On the 1st of September 2025, Estonia, one of the world’s most advanced digital societies, will launch AI Leap 2025 – an education programme inspired by Tiger Leap and developed through public–private collaboration. This programme will provide Estonian students and teachers with free access to world-class AI-based educational applications, along with the necessary skills to use them effectively in their studies, marking the next chapter in Estonia’s digital society journey.
The programme builds on the legacy of Estonia’s historic Tiger Leap programme from nearly 30 years ago, which brought computers and the internet early to all Estonian schools and laid the foundation for the country’s emergence as a digital pioneer. AI Leap will be the next such public–private partnership aimed at integrating AI skills and capabilities seamlessly into education.
“Artificial intelligence has permanently changed the world, and like all sectors, the education system must adapt to these changes.”
Alar Karis, Estonian President
“Just as the Tiger Leap programme initiated the development of e-Estonia, for which we are still known internationally today, we are now starting a new chapter in the development of our education system and digital society,” says Estonian President Alar Karis, the initiator of the programme. “Artificial intelligence has permanently changed the world, and like all sectors, the education system must adapt to these changes.”
“By implementing the best available technology in the education system and making learning not only smarter but also more personalised, it will help Estonia become one of the world’s smartest nations. This way, AI Leap will help smart solutions reach all sectors and increase the international breakthrough capability of Estonians and the Estonian economy,” Karis says, outlining the programme’s vision.
The next chapter in e-Estonia’s journey
“Estonia’s economic competitiveness depends on how well we can prepare young people for the age of artificial intelligence,” says Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas. “In order for AI to support not only learning but also our economic growth, we will invest strongly in teacher training as part of the AI Leap. Well-prepared teachers will be able to implement AI capabilities smartly in schools.”
What is AI Leap 2025?
AI Leap is an educational programme inspired by the Tiger Leap initiative, created through public and private sector collaboration. It provides Estonian students and teachers with access to the world’s leading AI-based learning applications and the necessary skills to use them wisely in education. In the first phase of the project, 20 000 high school students in grades 10–11 and their 3000 teachers will gain access to leading AI-powered educational applications on the 1st of September 2025.
“In the future job market, the advantaged will not be those who can use AI the most, but those who can use it in the smartest way,” says Linnar Viik, co-founder of AI Leap and one of the original architects of Tiger Leap. “The education system cannot ignore or ban new technologies. Instead, schools must lead the implementation of technology by providing a supportive framework.”
Estonian President Alar Karis, the initiator of the programme, together with the team behind the AI Leap programme. Photo: Raul Mee
The key to educational transformation is the teacher
The AI Leap programme does not aim to simply increase the role of technology in education – the change must be substantive. This is an educational transformation – a new approach to how we acquire knowledge and support learning and teaching with modern technology.
AI Leap is not an optimisation programme but rather a shift towards a more personalised learning system. AI enables personalised learning by providing each student with an experience tailored to their pace and style. This does not mean that teachers will lose their role. On the contrary, they will become even more important as instructors who teach critical thinking and direct students in correctly utilising the knowledge offered by AI.
International partnerships
In cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Research, teacher training is planned by autumn 2025, after which students will be given access to the world’s leading AI applications for learning. Negotiations have begun with global leading AI developers OpenAI, Google, Anthropic and Microsoft, with plans to involve others as well.
“By thoughtfully integrating AI tools to help teachers and support students, Estonia is creating a model that other countries will likely follow.”
Neerav Kingsland, head of business development at Anthropic
“Millions of students around the world are already using ChatGPT to enrich and personalise their learning. Estonia is setting an example for the world as one of the first countries to fully integrate AI into its education system for the benefit of all students and teachers,” says Leah Belsky, vice president of education at OpenAI.
“Estonia has been an international leader in educational improvement. This initiative shows us what’s possible when a country builds on its successes and thinks big about AI and education,” says Neerav Kingsland, head of business development at Anthropic. “By thoughtfully integrating AI tools to help teachers and support students, Estonia is creating a model that other countries will likely follow. We’re proud to support Estonia’s vision of using AI to help improve the lives of teachers and provide an amazing education to every student. We’re excited to work with the government to offer equal access to this transformative technology and help ensure its future workforce is AI-ready.”
GOOD TO KNOW
Goals of AI Leap
- Maintain the high quality of Estonian education by providing students and teachers with modern learning tools that make them smarter learners.
- Integrate technology seamlessly into education, providing knowledge and support for the effective use of AI-based learning software.
- Strengthen the international competitiveness of Estonians.
This content is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
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