Tõnu Esko, the Vice-Rector for Development and a geneticist at Tartu University, believes that the dialogue between science and business in Estonia has reached unprecedented levels of cooperation. This environment has allowed international research groups to think commercially, contributing to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Esko notes that the focus at Tartu University is shifting towards high-tech startups, with the support of UniTartu Ventures to help transform scientific knowledge into successful businesses.

Esko emphasizes that the goal is to develop at least one unicorn company, defined as a startup valued at over one billion US dollars, by the year 2035. This aspiration reflects a broader trend in Estonia, where the collaboration between academia and industry is producing competitive research groups capable of addressing global markets. The university's initiatives aim to build an infrastructure that not only supports research but also effectively bridges the gap between academia and entrepreneurship, fostering innovation.

Furthermore, Esko's remarks are made in context with a unique artifact on his desk, a skull with a long horn, which symbolizes creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. While he admits that it no longer inspires him, it piqued the interest of guests, serving as a metaphor for the innovative spirit he hopes to cultivate at Tartu University. This initiative targets not just academic advancement but also the economic growth and international competitiveness of Estonia as a hub for groundbreaking startups.