INDREK TULP

If I had to distil my years in science, innovation and entrepreneurship into a single lesson, it would be this: real progress happens at the intersection of curiosity and practical need. My journey — from analysing heavy metals in water samples as a young chemist to establishing Estonia’s Applied Research Center at Metrosert — has taught me that curiosity is not just about asking ‘why’, but also ‘how’. It is the latter that truly changes the world.

I have always been drawn to problem solving. As a child, I loved crosswords and logic puzzles, and this passion naturally evolved into a fascination with chemistry and technology. Early on, I realised that science is not just about understanding the universe, but also about using that knowledge to solve real-world problems. This is the essence of applied research: taking the insights of basic science and translating them into solutions that benefit people, businesses and society as a whole.

When I joined Metrosert to lead the Applied Research Center, I recognised a unique opportunity — and a challenge. While Estonia has brilliant scientists and a strong digital infrastructure, all too often our research remains locked in academic journals, far from the factories, clinics and start-ups that could benefit from it the most. Our mission is to bridge this gap by serving as the connective tissue between universities, industry and the state, thereby accelerating the journey from laboratory discovery to market-ready innovation.

But why does this matter? Because, in today’s world, countries that can rapidly turn knowledge into value are the ones that thrive. Look at Europe’s innovation leaders and beyond: their success is based on close collaboration between science and business, backed by institutions specialising in applied research and technology transfer. Estonia is catching up, and I am proud to be part of that journey.

However, building this bridge is not easy. It requires humility to learn from others, persistence to overcome setbacks and, above all, a passionate team who share a vision. I am inspired every day by my colleagues — experts from diverse fields who contribute their very best, motivated not just by curiosity, but also by a desire to make a difference.

If there is one piece of wisdom I can offer anyone — scientist, entrepreneur, policymaker or student — it is this: never underestimate the power of applied curiosity. Ask not only why things are the way they are, but also how they could be improved. Seek out the problems that matter and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty in the process of solving them. The comfort zone is tempting, but true growth happens when you step beyond it, driven by the belief that your work can have a real, tangible impact.

Ultimately, the most rewarding moments are not the awards or patents, but seeing your ideas take shape in the real world, improving lives, creating jobs and helping your country progress. This is the legacy of applied research, and I am grateful to be on this journey every day.