Education, Technology and Innovation in Focus During State Visit to Estonia
August 22, 2026
Photos: Office of the President of Estonia.
The presidential couple and an official delegation learn about Estonian innovation.
The presidential couple and the Icelandic delegation, together with Martin Hanson and Carl-Robert Reidolf, at the CR14 premises.
“Go girls in tech” is one of the mottos of HK Unicorn Squad. You can learn more about the project on its website.
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One of the principal aims of the state visit of the President of Iceland and spouse to Estonia from 19 to 21 August was to strengthen cooperation between Iceland and Estonia in the fields of technology, innovation and education.
The Icelandic delegation included Logi Már Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education, Ambassador Nína Björk Jónsdóttir, Permanent Secretaries Ásdís Halla Bragadóttir and Sigrún Brynja Einarsdóttir, and Lilja Dögg Jónsdóttir, Managing Director of Almannarómur, Iceland's Centre for Language Technology and Artificial Intelligence.
Cybersecurity and Innovation
One of the interesting projects visited was CR14, a cybersecurity organisation operated by the Estonian Ministry of Defence in cooperation with NATO. CR14 coordinates responses to cyberattacks and provides specialist training in cybersecurity. Representatives Martein Hanson and Carl-Robert Reidolf introduced the organisation's work and discussed Estonia's approach to digital security.
From a Garage Project to a National Initiative
The Icelandic and Estonian presidential couples, together with members of the Icelandic delegation, visited the headquarters of the HK Unicorn Squad innovation initiative and the Kuri Kotkas (Angry Eagle) drone training programme. The facilities are housed in what was once the Kotka family home and are led by entrepreneur and engineer Taavi Kotka. The Unicorn Squad initiative began when Kotka's daughter, Helena, was unable to enrol in a programming course at her primary school. In response, he organised technology workshops for her and a small group of classmates in his garage. Eight years later, the project has expanded across Estonia and has provided technology and engineering education to approximately 8,000 girls. Each year, participants gather at a summer camp, while the programme continues to rely heavily on volunteer contributions and support from private-sector partners.
The upper floor of the same building and adjoining outdoor areas are used for the Kuri Kotkas drone programme. Participants receive training in drone operation with the aim of building a civilian reserve of skilled drone pilots. The initiative, founded by Taavi Kotka, is supported by the Estonian Ministry of Defence and the Estonian Defence Forces.
Schools and Artificial Intelligence
On the final day of the state visit, the presidential couple and the Icelandic delegation visited Pelgulinna School in Tallinn. The school is one of approximately twenty new upper-secondary school buildings developed as part of a national effort to modernise Estonia's education system and encourage innovation in teaching and learning. Principal Indrek Lillemägi guided the visitors through the school and described the priorities that have shaped its development, many of which were created in close consultation with students and parents.
The delegation also attended a presentation on TI Hüpe (AI Leap), a national initiative designed to strengthen the use of artificial intelligence in education. The programme initially focuses on professional development for upper-secondary teachers but is expected to expand to primary and lower-secondary education in the coming years. Leaders of the initiative, Linnar Viik and Ivo Viska, outlined its objectives and discussed opportunities for future cooperation with Icelandic partners.
Closing Event at Iceland Square
The final engagement of the state visit took place at Iceland Square in Tallinn, where President Halla Tómasdóttir opened a redesigned square and delivered a brief address. Reflecting on the visit, the President highlighted the many inspiring examples of innovation in education encountered during the programme and commended Estonia's long-term commitment to investing in education, culture and human capital.
Here on the website is a selection of photographs from the presidential couple's visit to Estonia.
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