The Ocean Cleanup founder Boyan Slat’s inspiring visit to Estonia created powerful connections with the country’s environmental movement, particularly through a dedicated meeting with Let’s Do It World (LDIW) at Bolt HQ.
The most significant moment for LDIW came during a panel discussion between Boyan Slat and LDIW’s Merilyn Kesküla—the global civic movement behind World Cleanup Day. The session, held at Bolt’s headquarters with a live audience, explored natural synergies between ocean cleanup technology and grassroots environmental action.
For Kesküla, the exchange marked a meeting of shared values, where people-powered civic action meets technological innovation on a global scale. “The Ocean Cleanup’s data-driven approach to removing plastic from waterways perfectly complements our people-powered global cleanup movement,” she said. “Together, we can address both the symptoms and sources of plastic pollution.”
Boyan Slat was in Tallinn for a three-day tour that included the Latitude59 tech conference, during which he engaged with Estonia’s cleantech ecosystem, philanthropists, and environmental leaders.
The centrepiece event at Bolt headquarters also featured a fireside chat with Bolt co-founder Martin Villig, moderated by Erki Ani from Cleantech Industry. Both Slat and Villig—entrepreneurs who launched their world-changing initiatives as teenagers in 2013—spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of leading purpose-driven ventures.
“I’ve been following The Ocean Cleanup for years,” said one attendee. “Hearing Boyan’s journey of success and setbacks gave me the push I needed. It reminded me why I care about this work. He’s living proof that age is no barrier when you’re driven by passion and purpose.”
The inspirational day continued with stories from both Bolt and World Cleanup Day, with heartfelt thanks expressed to Martin Villig and his team for hosting the event. The evening concluded with a screening of Sir David Attenborough’s latest ocean documentary at the British Embassy—offering further reflection on marine conservation and the role of individual action.
Boyan Slat’s visit reaffirmed Estonia’s position as a hub of mission-led innovation—where grassroots action and high-tech solutions can unite to tackle the world’s most urgent environmental problems. For Let’s Do It World, the meeting signalled the beginning of a promising dialogue—one that could lead to deeper collaboration in the global fight against plastic pollution.
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