, aimed at supporting the commercialization of AI-based products developed through collaboration between industrial companies and universities. The activities of the pre-accelerator are implemented by AIRE’s partner, Tehnopol.

The AIRE Pre-Accelerator offers companies valuable insights and skills on selecting the most suitable business model for bringing a new product to market, increasing revenue, identifying new markets, and developing marketing and sales strategies.

Companies selected for the pre-accelerator have previously participated in the AIRE demo project, where they tested AI-based solutions for new products or services or improved their business processes using AI. The pre-accelerator helps these companies launch tested technological solutions as market-ready products or services and supports international expansion through direct contacts and knowledge sharing.

First Cohort of the AIRE Pre-Accelerator

Seven companies have been selected for the first AIRE Pre-Accelerator:

• Ages Partner – Specializes in manufacturing and selling high-quality and durable transport boxes and accessories. Their pre-accelerator product is a 2D foam line scanner, which generates complex foam line drawings using AI.
• e-Axiom – Developing a device that analyzes the color and moisture content of oil shale to determine its heating value.
• IntelliDry – Working on the development of an intelligent grain dryer.
• VizTrack – Provides digital and automated solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability in the maritime industry, focusing on shipping and cargo operations optimization.
• C2Grid – Creating an emergency rescue solution that integrates an observation drone, a haptic wristband, and virtual reality glasses.
• Mindreks Grupp – Developing an intelligent thermal storage tank.
• Noise Machine – Specializes in designing and manufacturing smart analog guitar pedals that allow users to record and manage their sound settings.

Companies participating in the pre-accelerator can benefit from up to 40 hours of mentorship from Tehnopol mentors, all of whom are carefully selected business professionals with entrepreneurial backgrounds. Their goal is to help companies grow and expand into new markets.

In addition, all pre-accelerator participants have access to experts in various fields, including legal services, sales, finance, ESG, intellectual property protection, marketing and communication, design, export, green technology, and health technology.

Alongside comprehensive mentorship, companies will also take part in a two-day training program, covering topics such as:

• Intellectual property (IP) protection
• Service/product validation, piloting, and market entry strategy
• Investor readiness and funding opportunities
• AI-based product development

The training will be led by industry experts Siim Kinnas, Aleksander Gansen, Heidi Kakko, and Taavi Tammiste.

Participation in the AIRE Pre-Accelerator, like other AIRE services, is free of charge for companies. However, it includes €5,000 in de minimis aid per company.

The current pre-accelerator ends in May 2025, and a new round will begin in Fall 2025.

Find more information about the AIRE Pre-Accelerator here!