On April 16, the MELT innovation forum will take place at The Creative Hub (Tallinna Kultuurikatel), exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on various industries and businesses along with the opportunities, threats, and challenges it presents.

The ninth annual MELT innovation forum, themed "Artificial Intelligence – Creator of a Better Future?", will feature keynote speaker Elina Hiltunen, an entrepreneur, columnist, and author of 14 books who is among Forbes' top 50 leading female futurists. Her presentation will examine the development of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and robotics, explaining how innovation in technology might shape our future.

Deputy Mayor of Tallinn, Joosep Vimm, stated that this year's innovation forum, always addressing timely topics, is focusing on entrepreneurship, economy, and the broad range of issues related to the disruptive use of artificial intelligence in our daily lives due to significant interest.  "One-fifth of Estonia's large companies have utilized AI technologies, and this proportion is continuously growing. AI offers opportunities for all companies, regardless of size, to enhance competitiveness, and it's worthwhile to stay updated on its developments – we hope MELT will inspire participants and provide practical advice on how to leverage artificial intelligence to grow their businesses," added Vimm.
 
The innovation forum will feature over 20 experts from different fields discussing AI integration from various perspectives, offering encouragement and sharing experiences. The forum's presentations and panel discussions will thoroughly address the significance of the AI revolution in companies, finding funding sources necessary for AI development, the impact of AI integration on industrial companies and HR management, as well as showcasing practical applications of AI in creative businesses and discussing how AI more broadly shapes our future.

In addition to the comprehensive program, the Creative Hub will host a demo area where visitors can explore innovative and world-changing products from Estonian entrepreneurs, such as the electric hydrofoil surfboard Ray Foil, Picapac's community and private parcel terminals, plywood waste sorting solutions from Sortaider, the data management and traceability platform Litech, and food technology startup Mati Foods' mycoprotein-based fish and chicken substitutes developed from fungal mycelium, among others. Web company Elkdata will also demonstrate how to create an efficient website with AI assistance in minutes. There are still a few spots available in the demo area for interested companies – innovative solutions from any field are welcome.

The forum will conclude with a networking session where participants can share their impressions of the day and make new contacts.

The MELT innovation forum on April 16 at the Tallinn Creative Hub is organized by Tallinn City Enterprise Centre, Tallinn Creative Incubator, and the science and business park Tehnopol.

For the program and to purchase tickets, priced at 60 euros, visit www.melt.ee.