Estonia Launches 'Eesti.ai' to Double Work Value, Target 50% GDP Growth
The Estonian government, in partnership with top tech entrepreneurs, has launched the 'Eesti.ai' national program, a strategic initiative aiming to systematically implement artificial intelligence to increase the country's GDP by 50% within a decade.
- —Estonia has officially launched the 'Eesti.ai' national initiative, a government-led program aimed at systematically implementing artificial intelligence across all sectors to enhance the value of labor and grow the economy.
- —The initiative, announced on January 27, 2026, by Prime Minister Kristen Michal and leading tech entrepreneurs, seeks to double the value of Estonian work by 2035 and increase the country's GDP by 25% in five years and 50% in ten years.
- —Eesti.ai will focus on developing new AI applications and capabilities through public-private collaboration, leveraging Estonia's digital infrastructure, with initial efforts concentrated on a few high-impact projects.
- —An international advisory council, chaired by Bolt founder Markus Villig and comprising Estonian tech leaders and international experts, will guide the program, with Kirke Maar appointed to lead the AI team within the State Chancellery.
Recap
Estonia's 'Eesti.ai' initiative is a calculated national strategy to transition its economy by leveraging AI as a core driver of productivity and value. This is not merely a technology project but a fundamental economic policy aimed at securing future prosperity and maintaining a competitive edge as a digital nation. The program's success hinges on the effective collaboration between the state and its vibrant tech sector, with its ambitious GDP targets serving as a clear benchmark for a high-stakes bet on technological sovereignty.