– Kai Isand, Head of Program at Latitude59 2025 Tallinn
If you’ve been to Latitude59 before, you know we like to shake things up. But this year, we’re not just tweaking the format—we’re rethinking how the conference space works and what it could feel like.
Over the past few months, I’ve had long, eye-opening conversations with our team, partners, and Estonia’s ecosystem players. The goal? To build something that’s more than great content—an experience that feels alive, shaped by the people in the room, not just the ones on stage.
So here it is: your first look at the Latitude59 stage program. What’s new, what to expect, and why I can’t wait for you to be part of it.
What We’re Talking About At Latitude59 (And Why It Matters)
We’re keeping what works—great stage content—while making space for real conversation, the heart of the conference experience that actually matters and carries forward.
Day 1 is all about bold ideas and big topics, diving deep into the themes shaping our future with thought leaders, founders, and policymakers from Estonia and beyond. Day 2 flips the script. The venue transforms into a vibrant space for dialogue, feedback, and connection—think roundtables, startup clinics, and an open stage—where you step in, speak up, and co-create.
When it comes to topics, we’ve chosen this year’s focus areas based on what’s urgent and what demands collective brainpower. These are not going to surprise you:
1. Defense and Digital Sovereignty
At a time when war is no longer a distant threat but a daily reality, defense is no longer a niche topic – it’s a core pillar of national security, innovation, and sovereignty. For Estonia and our region one thing is clear: we can’t afford to separate technology from defense.
This year, we’re dedicating a central part of our agenda to deep, practical conversations on defense tech and dual-use innovation. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications we are hosting the flagship “Thinking in Billions” event to explore what it really takes to build next-generation defense capabilities through public-private collaboration. Together with Ministry of Defence and NATO DIANA, we’re discussing the complexities and urgency of defense innovation today.
2. Europe in the Innovation Race
The world is shifting, and Europe must decide whether to lead or lag. We’ll talk about what it takes to stay competitive, reduce red tape (looking at you, ESNA), and unite our fragmented ecosystems.
- What role does Estonia play on the global stage?
- How do different programs like EIC support long-term impact?
- What’s needed to build stronger cross-border startup collaboration?
We’ll bring together leaders who are building the policies and the companies that shape Europe’s tech future.
3. AI-Powered Future
AI is no longer just a tool – it’s a system reshaping how we learn, work, and govern. We’re hosting sessions that go beyond hype to explore:
- Intelligent agents and automation, integrating and delivering the know-how of Google’s team
- The transformation of education and talent development
- Ethical frameworks for AI governance
- And how we build with AI without losing our humanity
How It All Comes Together
Day 1: Classic content, bold ideas. We’re keeping what works – structured stages, incredible speakers, trendspotting insights – but we’re dialing it up. Day 1 is about setting the tone.
- On the Bold Stage, we go big: presidents, pioneers, provocateurs.
- On the Founder Stage, we go deep: honest conversations between people who build.
- On the Future Stage, we go forward: partner-led sessions on what’s next in tech, from quantum to neuro to space.
- And on our Podcast (once again powered by SEB) and Pitching Stages, we bring the energy, the stories, and the future stars.
Day 2: The experiment begins. Here’s where things get exciting. We’ve always said Latitude59 is about connection. This year, we’re taking that literally. On Day 2, we transform the entire venue into an interactive space for dialogue and participation.
- The Bold Stage transforms. No panels. No speeches from on high. Just honest exchange and debate.
- At the Founder Stage, we’re running Startup Clinics – facilitated deep-dives where early-stage founders bring real problems and leave with real feedback.
- On the Future Stage, we’re testing out something new: roundtable discussions. Think: bustling café meets curated dialogue. You grab a seat, join a topic and suddenly you’re part of the conversation – not just observing it. We don’t want to just tell stories. We want to build them – with you.
- Our Podcast and Pitching Stages carry on with the same energy from day 1.
Why I'm Excited - A Live Experiment For Connection
I love great content and inspirational speakers – but I care even more about great connections. That’s why this experiment really gets me excited. We’re building something different. Something alive. Something co-created.
Yes, it’s a risk to rethink the traditional format – but experimentation is in our DNA, and we believe the most meaningful moments happen when people feel seen, heard, and truly involved. This year, we’re not asking you to sit quietly and absorb – we’re inviting you to step in, speak up and help shape the experience. We want you to feel like you belong. Because you do – ubuntu.
And this blog post is just the beginning. Setting the tone. First batch of speakers will be announced soon. But the full program is still evolving – and we’re listening. To our partners, to community members, to you. If there’s a topic you think needs the spotlight or a conversation you want to host, let us know.
Let’s make 2025 the year we do it in a way that’s bolder, more interactive and more human than ever before! See you in May in Tallinn, Estonia!
