ÄIO Scholarship opens doors to real deeptech innovation!
Supporting future scientists: the ÄIO Scholarship and Kristin Sepp’s internship journey
At ÄIO, we are developing a new way to produce fats and oils by using yeast fermentation. Our technology converts low-value side streams from agriculture, forestry, and the food industry into high-value lipid ingredients that can be used in cosmetics and, in the future, also in food applications.
Building this kind of biotechnology innovation requires more than laboratories and equipment. It also requires curious minds, motivated students, and the next generation of scientists who are willing to explore new solutions.
This is why ÄIO supports future scientists through the TalTech Development Fund Scholarship.
What is the ÄIO Scholarship?
The ÄIO Scholarship, offered through the TalTech Development Fund, is designed to support talented TalTech students who want to develop their careers in biotechnology, food innovation, or sustainable technologies. The scholarship is awarded to one second-year or final-year bachelor’s student who demonstrates strong academic performance, curiosity about science, and an active interest in contributing to the field.
The scholarship includes:
- €2000 financial support
- An internship opportunity at ÄIO
The internship is an important part of the program. It gives the scholarship recipient the chance to experience real biotechnology research and product development, working alongside scientists and engineers in a deep-tech startup environment.
Who can apply?
Students who apply for the scholarship should:
- Be matriculated at TalTech and not on academic leave
- Have completed at least 90 ECTS credits
- Show strong motivation to develop in the biotechnology or food innovation field
- Demonstrate curiosity beyond coursework, such as participation in research, conferences, entrepreneurship, or science outreach
Applicants are asked to submit:
- A motivation letter
- A short description of their planned thesis
- A CV or LinkedIn profile
- An extract of academic results
The scholarship recipient also completes an internship at ÄIO, where they can apply their knowledge in real research and development projects.
From scholarship to internship: Kristin Sepp’s story
One of the recent recipients of the ÄIO Scholarship is Kristin Sepp, a TalTech student whose curiosity and dedication stood out during the selection process. Joining the ÄIO team turned out to be an experience that exceeded her expectations. “My internship has been one of those experiences that genuinely surprised me in the best way,” Kristin says.
“When I first joined ÄIO, I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I quickly realized how lucky I was. The people here are not only incredibly skilled, they’re also kind, patient, and genuinely interested in helping you grow.” According to Kristin, this kind of environment makes it much easier for students to learn and develop. “That atmosphere makes it easier to ask questions, try new things, and feel like you belong.”
Kristin discovered that many of the skills she had developed earlier helped her feel confident contributing to real projects. “I’ve been surprised by how much of my previous experience has come in handy,” she explains. “Everything from practical lab work at university to the fast-paced problem-solving I learned while working in a restaurant as a chef has helped me contribute to projects here.” Her experience shows how diverse backgrounds can come together in biotechnology.
Kristin is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree, focusing mainly on completing the written part of her thesis. Recently, she reached an exciting milestone: her thesis work was presented at a scientific conference in Brussels. In the autumn, she plans to continue her studies in the Food Technology and Development master’s program at TalTech. “This internship has really confirmed that this is the direction I want to take,” she says. “I feel excited about the future and hope to stay connected to this field for a long time.”
Advice for future applicants
For students thinking about applying to the TalTech Development Fund scholarship, Kristin has simple advice: “Don’t be afraid to show who you are. What truly matters is curiosity, motivation, and genuine interest, those qualities help you stand out.” Looking back, she says applying for the scholarship was definitely the right decision. “It has already given me more than I expected, both professionally and personally.”
Investing in the next generation
For ÄIO, supporting students through the scholarship program is part of a broader mission. Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field, and future breakthroughs will depend on the next generation of scientists and engineers. Programs like the ÄIO Scholarship through the TalTech Development Fund help connect students with real research environments, giving them a chance to learn, contribute, and grow. And sometimes, those first experiences can shape an entire career.
Application deadline for ÄIO Scholarship is 16. March 2026.