NEWS

Estonia is preparing to take a major step forward in education with the launch of its AI Leap 2025 initiative, a program aimed at integrating advanced artificial intelligence tools into classrooms across the country. The initiative will equip both students and teachers with access to AI-powered educational technologies, along with training on how to use them effectively during the learning process. 

Beginning this autumn, the program will reach its first phase, targeting 20,000 high school students in grades 10 and 11, while 3,000 teachers will receive specialized instructions in AI applications. Later, the initiative will be expanded to more high school students and vocational institutions.

The concept behind AI Leap 2025 draws inspiration from Estonia’s groundbreaking Tiger Leap project of the 1990s, which brought internet connectivity and computers to every school, laying the foundation for country’s success in the digital sector. With AI Leap, policymakers aim to ensure that Estonian youth are well-versed in AI, positioning the nation as a leader in digital innovation.

The program is being already developed through a public-private partnership with major AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic. The program is open to collaboration with any and all partners who meet their needs and have useful solutions to offer. Partners will be engaged in co-creation of the curriculum, workshops, and solutions. 

In a recent interview with the e-Estonia Briefing Centre, Siim Sikkut, a member of Estonian President Alar Karis’s Digital Council, a managing partner in Digital Nation, and a core figure behind the launch of AI Leap, shared insights into the program’s vision.

On question “What is the background of the AI Leap program?” Mr. Sikkut answers: “The program’s context is the realisation that AI is here to stay. Using and creating AI tools is already an essential skill for productivity. Still, it will become a critical skill for remaining competitive at the personal, company, and national levels. As a country, we need to build this base skillset fast.” 

The program was initiated by Estonian President Alar Karis, who convened a roundtable of leading tech entrepreneurs in December, at which the current idea was born. President Karis assigned his Digital Council to lead the development of the initiative, in collaboration with various entrepreneurs and the Ministry of Education.

Mr. Sikkut adds that the development of the curriculum for AI Leap 2025 is being led by Estonia’s Ministry of Education and Research, with the support of diverse working groups that include teachers, students, academics, business representatives, and other community stakeholders. They will start by defining the target competencies for skilling and then move on to the creation of specific curricula, learning tools, relevant training programs, etc.. While the full content of the learning process is still being finalized, the initiative is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, not a one-time effort. AI Leap is intentionally structured as an experimental, evolving program that will help identify the most effective ways to incorporate AI into education. 

The first phase will begin in autumn 2025 with initial training for teachers, focusing on understanding and applying AI in the classroom. Shortly after, students will gain access to the world’s best AI-powered learning applications. This training will include an overview of the use and understanding of AI technology and recommendations on personalising learning according to each student’s needs and optimising and empowering teaching. Importantly, the goal is not for AI to replace educators or traditional methods but to enhance the learning experience, empower teachers, and better prepare students for a future where AI is an integral part of everyday life and work.

While speaking about the long-term goal of the AI Leap 2025, Mr. Sikkut mentions: “The long-term goal is to maintain Estonia’s high level of education, increase Estonians’ global breakthrough ability, and smoothly integrate AI into education to ensure the best possible learning. We want to make teaching more efficient, personalised, diverse, and inclusive. We also want to reduce the digital technology divide and prevent a new divide between those who are AI savvy and those who are not.”

As for each innovation, there is a dose of skepticism for AI Leap 2025. Mr. Sikkut  explains that the initiative won’t negatively impact the education and learning process because AI is already part of students’ lives but without structured integration into education. So it is better to incorporate AI into education in the most effective, organised and systematic way, rather than leave it to chance, which can lead to more negative results. Together with that, it’s vital for the program to ensure that every student has an equal access to AI resources and evenly benefits from it, since not everyone has or can afford AI applications. Concerns about excessive screen time and smartphone dependency are also acknowledged – but AI Leap is not about increasing device use, it’s about changing its purpose. The goal is to shift smart device use from passive consumption and entertainment to active learning and skill development. 

Estonia is positioning itself as a global pioneer by being among the first nations to implement AI integration across its entire education system – not just in select schools or regions but nationwide. By launching AI Leap 2025, Estonia not only aims to enhance its own educational outcomes but also hopes to serve as a model for other countries. The nation is committed to sharing its experiences and insights, helping others learn from its journey.