Background
Estonia has successfully created numerous opportunities for young people to take their first steps in entrepreneurship and innovation through student companies, hackathons, youth initiatives, entrepreneurship education programmes and startup-related activities.
However, many young people face a common challenge after these first experiences:
What comes next?
While there are many opportunities available, they are often fragmented and difficult to navigate. Young people may lack access to networks, role models, practical guidance and a clear overview of pathways that could help them continue their entrepreneurial journey.
At the same time, Estonia's long-term competitiveness depends on continuously developing the next generation of founders, startup talent and innovation leaders. Investing in entrepreneurial young people today strengthens the country's future startup ecosystem.
There is currently no dedicated platform that systematically connects these two worlds.
The Idea
NEXT100 is a youth entrepreneurship and innovation community connected to sTARTUp Day. NEXT100 focuses specifically on entrepreneurship within the startup and innovation ecosystem, with a particular emphasis on technology-driven and science-based innovation (deep tech). The programme introduces young people to the mindset, opportunities and pathways needed to build globally scalable ventures.
Each year, up to 100 entrepreneurial and motivated young people from across Estonia are selected to become part of the NEXT100 cohort.
The initiative is designed not as a one-time event, but as a community-building experience that culminates at sTARTUp Day 2027.
NEXT100 creates a bridge between:
student companies;
youth initiatives;
entrepreneurship education;
startup ecosystem actors;
investors;
incubators and accelerators;
universities and innovation programmes.
The goal is to create a visible pathway that helps entrepreneurial young people move from their first entrepreneurial experiences into Estonia's startup ecosystem through access to founders, mentors, organisations and opportunities.
Objectives
1. Strengthen entrepreneurial pathways for young people
2. Connect young people with the startup ecosystem
3. Build a national community of future founders and innovators
4. Increase awareness of entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities
Target Group
Young people aged 16+ who have already taken a first step towards entrepreneurship or innovation.
Potential participants include:
student company alumni;
STEM students interested in entrepreneurship
young people developing startup ideas
youth initiative leaders solving real-world problems
young entrepreneurs;
participants of innovation and entrepreneurship programmes.
The programme aims to ensure geographical diversity and representation from different regions of Estonia.
Each year, a carefully selected cohort of entrepreneurial and motivated young people from across Estonia joins the NEXT100 community.
Programme Structure
The programme consists of three core learning modules, supported by ongoing individual and group coaching sessions throughout the five months.
Phase 1: Selection (September–October 2026)
Open call for applications.
Applicants submit:
a short personal profile;
a 60-second video answering "What is your next big step and why now?" or similar
one reflection question about their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Participants are selected based on motivation, curiosity, entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to contribute to the community rather than previous achievements alone.
Target cohort:
100 participants.
Phase 2: Community Building (November–December 2026)
NEXT100 Community Meetup/Mingle
An informal in-person gathering featuring networking activities, founder stories and community-building exercises.
The objective is to create connections before the main event and strengthen participants’ sense of belonging.
Phase 3: What's Next? Youth Summit at sTARTUp Day (January 2027)
A dedicated Day 0 experience for NEXT100 participants.
Key elements include:
Founder Story & AMA (Ask me anything)
Leading entrepreneurs share honest stories about successes, failures and lessons learned.
Startup or Scam
An interactive game challenging participants to identify real startup ideas and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking. Participants learn how startup ideas are evaluated by founders and investors.
Reverse Pitch
Startup ecosystem organisations pitch themselves to young people, presenting opportunities and pathways for further development. Participants hear short pitches from organisations such as:Startup Estonia, universities, incubators, accelerators.
Speed Networking
Structured networking sessions connecting participants with founders, investors, startup professionals and ecosystem representatives. Topic-based Ask Me Anything sessions in small groups.
Phase 4: Continued Engagement
Alongside the weekly training sessions, participants take part in monthly group coaching and individual coaching sessions.
These sessions provide dedicated time to address real-life challenges, overcome obstacles, and receive personalised guidance while implementing healthier habits and sustainable ways of working.
Expected Results
Direct Results
A selected cohort of entrepreneurial young people engaged annually
Increased awareness of startup and innovation opportunities
New connections between young people and startup ecosystem actors
Improved understanding of available development pathways
A practical roadmap for participants outlining their potential next steps within the startup ecosystem, including relevant programmes, communities, mentors and support organisations
Stronger collaboration between entrepreneurship support organisations, creating a more visible and connected pathway for young people entering the startup ecosystem
Long-Term Impact
NEXT100 contributes to building a stronger national pipeline of entrepreneurial talent by creating a visible pathway from early entrepreneurial experiences into Estonia's startup ecosystem.
The long-term ambition is that participants do not only leave the programme inspired, but continue taking concrete next steps in their entrepreneurial journey. Success will be measured through participants' continued engagement in Estonia's startup ecosystem, including:
joining startup support programmes, incubators or accelerators;
founding or joining startup teams;
participating in hackathons, innovation programmes and entrepreneurship initiatives;
engaging with mentors, founders and investors through the NEXT100 community;
remaining active within the NEXT100 alumni network and supporting future cohorts.
Why NEXT100?
Estonia has world-class startup success stories and a strong entrepreneurial culture.
To sustain this success, it is essential to invest not only in startups, but also in the next generation of people who will create them.
Unlike traditional entrepreneurship programmes, NEXT100 does not aim to teach business fundamentals. Instead, it helps young people answer one critical question: "What's my next step?"
Through access to founders, investors, mentors and ecosystem organisations, participants gain the network, confidence and direction needed to continue their entrepreneurial journey.
The initiative transforms sTARTUp Day from a startup event into a gateway for the next generation of founders, innovators and changemakers.
