Estonia is preparing for its next big leap. After the success of the Tiger Leap, which helped build the country’s digital society, AI Leap 2025 to bring artificial intelligence into education. Starting from the new school year, students and teachers will gain free access to top AI tools and training to shape the future of learning.
AI Leap 2025 builds on the legacy of Tiger Leap, a programme launched nearly 30 years ago that introduced computers and the internet to all Estonian schools. Just as Tiger Leap helped shape e-Estonia, AI Leap will prepare students for a world where AI is an everyday tool.
President Alar Karis, who initiated the programme, emphasised its importance: “AI has permanently changed the world, and education must adapt. Just as Tiger Leap put Estonia on the digital map, AI Leap will make learning smarter and more personalised.”
Expanding AI education
The programme’s first phase will include 20,000 high school students (grades 10-11) and 3,000 teachers. The following year, it will expand to vocational schools and new 10th graders, adding 38,000 more students and 2,000 teachers.
Education Minister Kristina Kallas highlighted that teacher training is a key focus:
“We will invest strongly in training teachers to ensure they can use AI effectively in schools.”
AI expert Linnar Viik, co-founder of AI Leap, stressed the need for smart AI use:
“The future workforce won’t be defined by who uses AI the most, but who uses it the smartest.”
Global partnerships
AI Leap 2025 is working with OpenAI, Anthropic, and other leading AI developers to provide students with cutting-edge technology.
Leah Belsky, Vice President of Education at OpenAI, praised Estonia’s leadership: “Millions of students already use AI to enhance learning, but Estonia is among the first to fully integrate AI into its education system.”
Neerav Kingsland, Head of Business Development at Anthropic, called the initiative a global model:
“Estonia is showing the world how AI can empower teachers and students alike.”
AI Leap Foundation to lead the way
A public-private AI Leap Foundation will be established in spring 2025 to manage the programme. The government and private sector will co-found and fund it, with details finalised by March 2025.
AI Leap is a collaboration between the President’s Digital Council, the Ministry of Education and Research, and leading entrepreneurs such as Taavet Hinrikus, Jaan Tallinn, and Kaarel Kotkas.
What’s next for AI Leap 2025?
The programme will take shape in the coming months, starting with the establishment of the AI Leap Foundation in spring 2025. From the new school year, AI-powered learning tools will be introduced in high schools, with a planned expansion to vocational schools the following year.
For AI Leap 2025 to succeed, teacher training will play a key role, ensuring that AI is integrated thoughtfully and effectively. Schools must focus on ethical AI use, encouraging critical thinking rather than reliance on automation. As AI technology evolves, the programme should adapt accordingly, while Estonia has an opportunity to share its experience globally and set an example for others.
AI Leap 2025 is Estonia’s next big step in digital education. By equipping students and teachers with AI tools and knowledge, the country is ensuring its future workforce is AI-ready.
