kood/Võru is now officially open!

On September 13, 2025 we officially opened the new kood/Võru learning centre!

The creation of kood/Võru was first initiated by the city of Võru and the Võrumaa Development Center to improve the digital skills of the region’s residents and offer new educational opportunities. In August, AS Barrus joined the list of founders to support the community and thus creating more opportunities for the locals.

At the official opening, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa-Ly Pakosta emphasized the importance and impact of education, the digital state, and startups on Estonia’s success. “I believe in education with every cell in my body – it is the best thing in the world. When I saw the invitation to the opening of kood/Võru, there was no question, I had to come,” said the minister, adding that if we invest in education, digital skills and entrepreneurship, we can grow to be even larger than Silicon Valley.

We were honored to receive two historic pictures from the National Archives of Estonia, presented to us by the minister. The first, dating back to 1837, shows the layout of Võr and its surroundings. The second, taken 100 years later in 1938, captures the newly built bank building during its facade work, along with the sculptor proudly presenting the two beautiful bas-reliefs that still adorn its exterior.

The evening also featured a panel discussion moderated by //kood’s CEO Lauri Haav, with the minister, //kood co-founder Taavet Hinrikus, and Martti Kork, CEO of Barrus.

“My biggest motivation comes from the success stories of coding school students and graduates. We may not be able to change the lives of all students, but we can change the lives of many. I am convinced that the first tech startups of Võrumaa will be born together with the students of kood/Võru, and in five years, there won’t be just one startup – there will be more,” said //kood co-founder and entrepreneur Taavet Hinrikus.

We are grateful to have so many guests at the grand opening, including our new students, co-founders, partners, supporters, and the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs of Estonia, Liisa Pakosta!

And as one of the first visionaries of kood/Võru said, “It’s just the beginning!” 🚀