The past decade has seen a lot of shifts in the world and this is also inherent in the cleantech sector. Cleantech is no longer defined solely by its sustainability goals; it is positioning itself as a foundational driver of resilience, autonomy, and transformation across industries.
Clean technologies emerging in this new era are inherently multi-functional. They advance energy and food independence, enable circular economic models, support climate adaptation, and contribute to dual-use innovations in defence and security. Their value therefore can extend well beyond environmental objectives.
As this next wave of clean technologies becomes deeply integrated with other core sectors of the economy, collaboration takes on growing importance. There is a lot of missed potential between sectors that have traditionally operated in silos.
Estonia has shown its strength in building and scaling up new sectors in the past. We were able to grow our economy quickly by championing digital technologies. We see the same possibilities today in the cleantech sector. While historically our economy has been reliant on shale oil, we have seen an acceleration in decarbonizing our economy and reducing environmental pollution by using clean technologies.
Estonia’s cleantech sector is distinguished by its strong academic foundation and a thriving community of deep-tech innovators. Universities are at the forefront, driving advancements in biotechnologies, materials science and energy. Their commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovation fosters a robust pipeline of talent and ideas. This academic prowess is complemented by a strong entrepreneurial drive and a collaborative ecosystem. As a result Estonia is home to a large number of science based cleantech startups.
The Estonian Cleantech Association plays a pivotal role in uniting and propelling the growth of the cleantech sector. The association serves as a central platform for cleantech companies, offering support in areas such as export development, investor relations and policy advocacy. By fostering collaboration among companies and facilitating connections with policymakers, the association ensures that Estonia remains at the forefront of sustainable economic development.
Deeply rooted in science and driven by a culture of entrepreneurship and collaboration, Estonian cleantech companies are transforming economies globally. Among the global leaders in per capita cleantech investments, Estonia leverages cleantech for economic competitiveness, sustainability and security.
