Skype founder donates 54,000 euros to Tartu University

Jaan Tallinn, one of the founders of Skype, will donate 54,000 euros to University of Tartu this year as part of a scholarship programme, it's been revealed.

The scheme will finance study tours for young people talented in sciences. The first scholarships were given to five university students on Jan. 9.

"The present century is obviously largely designed by the people of science, i.e. by researchers and programmers," said Jaan Taalinn.

"Therefore, the aim of my scholarship is to pave the same way for young people who are talented in science that I myself have largely stepped. To bring them together with people who are equal to them in sharing the same views, and to give them a rod for developing their intellect further,"

Jaan Tallinn, a known Estonian entrepreneur and programmer, one of the founders of Skype’s technical solution, explained the background of the creation of the scholarship.

Students who have successfully participated in state and international contests in the field of natural and exact sciences and technology or who have participated in state research contests for students, can apply for the scholarship intended for increasing intellectuality and competitiveness of Estonia. The money in the scholarship fund is used for financing the study tours.

The first scholars will be sent to Melbourne to a popular workshop of the entrepreneurship and intellectual center CFAR (Center for Applied Rationality) on Jan. 21-24, 2014.

The scholarship named after Jaan Tallinn was established at the University of Tartu Foundation.