Startup Story: Cadrak X Tehnopol Startup Incubator

The Tehnopol Startup Incubator organizes several special accelerators throughout the year, which support startups and help them build connections and enter the market. One of these is the AI Accelerator, which welcomes startups developing AI-based solutions. The Estonian startup Cadrak is participating in the latest cohort of the accelerator. Let’s get to know them better!

Cadrak focuses on industry digitalization. Their mission is to modernize outdated practices, like sharing technical drawings via email, managing feedback in Excel spreadsheets, and marking areas with the Snipping Tool, by providing innovative and more efficient solutions. To achieve this, they are developing a drawing management platform that integrates a machine learning-based tool for detecting potential errors in drawings.

The founders, Steven Strandberg and Stewen Naano, hold BSc/MSc degrees in mechanical engineering. The development team includes Lauri Sarap, Laur Saks, and Kaur Vadi, who are studying at the University of Tartu (physics, chemistry, and materials science).

The responses have been compiled by all team members.

How did you come up with the idea to create a startup?

“Following a decade in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and product development, the concept emerged in a home garage brainstorming session: artificial intelligence could effectively address many of the simple, yet time-consuming and repetitive daily tasks. Given the scarcity and high demand for engineers in the job market, their time is exceptionally valuable. This led us to identify areas in our own careers where better digital solutions could significantly streamline processes.”

What have been the biggest challenges/failures and the biggest wins so far?

“We consider our acceptance into the Tehnopol AI Accelerator to be our most significant achievement, as the supportive ecosystem and insightful feedback from mentors have been incredibly useful. Our most significant challenge is building the dataset necessary for our machine learning model. Additionally, technical drawings are like a form of art, with each engineer and company having their own distinct style, which further complicates this task.”

What sets your startup apart from competitors?

“Our guiding principle is the well-known Estonian saying: “The charm lies in simplicity.” Throughout the validation of our prototype with clients, the consistent feedback has been that it is a straightforward and easy-to-understand product. We are developing software that meets Silicon Valley standards in terms of reliability and user-friendliness.”

Why did you apply to the AI Accelerator?

“This program has been the ideal size for us to start with. It allows us to engage with mentors, receive valuable feedback, and effectively plan and execute our next steps.”

Where do you see your startup in 1 year? And where in 5 years?

“In one year, we will have a platform ready to become the standard in Estonia for sharing and reviewing technical drawings. The outdated methods currently in use, along with the challenges they present, provide a strong foundational force for developing a more digital and efficient future in the whole industry.”

“In five years, our platform could become as widespread in industry as Figma is in design fields. This would mean that cumbersome email exchanges and Snipping Tool markings will be phased out of Estonian industry. We will have established ourselves as a technological leader in Central/West European industries. The data volume gathered from our users will have enabled us to develop an Engineering Copilot, which will already be in testing and under further development.”

Who is the next (Estonian) unicorn?

“Skeleton Technologies: significant investments and expansion will eventually require substantial funding, leading them to the stock markets. This move will instantly make them a unicorn.”

Which books/podcasts/publications and influencers in your field do you follow and would recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

“For Estonian startup entrepreneurs: “Globaalsed Eestlased” podcasts and Siim Maivel’s podcasts. For technical professionals: MIT professor Lex Fridman’s podcasts and resources like Distill Publications, such as “A Gentle Introduction to Graph Neural Networks” available there.”

If you’d get a chance to meet with Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, what would you ask them?

“What was your main motivator in the early years? How significant is the role of luck in success? How do you think and make decisions?”

“In conclusion, a quote from President Alar Karis’s speech on August 20, 2024, that could characterize us: Startups, together with the old, traditional industries, share a common future.”

We are currently accepting applications for the Film and Multimedia Accelerator. Submit yours if you want to advance technology-based ideas in the the film industry. The Film and Multimedia Accelerator primarily focuses on multimedia, virtual and augmented reality, and related fields, and supports startups focusing on these areas. Check out more and apply here!