On July 10, 2023, Estonia’s digital front-runners, Bolt and Citybee, marked a significant milestone by joining the inaugural general assembly of the POTENTIAL consortium. This assembly, hosted at the Ministry of Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of France, gathered an array of stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and academics from 19 European Union Member States and Ukraine. The event set a definitive course for a project that prioritizes citizen-centric digital identity solutions.

Bolt, originally known for its ride-hailing services, has evolved into a versatile tech company offering a wide range of mobility solutions, from scooters to car-sharing services. Its rapid growth and widespread adoption across Europe have made it a household name in the realm of digital innovation and user convenience. Bolt's expertise in seamlessly integrating technology into everyday life makes it a valuable asset to the POTENTIAL consortium.

Citybee, on the other hand, has established itself as a leader in the car-sharing industry in Estonia and beyond. The company has been instrumental in shaping urban mobility and promoting sustainable transportation options. Citybee's experience in handling digital platforms and fostering user-friendly experiences aligns perfectly with the consortium’s goals of developing interoperable digital wallets and enhancing digital services across Europe.

The consortium’s mission resonates with the forward-thinking ethos of both Estonian companies. By joining POTENTIAL, Bolt and Citybee are not only representing Estonia’s commitment to digital advancement but also contributing their unique insights and innovative approaches to the broader European initiative.

The focus of the POTENTIAL consortium is to foster innovation and collaboration across six digital identity sectors: governmental services, banking, telecommunications, driving licenses, electronic signatures, and health. This endeavor represents a significant leap into the digital decade, aiming to strengthen the European Union's digital infrastructure.

In retrospect, the involvement of Bolt and Citybee in the POTENTIAL consortium signifies Estonia's ongoing leadership in digital innovation. Their participation underscores the nation's role as a pioneer in the digital age, championing projects that place citizens at the heart of digital evolution. This collaborative effort is a step towards a future where digital identity not only simplifies but also enriches the lives of people across Europe.