Startup Story: Telearmy x NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator

Telearmy develops teledriving technology that enables existing vehicles to be quickly and cost-effectively converted into remotely controlled ones, increasing operational flexibility and tactical efficiency.

The minds behind the startup are Enn Laansoo, Jr. and Priit Haljak. Priit, a seasoned technology lead with an engineering background, has guided the development of a road-legal teledriven vehicle from scratch. With hands-on experience leading engineering teams and delivering complex technical systems—including those tested in combat—he brings deep tech capability to the table. Enn, on the other hand, focuses on the business side of innovation. With a track record in launching an electric car-sharing company and developing a deep-tech-friendly industrial park, he’s driven by the challenge of turning advanced technology into scalable, real-world solutions. Together, they’ve built a system that combines technical excellence with market-ready agility, unlocking the full potential of teledriving.

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

We saw how teledriving technology improves vehicle efficiency, enabling optimized resource use and faster, safer operations. The same principles apply to military logistics and critical infrastructure management—remote operation minimizes losses, maximizes operational speed, and enables strategic control even in complex and high-risk environments.

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

The biggest challenge has been adapting the technology to combat conditions, including ensuring interference-resistant communications, rapid integration into various vehicle platforms, and operational reliability in hostile environments. Our biggest success is that our technology has already been tested in combat and has proven effective in Ukraine. This has given us real-world experience on how remotely controlled systems can help carry out dangerous tasks.

3. What sets your startup apart from competitors? 

Telearmy’s key advantages are rapid deployment and strategic flexibility. We are not building an expensive and complex autonomous system from scratch; instead, we enable existing vehicles to be quickly converted to teledriving, leading to lower costs and faster adoption. Additionally, our technology is not just a theoretical concept—it is already in use and has been tested in challenging environments. In military operations, teledriving technology supports achieving control, rapid and cost-effective success, and weakening the enemy’s logistical capabilities, providing the ability to operate remotely and flexibly.

4. Why did you choose NATO DIANA accelerator?

The NATO DIANA accelerator offers a unique platform that connects startups with the defense industry, enabling the development of dual-use technologies. Participation in the program gives us access to extensive testing infrastructure, experts, and networks, accelerating the advancement of our technology and its international expansion.

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

In one year, we see Telearmy expanding into new markets and integrating its technology into various vehicle platforms, thereby increasing the availability of our solutions in allied nations. In five years, we aim to be a leading provider of teledriving technology, offering a broad range of solutions for both military and civilian applications, contributing to a safer and more efficient future.

6. Who is the next (Estonian) unicorn?

Estonia’s startup ecosystem is full of talented companies with the potential to become the next unicorn. While it is difficult to predict a specific name, I believe that companies focusing on innovative technologies and offering globally scalable solutions are strong contenders.

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

We discussed this as a team and concluded that there are many role models, and everyone finds inspiration in their own way. But if we were to recommend something specific, it would be to take a moment and listen to music. The right rhythm and pauses are essential for making decisions and generating new ideas. Sometimes, the best solution comes when you slow the tempo down for a moment.

The Estonian accelerator is implemented by Tehnopol Startup Incubator together with Sparkup Tartu Science Park.