TalTech came up with the idea of creating an endowment fund for engineering education. The goal is to collect at least 10 million euros through targeted donations in the coming years. The steps taken so far by the university development fund and the number of supporters so far are good signs for the success of the ambitious undertaking.
"Engineering education has been provided at Tallinn University of Technology for over a hundred years, while the shortage of engineers is increasing," admits Hendrik Voll, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs. "Engineers and skilled workers in the industrial field are at the very top of the ranking of the most in-demand positions in Estonia."
True, the problem that Estonian university graduates currently cover only 1/3 of the need for managers and specialists in the manufacturing industry has also begun to be solved extensively. With the support of EU structural funds, the Engineering Academy was launched, through which 37.5 million euros will be distributed to Estonian higher and vocational education over the next five years. "However, this additional money does not allow us to start teaching in completely new fields of engineering, derived by the rapid global developments of the last decade and which Estonian industry also needs," confirms Voll.
In order to develop research and studies that are of primary importance for the development of the economy at the University, it would be necessary to contribute at least 500,000 euros per year for each area, for a total of at least five years in a row. It is necessary to invest five million euros every year to develop a total of ten new research groups. For this, private money must also be included through targeted donations.
The goal of the engineering education endowment of the TalTech Development Fund to be established by the end of this year, is to collect at least 10 million euros through targeted donations in the coming years. The basis for the implementation of such an ambitious plan is provided by the current activities of the Development Fund and the desire and interest of entrepreneurs to support the students' studies and the University in general.
TalTech and Development Fund recently recognized the biggest supporters of the University and students in 2023. Selver AS received the title of Gold Sponsor – an annual support of more than 100,000 euros to student-athletes who combine studies and play top-level sports. Major Supporter titles – annual support of 30,000–100,000 euros – were given to nine companies that help students and student-athletes with scholarships, and support research. Major Supporters are Nordecon AS, Skepast & Puhkim OÜ, Elamus Spa, AS Jalajärg, Eesti Energia AS, Eventus Ehitus OÜ, Optiwin OÜ, as well as the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. 25 companies received the title of Supporter – annual contribution of 5,000–30,000 euros. Majority of them provided scholarships and also various ways of cooperation. These 25 are Tallinn Strategic Management Office, Riigi Kinnisvara AS, Tallinna Vesi AS, Merko Ehitus Eesti, Utilitas Tallinn AS, Viru Keemia Grupp AS, Eesti Mäeselsts MTÜ, Skeleton Technologies OÜ, Mindworks Industries OÜ, Swedbank AS, Foreign Intelligence Service, Eastman Specialties OÜ, Phoenix Contact UAB, Sunly AS, Admiral Markets AS, Balbiino AS, Elering AS, Endel Palla, Fibenol OÜ, Harju Elekter Group, Rantelon OÜ.
Additional information: Elinor Toming, elinor.toming@taltech.ee
List of supporters is published on the TalTech website.