Ülemiste City

Ülemiste City is a knowledge-based business, innovation and mixed-use urban district in Tallinn, Estonia, located on the site of the former Dvigatel industrial complex in the Ülemiste subdistrict. Situated between Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, Ülemiste railway station, Ülemiste Centre and the future Rail Baltica international terminal, it has developed into one of the largest business campuses in the Baltic states and one of Estonia's most significant centres for entrepreneurship, education, innovation, healthcare and urban development.

The redevelopment of the former industrial area was initiated in 2005 under the leadership of Estonian entrepreneur Ülo Pärnits. The founding vision was to create an intellectual and knowledge-based environment where Estonian talents could study, work, live and build internationally competitive businesses without needing to leave the country. Since then, the former factory district has evolved into a future-oriented urban environment integrating companies, educational institutions, researchers, healthcare providers, residents and community organisations into a single ecosystem.

As of 2026, Ülemiste City is home to more than 400 companies and approximately 18,000 people who work, study or live within the district, representing over 73 nationalities. Companies located in the district generate annual turnover exceeding €2.5 billion. According to a 2024 economic study, Ülemiste City has grown into Estonia's third-largest economic centre after Tallinn and Tartu based on labour-tax contributions and business activity.

The district occupies approximately 30 hectares and contains roughly 170,000 m² of office and commercial space, representing approximately 13% of Tallinn's office market. Existing development rights allow expansion to approximately 500,000 m² of built environment. By 2030, the long-term vision is for around 25,000 people to work, study and live in the district, transforming the area into a full-scale urban centre and one of Tallinn's principal gateways.

History

Dvigatel industrial period

The territory of present-day Ülemiste City was originally occupied by the Dvigatel industrial complex. The company was founded in 1898 when the charter of the Dvigatel joint-stock company was approved by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. The factory rapidly became one of the largest industrial enterprises in Estonia, producing railway rolling stock and machinery for the Russian Empire.

Following Estonian independence, industrial activity declined and the company eventually entered bankruptcy. During the Soviet occupation period, the factory regained strategic importance as a large industrial and military production centre. Thousands of workers were brought to the area, supported by residential districts, schools, childcare facilities, healthcare institutions, cultural centres and other social infrastructure.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Dvigatel lost its traditional markets and economic function. The former industrial territory was subsequently privatized and acquired by Mainor.

Transformation into Ülemiste City

The modern development of the district began in 2005 when Mainor and entrepreneur Ülo Pärnits launched the vision of transforming the former industrial zone into a knowledge-based business city focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and talent development.

In 2010 Finnish technology-campus operator Technopolis joined the development of the district, making Ülemiste City part of one of the largest business-campus networks in Northern Europe. In 2024 Mainor Ülemiste AS acquired all shares of Technopolis Ülemiste AS, becoming the sole developer of the district.

Vision

Ülemiste City's vision is to be the most recognised, respected and desired business, living and learning environment for talents, companies and leaders whose activities influence the wider economy. Its mission is to create an internationally attractive knowledge-based environment that strengthens the competitiveness of people and businesses, attracts talent and inspires the creation of new business models.

The long-term strategic goals of the district are:

• A smart business city
• A 24/7 urban district
• A fast-growth ecosystem
• A green and diverse environment
• A key component of an international transport hub

Economy and Business

Ülemiste City has become one of the largest concentrations of knowledge-intensive businesses in Estonia and the Baltic region. More than 400 companies operate in the district across technology, ICT, engineering, healthcare, education, logistics, finance and professional services.

According to data published by the district, companies located in Ülemiste City generate annual turnover exceeding €2.5 billion and employ thousands of highly skilled professionals. The campus has a particularly strong concentration of information and communication technology companies and export-oriented businesses. Companies operating in the district reportedly export approximately three-quarters of their output, contributing roughly one-third of Estonia's total ICT-sector exports.

