Eesti.ai council gains three new members

Anima Anandkumar is an internationally recognised AI scientist, Professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and former Director of Machine Learning Research at NVIDIA. She has long focused on advancing AI for scientific research and enabling new discoveries. Among other things, she was part of the team that developed the first AI-based ultra-precise weather model and has contributed to the development of new medical devices and pharmaceuticals. She has received numerous international awards and recognitions.

"I am delighted to join the Eesti.ai council and contribute to ensuring that AI benefits all Estonians in the most meaningful way possible," said Anandkumar.

Risto Uuk is the Head of EU AI Policy and Research and is a researcher at the Future of Life Institute (FLI) in Brussels. He also researches risk assessment and mitigation of general-purpose AI systems at KU Leuven in Belgium and works as a researcher at the Digital Economy Lab of Stanford University as well as at the London School of Economics (LSE). Uuk has also contributed to the development of the Artificial Intelligence Act of the European Union.

"My work aims to ensure that the development of artificial intelligence significantly improves lives while preventing the emergence of extreme risks. So far, I have mainly pursued this at the European Union level, but now I have the opportunity to collaborate more closely with people in Estonia. I am confident that my experience and perspectives will add further diversity to the work of the council," said Uuk.

Sirli Männiksaar is the Chairwoman of the Management Board of Ericsson Estonia and an industrial and business leader with extensive international experience. Previously, she worked in Sweden at the global digitalisation accelerator of Ericsson, where she led, among other initiatives, the development and deployment of AI solutions.

"The value of AI in industry is realised when it moves from the digital into the physical world. This refers to physical AI that manages manufacturing processes and creates value through efficiency and quality. In the council, I would like to contribute from the perspective of the industry of the future, helping to shape how AI, physical AI, and manufacturing can evolve to ensure sustainable competitiveness," said Männiksaar.

Markus Villig, Chairman of the Eesti.ai council, said that the expansion of the council adds an additional international dimension to the programme. "I am very pleased that the council is expanding with three strong experts who have international experience in successfully delivering projects. A truly outstanding team is taking shape, which is capable of achieving genuinely ambitious goals together," said Villig.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted that Estonia has a unique opportunity to become a global leader in the application of artificial intelligence. "New technologies either bring a great deal of benefit to a very small number of people very quickly, or we all move together into the next league. The smart use of artificial intelligence in Estonia is comparable to the Tiger Leap, it will transform our lives. The council will present concrete proposals on how AI can strengthen our capabilities, prosperity, and digital reputation worldwide," said the prime minister.

Kirke Maar, head of the AI working group of the Government Office, added that the expansion of the council is part of the flexible and evolving structure of the Eesti.ai initiative. "Eesti.ai has been created as a learning and adaptive initiative. The expansion of the council will continue in line with the areas and priorities that emerge in our work. Our goal is to engage the best expertise from Estonia and abroad," said Maar.

The aim of the Eesti.ai initiative is to increase the value of the work of the people of Estonia and grow the economy through systematic application of artificial intelligence. The initiative focuses on a small number of high-impact projects implemented in cooperation between the public and private sectors. The first meeting of the Eesti.ai council will take place in April, where the more detailed focus areas and work plan of the programme for the coming period are expected to be approved.

Additional information:
Kirke Maar, [email protected], 51 64 025
Henrik Roonemaa, [email protected], 51 55 795

Government Communication Unit