The Tallinn Entrepreneurship Awards competition recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs and initiatives that contribute to the city's development. Applications are open until Tuesday, September 10.

Candidates can be nominated in the following categories: collaborative projects between businesses and research institutions, real estate development projects that support entrepreneurship or tourism, fast-growing startups, tourism achievement, job creator, and future solutions. For the first time, the title of Circular Economy Promoter will also be awarded.

In addition to these, special recognition will be given for the Best Applied Research projects in collaboration with Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn University, Estonian Academy of Arts, and the Foundation of Estonian Universities of Applied Sciences.

According to Kalle Killar, Director of Entrepreneurship in Tallinn, the competition is open to enterprises that have had a positive impact on the city’s development over the past year. Whether by bringing innovative products or services to the market, creating value for society, or completing successful collaborative projects, this competition serves as an excellent opportunity to highlight their achievements. "Tallinn is home to thousands of successful companies whose activities influence our living environment and everyday life. In a time where the economic environment is challenging, this competition is a great way to showcase these companies, recognize them, and be inspired by one another's experiences," added Killar.

Companies can submit their nominations via the Tallinn Entrepreneurship Day website. A jury will select the finalists, to be announced in the second half of September.

The competition, now in its 21st edition, is part of Tallinn’s Entrepreneurship Day, taking place on October 1, with the theme “Ettemõte” (Forethought). The winners will be announced at a gala on October 2.

Recent winners of the Tallinn Entrepreneurship Awards include the NATO DIANA Innovation Accelerator and the reusable packaging collaboration model implemented in Ülemiste City in the collaboration projects category; GScan and Bisly OÜ for future solutions; the Niguliste tower glass elevator and 2022 figure skating championship as top tourism achievements; Nordea Bank Abp Estonian branch and Lidl Eesti OÜ for job creation; OÜ Iglupark and Kvark Unicornland OÜ as Bright Newcomers, and Tähesaju Kaksikud and Polarise House in Avala district as notable development projects. The Eco-Innovation award in recent years went to Mainor Green City for their web-based service and Filaret OÜ for developing 3D material from cigarette waste.

Taavi Nõmmistu, Manager of Iglupark, which won the Bright Newcomer award last year, commented that the title gave them confidence and valuable external feedback, confirming that they were on the right path and that their services resonated with people. "I encourage all startup companies seeking fresh perspectives on their work to participate in the competition," said Nõmmistu.

For more information:
Helen Miglai, Marketing Project Manager at Tallinn City Enterprise Centre, +372 55 88 114, [email protected]

Text: Egle Loor (Kommunikatsioonikunst), edited by Leini Jürisaar (Tallinn Strategic Management Office)