On April 15, the 10th MELT Innovation Forum will take place at Tallinn’s Creative Hub (Kultuurikatel), focusing on business growth and exploring how Estonian companies can succeed in foreign markets. Together with top industry experts, the event will seek answers to key questions: how to start exporting, how to strengthen Estonian companies’ position in the global market, and how to build a sustainable international business.

According to Tallinn’s Deputy Mayor for Entrepreneurship, Margot Roose, many innovative products, services, and business models are developed in Tallinn, with great potential for expansion into international markets. Growing a business and starting exports is often a challenging task—it requires new knowledge, resources, and risk-taking. The MELT forum will feature inspiring industry leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs who will share their success stories and practical insights on international business. I hope that these presentations, discussions, and direct networking opportunities will encourage entrepreneurs to look beyond Estonia’s borders, said Roose.

Data from Tallinn’s Enterprise Centre shows strong interest among entrepreneurs in business growth and export. Most companies that have used the city’s international conference support have managed to double their exports in recent years—success stories include a confectionery franchise, a provider of electricity cost optimization solutions, and an edtech startup. Additionally, the centre’s digital solutions support has helped a design company increase both revenue and profit, allowing it to successfully market its products on Amazon.

With the theme "Growth begins with exports: How to take Estonian companies to the global market?", the MELT Innovation Forum will explore various aspects of international expansion. More than 20 entrepreneurs and experts will take the stage to discuss export opportunities and challenges, the importance of international branding, the global success of Estonian fashion brands, and case studies of local services entering international markets. The discussions will also cover how companies can leverage Estonia’s reputation for quality to gain a competitive edge.

The keynote speaker of the forum is Christopher Lyrhem, who describes himself as a disruptive analyst. Over the past 16 years, he has worked in various analytical fields, including equity research, portfolio management, and future strategy. He currently serves as Chief Future Officer at the investment research company Sircular. His extensive report, "Regenerate the Economic Machine", connects perspectives from technology, economics, culture, politics, and finance, arguing that the key to solving the climate crisis lies not in broad cooperation but in world-changing innovative ideas. His talk at the forum, "Regenerating the Global Economy", will focus on the cross-border nature of innovation and global market operations, presenting strategies for scaling business models and achieving success in foreign markets.

Other speakers on the MELT stage include SEB analyst Mihkel Nestor, Enterprise Estonia’s head of national marketing Kata Varblane, Estonian Association of Mechanical Engineering board member Oliver Mets, Estonian E-Commerce Association CEO Tõnu Väät, Latitude 59 CEO Liisi Org, JOIK export and marketing manager Kadri Sild, Thermory AS sales director Katrin Reinaste-Parve, Tartu Centre for Creative Industries and Tartu Film Fund director Külli Hansen, ÄIO business developer Kristi Lember, Racer Worldwide founder and CEO Mihhail Zigaldo, Maisons Beast founder Michael Burich, and Marimo founder Mariliis Pikkar.

Among the speakers are also Cachet co-founder and CEO Hedi Mardisoo, Fienta sales and marketing manager Liina Amon, and NOH Production managing partner Birgit Karus.

The discussions will be moderated by Johannes Tralla (journalist and TV host), Kaarel Mikkin (Brand Manual founder), Anu Puusaag (head of digital technologies at Tehnopol science and business park), and Martin Goroško (head of business development at Tehnopol).

In addition to insightful presentations and discussions, Kultuurikatel will host a demo area showcasing Estonia’s most exciting innovation products and services. Entrepreneurs interested in presenting their innovations at the forum can submit applications until March 24. More information can be found on the MELT website.

The forum will conclude with a networking event, providing participants an opportunity to exchange insights and build valuable connections.

The 10th MELT Innovation Forum will take place on April 15 at Kultuurikatel (Kursi 3, Tallinn) and is organized by Tallinn’s Enterprise Centre, Tallinn Business Incubator, and the Tehnopol science and business park. The event program and tickets (€60) are available at www.melt.ee.

For more information:
Kärt Kanne
Marketing Manager at Tallinn Enterprise Centre and Lead Organizer of MELT
Phone: +372 640 4227