Mart Toots

Mart Toots has a background in biomedical technology and extensive experience in developing drug molecules, both in Estonia and the United States, including within the private sector.

Three years ago, he joined the newly established Applied Research Program (RUP), which has since grown into Estonia’s most significant private sector R&D funding initiative. Supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in ICT, materials science, and energy—all with private sector R&D experience—RUP has provided funding of over €100 million to more than 200 projects, benefiting nearly 1,000 Estonian companies.

The program’s impact is remarkable: companies completing RUP-supported projects have achieved productivity levels 120% above the EU average, demonstrating the initiative’s ability to drive innovation and competitiveness.