AI Leap has successfully completed its launch phase and is entering the next stage of its development, with a focus on extending and sustaining the program’s long-term impact across Estonia’s education system. The foundation will open a public recruitment process for a new CEO in October. Current CEO Ivo Visak, who led the launch of the program, will hand over leadership at the end of the year.
According to Kristi Vinter, Chair of the AI Leap Supervisory Board, the education program has reached the next natural stage in its development.
“Within a short period of time, AI Leap has grown from an idea into a nationwide education program. We have established the organization, built a strong team, and laid the groundwork for cooperation among schools, researchers, the public sector, and private partners. The entire board thanks Ivo Visak for his significant work and contribution during the program’s demanding launch phase. The new CEO’s task will be to strengthen the program’s long-term impact and help the changes already under way become established practices in schools,” Vinter said.
AI Leap will continue its work in line with its existing plans and objectives. The program will continue supporting teachers in upper secondary schools, primary and lower secondary schools, and vocational schools, as well as developing the learning application. The main objective of the next phase is to extend and sustain the program’s impact across all levels of school education.
One of the important outcomes of AI Leap’s first year is that teachers have begun reconsidering how they design assignments, provide feedback, and assess learning so that AI supports students’ own thinking and learning rather than replacing it. According to Ivo Visak, AI Leap must continue to be, first and foremost, an education program that approaches the relationship between AI and education from the perspective of Estonia’s needs and cultural context.
“Technology comes second. Its value depends on whether it helps make teaching and learning more meaningful, engaging, and motivating. If technology interferes with learning, its use must be limited in a thoughtful way. Estonia’s strong education system is one of the foundations for preserving Estonian identity and the Estonian language. This direction must be maintained,” Visak said.
The foundation will open the public recruitment process for a new CEO in October. It is seeking a leader with a strong understanding of education and the ability to work with a broad network of partners. The new CEO will be responsible for strengthening the program’s long-term impact and helping the changes initiated through AI Leap become established practices in schools.
The aim is for the new CEO to take office no later than the beginning of 2027. Ivo Visak will continue to lead the foundation through the end of the year and support a smooth transition.
AI Leap is Europe’s first national education program of its kind, launched by Estonian President Alar Karis and the Ministry of Education and Research. Its purpose is to support schools in the thoughtful use of AI and to help teachers and students develop AI literacy. The program is implemented through cooperation between the public and private sectors. President Karis will continue to serve as an advocate for AI Leap after his presidential term ends.