This interview between TalTech’s Development Fund team and Marko Paavel, Head of Engineering and Factory Automation at Tech Group, was first published on TalTech’s website.
“Engineers aren’t born, they get there step by step,” says Marko Paavel, Head of Engineering and Factory Automation at Tech Group. In TalTech’s Development Fund spring call, Tech Group is launching its first scholarship to support motivated TalTech’s engineering students and bring young people closer to the industrial world where real, tangible solutions are created.
Marko Paavel, Head of Engineering and Factory Automation
What does Tech Group do?
Tech Group builds smart machinery for future‑focused companies. What does that mean in practice? Today’s world increasingly values efficiency: doing work faster, smarter, and better. That’s where Tech Group comes in, as a partner to companies looking to modernize their production processes and take them to the next level.
We believe automation and intelligent technological solutions allow people to focus on more meaningful tasks. When employees are engaged and processes are well organized, businesses perform better. Whether it’s industrial robotics, the automation of production lines, or building high-tech machines for technology companies, this is the area where we operate.
With more than 20 years of experience, we’ve proven to be a reliable partner to both industrial and technology companies. Our engineers, automation specialists, and mechatronics engineers have delivered solutions ranging from automotive robot lines to complex photonics systems.
Our goal is not just to be a service provider, but a trusted partner – an extension of our client’s business that complements and supports their operations and helps take them further.
Why is Tech Group introducing a scholarship this spring?
We recognise that our role goes beyond day‑to‑day work. Contributing to the development of engineering and industrial education matters to us. Promoting the field and supporting the next generation benefits not only us but the sector as a whole.
From experience, I’ve seen how inspiring a scholarship can be for young people. It lights a spark and brings them closer to industry, where value is truly created.
Supporting young engineers is a natural extension of our mission. We want to encourage students to learn, grow, and discover the excitement of the industrial world. We support them not only through scholarships but also by offering an inspiring work environment where they can apply their skills.
My sincere wish is that such work experience, meaningful, developmental, and future-oriented, would be accessible to all young engineers.
What opportunities does Tech Group offer young talent? Why apply for your scholarship?
At Tech Group, we believe in continuous development. We value our people and support their growth. We have long‑tenured employees, some have been with us for over 20 years. Many former interns have later joined us as engineers. We offer paid internships with a dedicated mentor, host site visits for study groups, and welcome job‑shadowing. The Tech Group scholarship is a great way to connect yourself with engineering work that is non‑repetitive, and whose results you can see in the real world.
Who are you hoping will apply?
We welcome applications from Bachelor’s and Master’s students at TalTech’s School of Engineering who show clear motivation to develop in their field. Preference is given to students with a weighted average of at least 3.5 (on the 5‑point scale), who have completed at least 60 ECTS at Bachelor’s level or 30 ECTS at Master’s level, and who stand out for their active mindset and ambition to become top performers in their field. Where possible, we look for a willingness to collaborate with Tech Group; the exact form of collaboration will be agreed between the scholarship recipient and the company.
Any tips for applicants?
Be bold. Our field may seem complex at first glance, but engineers aren’t born, they get there step by step. Everybody starts somewhere. When tackling a problem, approach it like an engineer, and don’t lose sight of why you’re studying this in the first place.
What if a student doesn’t receive the scholarship?
There are more good opportunities than a single scholarship. Feel free to reach out even if you’re not selected this time. Tech Group regularly has open internship and engineering roles, and we also offer job‑shadowing opportunities. And if your studies continue, you can apply for the scholarship again next year.
An interesting fact about Tech Group?
Our work is highly international: over 95% of our output is exported. Each year, we deliver around 700 devices, machines, or systems worldwide. Many go into fields where no one else in Estonia is active. We work with exciting machinery, which makes our day‑to‑day technically engaging and very diverse.
Where can interested students learn more and apply?
From February, you can find the scholarship rules and timeline on the competition page: taltech.ee/2026kevad. Applications are open from 22 February to 16 March 2026.