Human intelligence alongside artificial

AI Leap is an Estonian educational innovation program helping schools adapt to the age of AI and fostering meaningful learning.

Delegating homework to machines is already common. Without intervention, the strongest would benefit from AI, but many students' critical thinking development would suffer.

Even before AI Leap, 64–90% of Estonian students were using AI tools – mostly free versions of commercial apps to complete schoolwork faster. Research shows that this kind of use can hinder the development of critical thinking, focus, creativity, and self-management.

We must respond early and decisively to ensure that artificial intelligence empowers learning and teaching rather than replacing them.

The three focus areas of AI Leap

To the teacher and school (EST)

Teachers' program

  • Nationwide trainings and school-based learning communities to share best practices and to rethink teaching in the age of AI.
  • Subject-specific teaching materials and tips.
  • Change management in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research, school leaders, subject teacher associations etc.

Student program

  • Collaboration with youth organizations (School Student Councils’ Union, JA Estonia, Estonian Debating Society).
  • Exploring AI tool use cases (hackathons, co-creation sprints, debate tournaments, and creative workshops).
  • Testing interactive AI literacy workshops with students, and scaling them across Estonia.

Technology facilitation, development, and support

  • Creating and continuously developing special learning apps for Estonian students, providing access to grades 10–11.
  • Providing access to the paid version of ChatGPT or Google Gemini for all high school teachers.
  • AI literacy trainings.

Our vision

Together with teachers, students, and parents, we shape an education where AI supports learning rather than threatens it.

Estonian students and teachers have access to the best AI tools, as well as the skills and mindset for their smart and responsible use.

Estonia is a global leader in rethinking learning in the age of AI.

"It is not about using AI the most, but about learning to use it the wisest way."

Alar Karis

President of Estonia

More on the learning app

Creating a learning-supportive alternative to existing AI tools

By the end of 2025, all grade 10–11 students in schools participating in AI Leap will gain access to a learning application developed specifically for Estonian students.

Unlike regular ChatGPT, this app doesn’t give direct answers – it acts more like a teacher, helping students plan their learning approach, guiding them to find answers, and formulating their own conclusions.

The app, which communicates in proper Estonian, is being developed in collaboration with Estonian education researchers, the Institute of the Estonian Language, AI experts, and international technology companies.

How often and in which ways the app is used will be up to Estonian students and teachers themselves. The goal of AI Leap is not to increase AI use among students, but to ensure it is done meaningfully.

The effectiveness of AI Leap is evaluated in several ways

The long-term impact on students is measured by educational psychologists and researchers from the University of Tartu, led by Jaan Aru.

The app’s compliance with Estonian language and cultural standards is assessed by the Institute of the Estonian Language.

Short-term effectiveness monitoring is carried out by the AI Leap Foundation.

AI Leap is built through public–private collaboration

AI Leap depends on additional support from the private sector. The Ministry of Education and Research funds AI Leap in equal proportion to its strategic private-sector partners.

By November 2025, the following companies and entrepreneurs have confirmed their support for the AI Leap program:

Estonian Minister of Education and Research
Telecommunications company Telia Estonia
Investment firm Skaala Impact
Education fund Smart Future Fund
Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications
Entrepreneur Armin Karu
Entrepreneur Märt Lume
Entrepreneur Alvar Lumberg

Artificial intelligence evolves quickly, but change in education takes time

2025

  • Establishment of the AI Leap Foundation, initiated by the President of the Republic of Estonia
  • Development of the teachers’ support program
  • Building partnerships across the private, public, and non-profit sectors

2025/26

  • Support program for 4,700 high school teachers; creation of professional learning communities in schools
  • Learning app for 20,000 grade 10–11 students, with continuous testing and development
  • Development of the student program, AI literacy trainings, co-creation sprints, and hackathons

2026/27

  • Expansion to include the new 10th grade and vocational schools
  • Addition of 38,000 students and 2,000 teachers
  • Further development of the learning app