Tallinn’s best companies 2026: seven Business Award winners and their success stories
Which companies and projects stood out most in Tallinn in 2026? 13 October, the city recognized seven entrepreneurial achievements—from a new restaurant and smart electronics manufacturing to deep technology and urban development. Let's look at who won and why their work deserves attention.
At Tallinn Town Hall, 13 October 2026 winners of the competition “Tallinna ettevõtlusauhinnad 2026” were announced. The competition, which was held for the 23 time, had 26 nominees across seven categories this year. The awards went to initiatives that create jobs, develop new solutions, support tourism or improve the urban environment.
In brief: 2026 winners
Reterra Estate · Tehnopol · AUVÄRAV / FUME · Frankenburg Technologies · Tallinna Lennujaam · Rantelon · Bergland
Tallinn Business Awards 2026: seven winners
1. Real estate development project: Hipodroomi arenduse I etapp
Winner: Reterra Estate OÜ. 2026 Hipodroomi arenduse esimeses etapis valmis viis kortermaja, kokku 101 homes and six commercial premises. The development also includes infrastructure works, including the reconstruction of Merimetsa tee and the construction of an underground connecting tunnel.
What matters is not only the number of new buildings: the project has also focused on pedestrians, green spaces, and directing as much car traffic and parking as possible underground. This is an example of real estate development that also values the quality of the surrounding urban environment.
2. Research and development project: a deep-tech startup network
Winner: SA Tallinna Teaduspark TEHNOPOL. The network, launched in 2026, brings together the expertise and resources of Tehnopol, Tallinna Tehnikaülikool, Tartu Ülikool, Eesti Maaülikool and Sparkup Tartu Teaduspark. Its goal is to help research-based ideas grow into businesses—from development work to investment and reaching the market.
Deep technology, or deep tech, refers to solutions based on scientific research and complex technology. Developing such companies can take time, but can create high-value jobs and internationally competitive products.
3. Bright newcomer: restaurant FUME
Winner: OÜ AUVÄRAV. Led by the company, restaurant FUME opened in Tallinn’s Golden Gate building. Its distinctive feature is dishes prepared over an open fire. Nearly two million euros were invested in creating the restaurant.
Within six months of opening, FUME received the Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide and won the special award “Opening of the Year”. This case shows that a new food service business can quickly attract attention when a clear concept is accompanied by quality and thoughtful execution.
4. Job creator: Frankenburg Technologies
Winner: Frankenburg Technologies OÜ. The defence technology company, headquartered in Tallinn, develops next-generation air defence missile systems. In less than two years, the company has expanded its international operations and opened a production facility in Riia.
The company's growth has brought 19 new high-value-added jobs to Tallinn, including in engineering, product development, the supply chain and business development. The award emphasizes above all the creation of jobs requiring specialized skills.
5. Tourism initiative: Christmas market flights
Winner: AS Tallinna Lennujaam. In cooperation with Tallinna Lennujaam and Visit Estonia, and with the support of Visit Tallinn, Jet2.com launched direct flights from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh for the 2025/2026 winter season. As a result of the project, more than 4000 international visitors came to Tallinn.
2026/2027. The winter season of the year is planned to see the flight programme expanded to five cities in the United Kingdom and approximately 50 flights, with the aim of bringing up to 10 000 visitors to Tallinn. These are plans and forecasts, not results that have already been achieved. The initiative will help promote Tallinn’s Christmas market and support winter tourism.
6. Tallinn manufacturer: Rantelon
Winner: OÜ Rantelon. The Tallinn-based electronics company develops and manufactures equipment for the civilian and defence sectors, which is exported to NATO member states, among others. Its capabilities cover the entire product development process, from the initial idea to the finished product.
Rantelon works with Estonian universities, and its development activities have been recognized with the European Defence Agency's innovation award. This is an example of how local expertise, manufacturing and exports can work together within one company.
7. Champion of civil protection: a backup power solution for apartment buildings
Winner: OÜ Bergland. The company is installing backup power connection points in district heating substations of apartment buildings in Tallinn, helping heating systems continue operating during major power outages.
The project includes more than 2000 buildings with district heating substations. The solution is a practical example of entrepreneurship whose value lies in improving the everyday safety of city residents and the continuity of an essential service.
What do the winners say about the development of entrepreneurship in Tallinn?
The seven winners do not provide a basis for drawing conclusions about the overall statistical state of business in Tallinn. However, the selection shows which achievements the city highlighted this year.
- Science and technology: research-based networks and cutting-edge electronics development create opportunities for long-term growth in added value.
- Strong differentiation: FUME’s success shows how important a clear idea and high-quality execution can be in a highly competitive restaurant sector.
- International focus: projects targeting exports and international visitors connect Tallinn with more distant markets.
- Practical impact on the city: both residential development and backup power solutions improve the urban environment or everyday resilience.
Here's a useful takeaway for small business owners: standing out does not depend solely on the industry. It's important to be able to clearly show what problem the company solves, what makes it unique and who benefits from it.
Did you know? Tallinn's entrepreneurship awards were presented 2026 for the 23 time. The winners were selected from among 26 nominees in seven categories.
Sources: Tallinna linna ametlik uudisteleht; 2026 overview of winners and projects (14.10.2026).
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