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Eve Peeterson has played a leading role in strengthening one of Europe's most dynamic innovation ecosystems. As Head of Startup and Innovation Services at Enterprise Estonia, she led the national Startup Estonia programme, helping position Estonia as a global leader in entrepreneurship.
Eve has overseen initiatives designed to support innovative businesses at every stage of their growth. Her work has included advancing Estonia's deep-tech ecosystem, promoting international talent through programmes such as the Startup Visa, and supporting regional collaboration through initiatives including the Nordic Tech Valley. Under her leadership, entrepreneurs gained access to a comprehensive range of innovation services, from mentoring and masterclasses to intellectual property counselling, grants, venture capital, internationalization support and business development programmes.
A strong advocate for connecting research with entrepreneurship, Eve has championed closer collaboration between academia, startups and industry, emphasizing the role of applied research and innovation in building competitive, sustainable economies. Her experience spans innovation policy, ecosystem development and the practical support mechanisms that enable entrepreneurs to transform ideas into high-impact businesses.
Drawing on Estonia's internationally recognized approach to digital transformation and startup development, Eve brings valuable insight into how cities and regions can cultivate innovation ecosystems that attract talent, empower entrepreneurs and generate long-term economic and societal value.
International Jury Panel
Solange Cesarovna
Singer Songwriter and Vice President, International Council of Music Creators, Cabo Verde
Andrea Dempster Chung
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Kingston Creative, Jamaica
Andrei Iancu
Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, United States
Elias Mouawad
Innovation & Foresight Strategist, United Arab Emirates
Yerbol Suleimenov
Independent Director, KIMEP University, Kazakhstan
Zhilei (Ray) Tong
Founder, Chairman and President, COL Group, China
Tatiana Molcean
Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Switzerland
Pamela Coke-Hamilton
Executive Director, International Trade Center (ITC), Switzerland







