The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published the latest Global Innovation Index 2026 on 29 September. The index compares the innovation performance of 139 economies using nearly 80 indicators.
Estonia ranked an impressive 17th in this year’s index. WIPO describes the top 20 economies as innovation leaders, a group Estonia has firmly remained part of in recent years.
Estonia leads the growth of deep science entrepreneurship
This year’s Global Innovation Index focuses on deep science entrepreneurship. These companies bring research breakthroughs from the laboratory to the market, operating in fields such as biotechnology, robotics, space technology, energy and advanced materials.
This is where Estonia stands out particularly strongly in international comparisons. According to WIPO, the number of deep science start-ups and spin-offs in Estonia grew by an extraordinary 294% between 2020 and 2025, the fastest growth among the world’s economies. Luxembourg ranks second with 146%, followed by China with 138%.
The sector’s global importance is growing: more than 30,000 deep science companies have been founded since 2000, with a combined value estimated by WIPO at USD 7.6 trillion. The report specifically highlights two Estonian examples: food technology company Äio and carbon nanomaterials developer Up Catalyst.
Patents help bring science to market
According to the WIPO report, around half of deep science companies hold patents. By comparison, only about 15% of other start-ups have a patent.
Developing a science-based solution can take years, during which a company may not yet have a finished product or sales revenue. Protected intellectual property may therefore be its only verifiable asset to present to potential investors. Protecting inventions thus helps companies attract investment, license their technology and enter international markets.
Although the report identifies Estonia as highly innovative, its patenting indicators have yet to keep pace. Estonia ranks 31st this year on the indicator measuring patenting activity.
For advice on protecting inventions or other intellectual property matters in Estonia, contact the Estonian Patent Office.