Success at the HEIPowered Startup Pitch Competition. Second Place and Headed to Brussels.
We are thrilled to share that ÄIO has won 2nd place at the HEIPowered Startup Pitch Competition Final, an European event that brings together top university-linked startups in the EIT Higher Education Initiative (HEI) community. Representing ÄIO on the virtual stage was our Global Business Developer Kristi Lember, who pitched our mission of creating sustainable microbial oils from food and organic side-streams, a circular, biotech-driven solution for food and cosmetics.
Kristi Lember, Global Business Developer at ÄIO
This recognition is not only an honor, but also a confirmation that we’re on the right track. The jury, consisting of experts from across EIT Business Creation and Impact Ventures, evaluated startups based on innovation, social impact, and presentation quality. Out of eight finalists selected from over 1,700 supported startups in the HEI programme, ÄIO secured second place, earning a prize, expert mentoring, and an invitation to pitch on stage at CONNECT 2025 in Brussels.
What is the HEIPowered Startup Pitch Competition?
The HEIPowered competition is a flagship initiative of the EIT Higher Education Initiative, which fosters innovation by empowering startups emerging from or supported by higher education institutions across Europe. Startups compete for funding, visibility, and support through mentoring and networking opportunities.
On September 23, eight selected startups delivered live 3-minute pitches to a jury of investors and innovation leaders. The goal? To highlight entrepreneurial success stories that blend scientific research with commercial potential.
Companies at the final pitching online
What’s Next: EIT Alumni Connect 2025 in Brussels
As part of the award, Kristi will represent ÄIO once more at CONNECT 2025, the flagship event of the EIT Alumni Community, happening on October 17, 2025 in Brussels.
We are honoured to bring Estonia’s voice in bioeconomy to the European stage and look forward to showcasing how waste can be turned into value through science, technology, and purpose.
About ÄIO
Founded as a spin-off from TalTech, ÄIO transforms organic side streams into high-value oils for cosmetics and food industries. With a strong research backbone and a mission rooted in circular economy, we are developing microbial oil solutions that help reduce deforestation, lower emissions, and enable clean-label, functional products for tomorrow’s conscious consumers.
Want to connect?
We’re looking for:
Partners to test our ingredients in formulations
Investors for our Q3 2026 Seed A round