Estonia has been named an Innovation Champion by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), a prestigious recognition celebrating the nation’s leading role as the most advanced digital society fostering technological innovation, economic growth, e-government and social progress. This honor places Estonia among the top 25 countries worldwide that provide the most welcoming environments for innovation.

Estonia’s Innovation Champion accolade is a result of CTA’s fourth edition of the Global Innovation Scorecard, which rigorously analyzed 75 countries, including all 27 European Union members. The Scorecard evaluated nations across 17 categories within five key areas, ultimately classifying them into four categories: Innovation Champions, Innovation Leaders, Innovation Adopters, and Modest Innovators.

CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. 

“By embracing cutting-edge technologies, fostering a digital-first culture, and building robust partnerships, Estonia has proven that even a small nation can lead the way in driving global progress. We are honored to be acknowledged as an Innovation Champion and will continue to pioneer solutions that inspire the world,” said Mr. Erkki Keldo, Estonia’s Minister of Economy and Industry.

Estonia’s simple tax system, e-services and flexible and stable business and investment environment have created an ecosystem for digital companies and startups to thrive.  Estonia is known as the “Unicorn Nation,” boasting the highest number of unicorn companies per capita in Europe and twice as many AI startups per capita than even the U.S.

Estonia’s digital ecosystem drives innovation

Estonia is also hailed by many as the world’s most advanced digital society. For new businesses, it takes 15 minutes to establish a company and three minutes to file taxes.  Estonia is also ranked as the number one tax system in OECD countries for nine consecutive years; number two in Internet freedom, and number six in economic freedom.  Estonia ranks number one in Europe in the Cybersecurity index, and its capital Tallinn is home to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.

This digitally advanced ecosystem has resulted in accelerated innovation and growth for Estonian companies, supporting export of products and services to over 120 countries worldwide.

“By embracing cutting-edge technologies, fostering a digital-first culture, and building robust partnerships, Estonia has proven that even a small nation can lead the way in driving global progress. We are honored to be acknowledged as an Innovation Champion and will continue to pioneer solutions that inspire the world.”
Mr. Erkki Keldo, Estonia’s Minister of Economy and Industry

Minister Erkki Keldo will be an honoree and featured speaker at CES. With the support of the Estonian Embassy in Washington DC, the minister is also accompanied by The Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL) and a business delegation including Nortal, Auve Tech, e-Pavement, 1oT, Verge Motorcycles Donut Labs, and Cognuse. These companies have either already entered the U.S. market or are looking for cooperation partners to enter the market, and for this they will receive support from the presence of the minister.

The Estonian IT companies’ visits to the U.S. are among several initiatives aimed to provide Estonian companies with the resources to establish connections with U.S. partners, build valuable relationships, and seize opportunities in one of the world’s most vibrant economies.

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