A 2024 study concluded that Ülemiste City had become Estonia's third-largest economic centre after Tallinn and Tartu based on labour-tax contributions and business activity. The district is frequently described as a major driver of Estonia's knowledge-based economy and innovation ecosystem.

The district is developed principally by Mainor Ülemiste AS, part of the wider Mainor group. Mainor traces its origins to 1970 and has expanded into education, entrepreneurship, real estate and talent development, making it one of the key organisations behind the development of the modern district.

Education and Research

Education and talent development have been central elements of the Ülemiste City concept since its creation. The district was designed not merely as a business park but as an integrated knowledge ecosystem combining business, education, science and innovation.

Educational institutions operating within or closely connected to the district include:

• Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (EUAS)
• Tallinn European School
• International School of Tallinn
• International School of Tallinn Childcare
• Emili School

The district collaborates with more than 20 universities, research institutions and technology partners across nine countries. Collectively, these partnerships connect the district to an academic network representing over 40,000 students and researchers.

Innovation and talent-development initiatives include the Future City Professorship, established together with Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), the Ülemiste City Radar platform and the Ülo Pärnits Scholarship programme.

Research activities focus on mobility, talent development, urban economics, sustainability, urban planning, health innovation and data-driven city management. Through these initiatives, Ülemiste City functions as a real-world testing environment for future-city solutions and smart urban development.

Healthcare and Wellbeing

Healthcare has become one of the most important development areas within Ülemiste City. The district's developers consider health and wellbeing a fundamental part of creating a sustainable urban environment where people can work, live and thrive.

The Ülemiste Health Campus currently consists of Health Centre 1, Health Centre 2 and Health Centre 3, the latter under construction. Health Centre 3 is scheduled for completion in 2027 and represents an investment exceeding €18 million.

Upon completion, the health cluster is expected to become the largest privately funded healthcare campus in the Baltic states. The campus will bring together more than 35 medical and wellbeing services and over 250 healthcare specialists. The development also includes health-oriented public spaces, integrated rehabilitation facilities and a Scandinavian-model nursing home concept.

The architecture and landscape design of the health campus are based on promoting physical, mental and social wellbeing. New developments incorporate biodiverse landscaping, energy-efficient technologies, green areas and patient-centred environments.

In addition to healthcare services, the district includes MyFitness Ülemiste City, Beach House Ülemiste, padel facilities, sports clubs, wellness services and other recreational opportunities supporting healthy lifestyles.

Community and Culture

A defining characteristic of Ülemiste City is its international and highly connected community. More than 18,000 people currently work, study or live in the district, representing over 73 nationalities.

Community-building activities form an important part of the district's development strategy. More than 90 events are organised annually, attracting approximately 15,000 participants and providing over 6,000 hours of free educational and training activities.

Events include conferences, concerts, exhibitions, sports competitions, hackathons, seminars, networking events, workshops, outdoor cinema screenings and community festivals. The district supports collaboration between businesses, researchers, students, residents and public-sector organisations.

Community-oriented infrastructure includes the Community House, the Community Fund, business networking platforms and various talent-development programmes.

Art and Public Space

Public art forms an integral part of the district's identity. Numerous art installations, murals and design projects have been incorporated into the urban environment, reinforcing the campus's emphasis on creativity and innovation.

One of the district's best-known artworks is a monumental mural by Estonian street artist Silver Seeblum (S-Boy). Created using virtual-reality technology, the mural has become one of the visual landmarks of Ülemiste City and is regarded as one of the largest mural artworks in the Baltic region.

Sustainability

Sustainability, smart-city technologies and long-term urban planning are core principles guiding the development of Ülemiste City.

The district follows ESG-oriented development principles focused on:

• Energy efficiency
• Carbon-emission reduction
• Biodiversity and green urban space
• Circular-economy solutions
• Sustainable mobility
• Smart infrastructure
• Data-driven urban development

Many new developments incorporate LEED certification standards, A-energy-class solutions, rainwater-collection systems, renewable-energy technologies and environmentally responsible construction methods.

