Latitude59 Brings Humanity to the Heart of the Tech Conversation
TALLINN, ESTONIA – Latitude59, one of the Nordics' largest and most influential tech events, returns to Tallinn this May with a new ambition to build bridges between the New Nordics and startup ecosystems in Africa and Asia, while putting the balance between humanity and technology centre stage.
20.02.2026.
Latitude59 CEO Liisi Org said that this spring, builders of the future from around the world will gather in Tallinn, and Latitude59 sees its role as a platform where different startup ecosystems meet and collide. "A sustainable future cannot be built in isolation. That is why we have chosen The Global Village Experiment as this year's main theme. Our hypothesis is that the most valuable connections emerge when ecosystems and ways of thinking intersect," Org said.
In recent years, Latitude59 has steadily expanded its international footprint, building strong ties between startup communities in the Baltics, the Nordics, and across Africa and Asia. This year, the ambition is to bring founders and ecosystem builders from around the world to Estonia, positioning Tallinn as a gateway to the New Nordics. Organisers expect participants from more than 70 countries.
Org added that in a world increasingly shaped by technology, everyone must remember that technology is and always will be a human tool. "Humans with our curiosity, creativity, and ability to connect across borders are the force that determines whether that tool builds something extraordinary or merely efficient. That's why we want to open a broader conversation about how technology is transforming the world and why humanity must remain at its core," Org said.
Programme Director Kai Isand said this year's programme as well as the venue design has been carefully crafted to spark new connections and ideas, while inclusive discussion formats will bring together even the most unlikely collaboration partners.
"Small countries in our region learned to build globally because staying local was never an option. Being small meant thinking big. This year, Latitude59 opens up the networks, operating models and hard-earned lessons of the New Nordics to the world while bringing ecosystems from Africa to Asia to Tallinn. Our aim is to foster genuine cross-border collaboration and spark discussions that tackle real challenges and lead to tangible outcomes," Isand said.
This May, Latitude59 will focus on artificial intelligence and its impact across different areas of life. "Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of work, and humanity finds itself at a turning point. At the same time, climate tech has become critically important, and we cannot overlook the growing role of defence technologies in driving innovation. This year, we will also turn our attention to fields such as quantum computing, biotechnology and space, all of which are rapidly moving from science fiction into everyday reality," Isand added.
This year marks the 14th edition of Latitude59 in Tallinn. Over the past decade, it has grown into the most international and influential technology event in the Baltics and the New Nordics, extending its reach to Asia and Africa. Last year, alongside the flagship event in Tallinn, Latitude59 hosted a two-day conference in Nairobi, Kenya's capital. Side events were also held in Singapore, and for the first time, two events took place in South Africa.
Latitude59 2025 will take place on 20–22 May in Tallinn at Kultuurikatel. It is the most international and influential startup and technology event in the Baltics and the New Nordics, bringing together startups, investors and ecosystem builders from around the world.
About Latitude59
Latitude59 2026 will take place on 20–22 May in Tallinn, Estonia. As the most international and impactful startup and technology event in the Baltic States and New Nordics, Latitude59 brings together startups, investors, and ecosystem builders from around the world.
About Estonia
Estonia has the highest concentration of unicorns in Europe, with 865 startups per million people. A global leader in digital innovation, Estonia continues to set the standard for thriving tech ecosystems.
