One of the main tasks of the University of Tartu is to support the development of a science-based society.
This requires strong science, top-quality higher education
and effective collaboration with the industry and the public sector.
At the Institute of Computer Science of the University of Tartu, we have created various formats of collaboration for this purpose.
For example, Industrial Master's Programme in IT, which helps to combine academic studies with internship in partner companies.
This allows us to train top-level data scientists, analysts, software engineers, digital product managers,
who, already during their studies, start applying the latest academic knowledge and ideas to contribute to their partner company's development.
As an undergraduate student, the Industrial Master's Programme in IT helped me
to make the transition from studies to work while also obtaining a Master's degree.
Without this opportunity, I probably wouldn't have entered the master studies.
As a software engineer, I help to improve the Pipedrive product for our customers on a daily basis.
The changes I make directly affect 100,000 companies worldwide.
Among other things, I got a good master thesis topic here, which is also beneficial to Pipedrive.
We have also launched the Sandbox Digital Product Innovation Programme,
which includes a study module, a collaboration space and a community,
which aims to develop design thinking and digital product management education at the University of Tartu.
We are also constantly increasing our research and development collaboration with the industry,
which has been also supported by Archimedes' Smart Specialization program.
For example, we recently launched an Autonomous Driving Lab in collaboration with Bolt.
Bolt is a high-tech company
and as business volumes grow, it is important to be prepared for the needs of the future market.
The University of Tartu has a long-term success and experience in developing new knowledge.
We have gained deep technical knowledge in self-driving technology,
created a promising and exciting prospect and opportunity for students and entrepreneurs in general.
The focus of the project for us is the preparation for the launch of a new technology.
We expect that in the process, the legislative space and infrastructure will also develop,
so that in time we could bring a new means of transportation to our customers.
Without the collaboration of Bolt, Archimedes and the university, change in this area would be slow.
With this cooperation, we ensure that our engineers and scientists create a favourable environment for high-tech companies in Estonia.
Research and development in a high-tech company needs long-term and stable funding.
This is possible in partnership with the state and Europe.