Rootcode Connect 2025 showcased AI in e-Governance, bringing together leaders across Europe to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping public service delivery. The forum emphasized innovation, transparency, and efficiency in digital governance for a citizen-centric future.
Rootcode Connect 2025 highlights AI innovations transforming e-Governance
Rootcode Connect 2025, the premier forum on AI in e-Governance, recently concluded at Fotografiska Tallinn, Estonia, gathering government leaders, policymakers, and technology decision-makers from across Europe. The event underscored the transformative power of artificial intelligence in redefining how public services are designed, delivered, and experienced by citizens.
This year’s theme, “AI in e-Governance,” reflects a pivotal shift in governmental digital transformation. As societies increasingly rely on technology for civic engagement, AI has become essential to modern governance, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in public services. Rootcode, with its established partnerships with multiple European Union governments, has played a central role in this transformation by developing robust AI infrastructure.
Notably, Rootcode has been instrumental in building national-level AI systems, including the government’s model training platform that is now in use across several state agencies in Estonia. The company is also developing the next generation of Bürokratt, Estonia’s citizen engagement platform, designed to simplify interactions between citizens and public institutions. These initiatives highlight Rootcode’s commitment to creating digital governance solutions that are efficient, trustworthy, and citizen-focused.
“AI is no longer optional for public services; it’s becoming the backbone of citizen engagement, service delivery, and decision-making,” said Alagan Mahalingam, Founder & CEO of Rootcode. His statement resonated throughout the conference, emphasizing the strategic role AI now plays in shaping responsive and accountable governance.
The event featured keynotes and sessions by prominent figures in the AI and digital governance space. Merle Paula Videvik, Product Manager at the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA), spoke on building resilient digital identity infrastructure capable of supporting a future-proof public sector. Luukas Ilves, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and former CIO of the Estonian Government, led an insightful session on “Agentic AI,” exploring its potential to evolve digital governance practices.
International perspectives were also shared, including Paulo Calçada, CEO and Board Member of Porto Digital, who detailed how Porto leverages AI to enhance public services, optimize urban governance, and accelerate its digital transformation journey. Liina Vahtras, Managing Director of Estonia’s e-Residency program and Board Member of Enterprise Estonia, highlighted how Estonia’s e-Residency initiative has become a global benchmark for borderless entrepreneurship and digital innovation.
Mats Hultin, Board Member at Rootcode and former CIO at Ericsson & Saab, provided expertise on applying enterprise-level principles such as scalability, resilience, and security to government systems, reimagining governance for a digital era. The event culminated with a panel moderated by Thiru Dinesh, Head of AI at Rootcode, featuring Ville Sirviö (CEO, NIIS), Markko Liutkevičius (Head of AI, RIA), and Peeter Smitt (Managing Director, Nortal). The discussion emphasized building ethical, transparent, and citizen-centric AI systems for public services, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible digital transformation.
Rootcode’s active role in AI-driven governance is a testament to the growing integration of advanced technology in public administration. By developing and deploying AI solutions that streamline government operations, enhance citizen engagement, and improve decision-making, Rootcode is shaping the future of digital governance not only in Estonia but across multiple European nations.
As governments worldwide confront challenges in delivering efficient, accountable, and citizen-focused services, platforms like Rootcode Connect 2025 provide critical opportunities to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and foster collaborations between the public and private sectors. The forum demonstrated how AI is not merely a technological tool but a strategic enabler of transformative governance, ensuring services are more responsive, transparent, and accessible to all citizens.
Rootcode, headquartered in Sri Lanka and Estonia, specializes in software product engineering and AI solutions that empower governments and enterprises globally. By bridging technological innovation with public service needs, the company continues to reinforce the importance of AI in shaping resilient, effective, and citizen-centric digital governance.