Through cooperation with universities, businesses and public-sector organisations, Ülemiste City serves as a living laboratory for future-city solutions and smart-city innovation in fields ranging from sustainable mobility and health technologies to digital governance and urban planning.

Transport

Transport accessibility is one of the district's defining characteristics. Ülemiste City forms part of Estonia's most important international transport hub and benefits from direct connections to air, rail, tram, bus, cycling and road networks.

The district is located adjacent to:

• Tallinn Airport
• Ülemiste railway station
• The future Rail Baltica Linda Terminal
• Tallinn's tram network
• National and regional bus routes

The area is currently served by more than 35 public transport connections and offers thousands of parking spaces together with extensive cycling infrastructure. The concentration of transport infrastructure has made Ülemiste one of the most accessible business districts in the Baltic region.

Future mobility projects include new tram connections, the Rail Baltica international passenger terminal, expanded cycling infrastructure and the Kantsi Tunnel, which will create an important new connection between Ülemiste and Lasnamäe.

Architecture and Urban Development

The architectural identity of Ülemiste City combines preserved industrial heritage with contemporary sustainable urban development. Several historic limestone and industrial structures originating from the Dvigatel period have been renovated and integrated into new developments.

A distinctive feature of the district is the naming of buildings after notable Estonian scientists, innovators, engineers and educators. Buildings are named after figures such as Bernhard Schmidt, Walter Zapp, Ragnar Nurkse, Ernst Öpik, Boris Tamm, Johannes Käis, Ludvig Puusepp and Viktor Masing, reflecting the district's emphasis on science, education and innovation.

Current and Planned Developments

Viktor Masing House

Viktor Masing House (Masingu maja) is one of the largest office developments currently under construction in the district. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the 13-storey LEED Gold and A-energy-class building will provide more than 20,000 m² of office space and is designed as a flagship location for knowledge-intensive companies.

The building incorporates sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, rainwater-management systems and flexible workspace concepts intended to support growing organisations.

Health Centre 3

Health Centre 3 is a seven-storey healthcare facility scheduled for completion in 2027. The project will complete the Ülemiste Health Campus and significantly expand the district's healthcare and wellbeing services.

The building is designed according to A-energy-class standards and incorporates environmentally sustainable landscaping, renewable-energy technologies and health-focused urban-design principles.

Sepapaja 10

Sepapaja 10 is a major mixed-use development scheduled for completion in 2029. The project combines offices, services and approximately 160 rental apartments while preserving historically significant limestone structures connected to the former Dvigatel industrial complex.

The development is intended to function as a central landmark and community hub within the district, further supporting the transition toward a mixed-use urban environment.

Spa and Wellness Complex

In 2025, plans were announced for a 4,500 m² spa and wellness complex scheduled to open in 2028. The development will include water attractions, sauna facilities, family recreation areas, wellness services and hospitality functions, further expanding the residential and leisure components of the district.

Future development

The long-term development strategy envisions Ülemiste City as a fully integrated twenty-four-hour urban district where business, education, healthcare, housing, culture and mobility function together within a single ecosystem.

By 2030, the district aims to accommodate approximately 25,000 people working, studying and living in the area. Planned developments include additional housing, healthcare facilities, hospitality services, public spaces and business infrastructure.

The future Rail Baltica Linda Terminal is expected to accelerate the transformation of the area into one of the most important transport-oriented urban districts in Northern Europe. According to development plans and public statements by project partners, the broader Ülemiste area is expected to evolve into Tallinn's emerging second urban centre, connecting international mobility, business activity and modern city living.

Additional future projects include a high-rise development planned in cooperation with Zaha Hadid Architects and ESPLAN near the Rail Baltica terminal area, new residential neighbourhoods, expanded community facilities and further smart-city infrastructure projects.