CHESS consortium welcomes a new associated partner, the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL).
ITL is a leading cooperation network in the ICT field, driving the innovation of a smart digital society. Representing companies that account for over 70% of the Estonian ICT sector’s turnover, ITL has a deep understanding of the local and international ICT, as well as the cybersecurity ecosystem. ITL has recently expanded its activities in cybersecurity with the establishment of the Estonian CyberTech Cluster, uniting over 20 leading cybersecurity providers. Central to this initiative is CyberHub Estonia, a national platform under ITL that strengthens Estonia’s cybersecurity ecosystem through collaboration, innovation, and awareness-building. As part of the CyberHubs Project funded by Erasmus+, CyberHub Estonia serves as a bridge between public and private sectors, fostering connections with key institutions and enhancing Estonia’s global leadership in cybersecurity. ITL’s expertise and established partnerships make it a valuable resource for advancing cybersecurity initiatives, reducing cybersecurity skills gaps and building robust international collaborations.
Doris Põld, CEO of ITL, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “Joining the CHESS project aligns perfectly with ITL’s mission to advance Estonia’s digital landscape. By facilitating information sharing and showcasing collaborative opportunities, we aim to empower Estonian companies to engage more deeply in cybersecurity research and innovation.”
Václav Matyáš, CHESS Project Lead from Masaryk University, welcomed ITL’s involvement: “The inclusion of ITL as an associated member enriches the CHESS consortium by narrowing the gap between research institutions and the private sector. Their expertise and network will be invaluable in promoting cybersecurity excellence across both regions.”
ITL will facilitate a two-way exchange of information between CHESS teams and ITL members about cybersecurity research activities, events and training. This collaboration opens opportunities to establish new links and connections between CHESS and relevant players in Estonia’s cybersecurity industry. Based on our initial discussions, we are confident that we will find many shared interests and that ITL’s involvement in our project will be mutually beneficial.