Education, innovation, and the AI Leap

We explore how digital technology is reshaping the creative industries in Estonia, from live AI-generated theatre to immersive VR dance and the future of digital fashion. Mart-Matteus Kampus shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of co-creating a stage production with ChatGPT. Choreographer Liis Vares and interdisciplinary artist Taavet Jansen introduce a performance where the audience becomes part of the show through virtual reality. And fashion designer Xenia Joost reflects on how digital tools can drive both innovation and sustainability in the fashion world. Tune in to discover how Estonian artists are merging creativity and code to push the boundaries of what’s possible in performance, design, and cultural heritage.

We explore Estonia’s bold leap into AI-powered education with insights from Gert Jervan, Dean of the School of Information Technologies at TalTech. Gert shares how Estonia is preparing to teach artificial intelligence in high schools and why the country’s new AI-focused bachelor’s program is critical for shaping future innovators. We also hear from Liis Siiroja, CEO of EdTech Estonia, who highlights the role of the private sector in driving educational innovation and explains how Estonian EdTech companies are scaling globally. Finally, Heli Aru-Chabilan, a long-time education policy expert, reflects on Estonia’s decades-long journey toward digital learning - from the Tiger Leap era to today’s AI Leap. She unpacks the strategic decisions, teacher training efforts, and cultural mindset that made it possible.Tune in to discover how Estonia is once again redefining the future, this time by transforming how we teach and learn in the age of AI.

We dive into Estonia's e-governance journey with insights from Joel Burke, AI policy expert and author of Rebooting A Nation. Joel shares his experience of Estonia's rise as a global leader in digital governance, highlighting the cultural mindset and political courage that helped shape the nation's innovative e-government systems. We also explore how AI is shaping the future of public services with experts Liina Kamm and Katrin Rajamäe-Soosaar, who discuss the importance of responsible AI deployment, its impact on local governments, and the role of digitalisation in improving everyday services. Tune in to discover the lessons Estonia’s digital transformation holds for the world. 

This time, we explore the critical role of cyber security in an increasingly digital world. Our hosts, Johanna-Kadri Kuusk and Petra Holm, talk with two experts to explore the challenges and solutions associated with combining digital transformation and security. In this episode:Nick Washer, the Global Head of Defence of Nortal, discussed:The role of digitalisation in modern defence and its complexities.The importance of continuous investment in cyber security and data protection.Vjatšeslav Antipenko, Junior Research Fellow of  the University of Tartu, covered:Cyber security challenges in Industry 4.0 and the integration of IoT in manufacturing.The role of AI in cyber security, highlighting its dual use for both defence and attacks.Practical advice for organisations to improve their cyber security posture, such as employee education and robust documentation.

We delve into the intriguing world of electronic identification, exploring its evolution and impact from local and global perspectives. Join our hosts, Petra Holm and Johanna-Kadri Kuusk, as they guide you through Estonia's groundbreaking e-ID initiatives in the 90s to the exciting prospects of the EU digital wallet. In this episode: Kalev Pihl, CEO of SK ID Solutions, shares firsthand experiences of Estonia's e-ID's inception and its impactful evolution.Riho Kurg, Country Manager at Zetes, who is an expert in digital identity and trust, discusses the EU digital wallet and its integration with Estonia's digital infrastructure, emphasizing enhanced user privacy through selective information disclosure.Aivo Kalu, Lead Security Engineer at Cybernetica, addresses the EU digital identity wallet's potential to streamline privacy and improve interoperability across member states, highlighting Estonia's integration efforts with existing digital systems.

Join us in celebrating Estonia's remarkable achievement of full digitalization of all public services, including divorce, marking a new era of 0% bureaucracy. This episode features discussions with influential leaders like Priit Kongo, Siim Sikkut, and Luukas Ilves, who share insights on the digital transformation that has positioned Estonia as a global leader in governmental efficiency. Tune in to hear how these changes are enhancing public service and setting the stage for future innovations. 

This time we uncover how Estonia, the world's leading digital society, is transforming government and business operations through innovative technologies. In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of the real-time economy—a game-changing initiative that Estonia is leading to reduce the administrative burdens on entrepreneurs and enable more immediate business transactions. Additionally, we examine the impact of Estonia’s e-Residency program on global business practices through digital innovation.  In this episode: Sirli Heinsoo, Director of the Digital Economy Department at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, joins us to explain how Estonia's digital landscape is evolving. We'll explore the steps Estonia is taking to minimise reporting requirements and bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for businesses to thrive.Hear from e-residents Alistair Starling, Natalia Storozhukwho and Oleksandr Storozhukwho have navigated the waters of starting and operating a business in Estonia. They will share their personal challenges and triumphs, providing a real-world perspective on the digital tools and systems that have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys being part of e-Residency.

We explore the cutting-edge of healthcare digitalisation through the lens of genomics, artificial intelligence, and e-health strategies. Liis Leitsalu, researcher at the Estonian Genome Center and the University of Tartu, will guide us through the evolving world of genomics. She shares her expert insights on how genetic research is revolutionising personalised medicine, the role of Estonia's pioneering Biobank, and the ethical considerations surrounding genetic data.Professor Kristjan Port, a sports biologist with deep roots in academic research, discusses the diverse applications of AI in healthcare, from diagnostics and treatment to managing patient data and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI technology. His insights will illuminate how AI is not just a tool of the future but a present reality shaping our medical landscape.Jaanika Merilo, Head of Digital Health at the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs, talks about Estonia's new e-health strategy. She outlines how digital tools are enhancing patient care, supporting healthcare professionals, and ensuring data-driven decision-making. She will explain how Estonia is leveraging technology to streamline healthcare services and improve patient outcomes, setting a benchmark for digital health globally.

We explore the game-changing world of cleantech and sustainability, showcasing the crucial roles and innovative approaches of industry leaders. We'll explore the intersections of policy, technology, and market strategies that drive the green transition in sectors ranging from waste management to sustainable manufacturing. Kädi Ristkok, CEO of the Estonian Cleantech Association discusses the integral role of cleantech in driving sustainable growth across Estonia and the Baltics, highlighting the need for scaling existing technologies to meet climate neutrality by 2050.Petri-Jaan Lahtvee, PhD. Co-founder and COO of ÄIO explores advancements in biotechnology for producing sustainable fats and oils, detailing the transition from academic research to commercial application.Kristjan Variksoo, CTO of Wastelocker explains company´s innovative AI and camera technology in waste management, aimed at improving sorting and achieving zero waste goals and also discusses the company's expansion into the Middle East.

We explore the intersection of defence and digital innovation, shedding light on how modern technology is transforming national security. Our discussions will traverse the realms of AI-driven defence strategies, drone technology, and human oversight's vital role in the automation age. James Acuna, Former CIA Senior Operations Officer discusses the integration of AI and drone technologies in defense, emphasizing the crucial role of human oversight to mitigate the risks inherent in autonomous systems. Ingvar Pärnamäe, CEO of Vegvisir shares his transition from a long career at the Estonian Ministry of Defence to leading a defence tech startup, Vegvisir, which innovates with AR and VR to improve battlefield situational awareness. Kadri Tammai, Regional Director NATO DIANA explains NATO DIANA’s mission to accelerate defence-related innovation, emphasising support for dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military purposes.