Estonia has been named an Innovation Champion by the 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.
TALLINN, Estonia and LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — 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.
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.
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.
Mr. Erkki Keldo, Estonia’s Minister of Economy and Industry said: “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.”
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 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.
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.
For media inquiries, contact Carol Hickins, U.S. Public Relations for Trade Estonia at press.usa@eis.ee.
This project is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
About The Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL)
Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL) is a voluntary organization, whose primary objective is to unite the Estonian information technology and telecommunications companies and organizations to promote their co-operation in Estonia’s development towards information society, to represent and protect the interests of its member companies and to express their common positions. According to ITL’s vision, by 2035 Estonia will have reached the forefront in digitalization in both the private and public sectors, and serve as a model for others in this field. The vision is supported by three pillars: innovative and sustainable economy, smart people, and a bold state with a vision.
About Trade Estonia
Trade Estonia is part of Enterprise Estonia. As a state organization, Trade Estonia helps Estonian companies to establish themselves in international markets. With a focus on future technologies and pioneering projects, Trade Estonia provides Estonian companies access to market analysis and marketing strategies. It creates the conditions for them to operate successfully on a global scale. Trade Estonia not only promotes the development of new business areas and the establishment of strategic partnerships but also facilitates access to international networks, thus contributing to the global competitiveness of Estonian companies.
About CES ®
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 features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Learn more at
CES.tech and follow CES on social.
About Consumer Technology Association (CTA) ®
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
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Media Contact
Carol Hickins, Trade Estonia, 1 6463453954, press.usa@eis.ee, https://tradewithestonia.com/
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SOURCE Trade Estonia
