Exploring Cyber Security & the Future – Youth Shaping Change in Estonia

Under the new leadership of Kirsti Sinivee, a dynamic and inspiring figure full of energy and fresh ideas, the German-Baltic Future Foundation is dedicated to engaging teenagers aged 13–14 and above in important topics that shape our world. We aim to show that politics, science, and security can be exciting and approachable when young people are actively involved in exploring and discussing them.

Also new to the team is Katrin Deren as Deputy Director. At the same time, she works as a German teacher in Southern Estonia, thereby linking the foundation’s activities with school practice – a valuable bridge between education and engagement in the DBJW. As a result, the DBJW Country Office Estonia is more closely involved throughout the country, connecting with young people and building new partnerships. Thanks to her initiative, many of her students and young people from Southern Estonia also took part in the event.

First Stop: Sparkup Tartu Science Park – Space Up Close

The day began with a fascinating visit to the Tartu Science Park where participants learned about innovative projects led by Andrus Kurvits. Following this, Sven Lilla introduced the space in an interactive talk, showing that space research isn’t just “far away” – it directly influences our daily lives.

 For example:

• Mobile technology is built on innovations originally developed for space.

• GPS systems rely entirely on satellites.

• Advanced camera technology and materials used in sportswear also trace their origins to space research.

The students were amazed by how close these concepts are to their everyday experiences, and the session flew by in no time.

Tartu Startup Day – Experiencing Entrepreneurship

The event also sparked the idea of exploring a possible collaboration with Tartu Startup Day, an annual festival that gathers over 3,000 founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts to celebrate entrepreneurship in the smart city of Tartu. With shared interests – offering young people a platform to express themselves, test their ideas, and be creative – this could open exciting opportunities for future cooperation and for youth to experience the startup world firsthand.

Second Stop: VOCO – Practical Learning for the Future

Next, we visited Tartu Vocational College (VOCO), one of Estonia’s most innovative vocational schools, offering hands-on training in technology, gastronomy, trades, and creative fields.

At VOCO, students and participants enjoyed traditional Estonian kringel and coffee while attending a series of engaging talks:

• Military Attaché Harald Krempchen provided insight into NATO’s current role and how international coordination works.

• Aare Reintam, COO of CybExer Technologies, highlighted common online mistakes teens make and stressed the importance of being mindful of digital footprints.

  
  

The participants were fully engaged, asking thoughtful questions and clearly seeing that cyber security is already a real part of their daily lives.

Youth Leading the Way

Our  Brand Ambassadors played a key role in guiding the event, facilitating discussions, and later created a playful video that captured the spirit of the day. The student council at VOCO was also enthusiastic about the new partnership, which paves the way for future collaborative initiatives.

For the German-Baltic Future Foundation, the message is clear: young people are not just observers – they are active participants shaping conversations, exploring ideas, and helping to define the future of Europe. Together with partners like VOCO and Tartu Startup Day, we are creating experiences where youth can learn, engage, and contribute meaningfully.