Latitude59 Reinvents the Traditional Conference Format and Puts the Spotlight on the Audience

Latitude59, the international technology and startup event taking place this May in Tallinn, is breaking away from the traditional conference model. For two days, the iconic venue Kultuurikatel will be transformed into a vibrant meeting hub and a global platform that brings together startup communities from around the world.

Program Director of Latitude59, Kai Isand, noted that this year’s goal is to move beyond the conventional conference setup. “We want to create an experience that goes far beyond sitting and listening. It’s about building a space where people truly connect, exchange ideas, and spark something new. Our goal is for participants to feel involved and to understand that they are part of the very changes being discussed on stage,” said Isand.

Latitude59 2025 will feature two days with distinct formats. Day one will highlight global thinkers, startup founders, policymakers, and government leaders who will explore emerging trends shaping both technology and society. On day two, Kultuurikatel will shift into a fully interactive environment where attendees become co-creators – actively engaging in shaping solutions rather than simply listening to presentations.

A key innovation in this year’s program is the introduction of a multi-level stage structure. The Bold Stage will spotlight visionary ideas and global transformation. The Founder Stage will offer raw, honest conversations between entrepreneurs. The Future Stage will delve into cutting-edge topics such as quantum computing, neurotechnology, and space tech. Complementing these are podcast and pitching stages that provide space for the next generation of founders to emerge. Across both days, influential figures from around the world – including government leaders, entrepreneurs, and global changemakers – will take to the stages.

This year’s event focuses on themes that demand collective thinking and collaborative solutions. Key topics include defense technology, artificial intelligence, and digital sovereignty – areas that are becoming increasingly critical in the context of global security. These discussions will be held in collaboration with the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Defence and NATO’s innovation initiative DIANA. Other prominent topics include strengthening Europe’s innovation capacity, reducing bureaucracy, and steering the development of AI in an ethical and human-centric direction.

One of Latitude59’s core missions is to highlight the power of the startup community. “Latitude59 has grown into an international platform that brings together creativity, knowledge, and the drive to make things happen. This year, we’re taking it a step further – creating a space where ideas are amplified by human interaction and collective momentum,” Isand promised.

Latitude59 will take place for the 13th time from May 21–23 at Kultuurikatel in Tallinn. It is the most international and influential startup and tech conference in the Baltics and New Nordics, bringing together startups, investors, and ecosystem builders from across the globe. Last year’s event welcomed over 3,500 participants from 65 countries, including more than 900 startup founders and over 700 investors. The stages hosted 195 speakers, 40% of whom were women.