In 2024, six science-driven Centres of Excellence were launched at TalTech, with the goal of strengthening collaboration with industry and increasing international funding.
Until now, TalTech’s collaboration offers for companies have largely been based on the expertise of individual research groups. Many Estonian companies that invest in research and development and seek qualified graduates are already well acquainted with these groups and their capabilities. Industry representatives are also involved in teaching, students complete internships in companies, and various career events take place.
At the same time, there is significant untapped potential in combining the expertise of different research groups, disciplines, and faculties. This kind of cross-disciplinary collaboration sparks new ideas and solutions that support the development of both the economy and society. When this collaboration is structured around clear thematic areas, interest from companies and industry associations grows, and the foundation is laid for ambitious joint initiatives.
The competencies offered by the Centres of Excellence are undoubtedly grounded in top-level science—making them truly deserving of the title "centres of excellence."
To enable research-intensive manufacturing and technological transformation in Estonia, it is essential to establish connections for integrating various technologies into production—both at the knowledge level and the implementation level. The goal is to consolidate these fields/technologies into a focused center of excellence to provide the industrial sector with comprehensive solutions (so that companies do not need to coordinate between multiple partners to solve an issue) for research, development, and innovation in the following areas:
- automation and optimization of production
- development of quality systems
- collaborative robotics and Operator 4.0 sensory systems to enhance human resources in production processes
- preparation from the research side for green and digital product and production process passports in the EU (in collaboration with CIRPASS)
- supporting industrial companies' readiness for sustainability reporting (ESG)
- application of artificial intelligence in various phases of production planning, design, and testing
- digital twins and virtual reality solutions for simulation and testing
- flexible testing and prototyping using 3D printing technology
- capability to use various materials (metals, concrete, plastics, composites)
- expertise in materials technology
- production cycle modeling, business model analysis
- sustainability business models in the respective production sector
- support for developments in the space and defense industry sectors
- development of chip technologies
Director: Tauno Otto
The center's goal is to drive innovation and sustainability in the wood valorisation industry by connecting scientific research with real-world industrial solutions. The centre is building a collaborative platform where industry leaders, scientific institutions, organizations, and governmental bodies come together to develop cutting-edge technologies that enhance the value of wood resources. By uniting efforts, they aim to create sustainable practices that push the boundaries of what’s possible in wood valorisation—ensuring a more eco-conscious, resource-efficient future for all.
Director: Andres Krumme
The goal of the center is to enhance the competitiveness of Estonia's energy sector, provide consulting for the Estonian energy industry, and promote innovation and research and development in the energy field. The center unites TalTech's energy-related expertise and potential into a cohesive whole, aiming to be the sole and primary comprehensive energy research center in Estonia. Additionally, it seeks to significantly increase foreign funding for energy research and development and to foster international cooperation in the energy sector.
Director: Argo Rosin
The center of excellence coordinates activities related to health and food technologies internally to maintain an up-to-date overview of the university's capabilities, systematize collaboration with external partners, and showcase the university's expertise in health and food technology. By initiating and managing collaborative projects, we ensure better communication of health and food technology information to society and support improved health behavior, healthier and more environmentally conscious food choices with smart and innovative technologies. Ultimately, this contributes to an increase in healthy life years.
Director: Jana Holmar
The center's goal is to enhance the international competitiveness of Estonia's maritime and marine research, as well as to promote research, development, and innovation in the maritime sector by 2035. Additionally, it aims to consolidate TalTech’s maritime expertise and potential into a cohesive unit and to achieve significant growth in funding for maritime research and development. Furthermore, it seeks to develop a data- and model-based digital platform, supported by artificial intelligence, to foster the sustainable development of the blue economy.
Director: Merit Kindsigo
The primary goal of the center of excellence is to link AI-based solutions to societal challenges. To achieve this, the center consolidates TalTech’s AI expertise and establishes "TALTECH-AI," integrating the university's three main AI application areas (in curricula, university processes, and teaching). It also offers AI training within the university and to external partners, among other initiatives.
Director: Sven Nõmm