A Colombo company is helping build Estonia's national AI infrastructure. Meet Rootcode

Estonia is the most digitally advanced government in the world. It pioneered digital citizenship and runs almost everything online. So it means something that a Sri Lankan company is helping build its national AI infrastructure.

Rootcode was founded in 2014 by Alagan Mahalingam. Headquartered in Colombo with a strategic base in Estonia, it builds software products across three divisions: Rootcode Labs (engineering), Rootcode Studio (design) and Rootcode AI.

The Estonia work

At Rootcode Connect 2025 in Tallinn, alongside European government leaders, the company showcased its role in building core national AI infrastructure. That includes platforms for the Estonian government and the next generation of Bürokratt, Estonia's national AI powered citizen engagement system.

It is also building an AI driven crop health platform with custom hardware for the City of Porto in Portugal, helping farmers improve agricultural productivity.

Recognition

In 2025, Rootcode ranked first in the Asia Pacific region at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards, winning three awards while representing Sri Lanka. At the Global Startup Awards, Rootcode won the South Asia region and went on to the global finals. In 2026, founder Alagan Mahalingam was named South Asia's Founder of the Year at the same awards.

Rootcode is ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified. Mats Hultin, a former Ericsson and Saab executive with 20+ years in leadership, sits on its board to drive global expansion.

Giving back

The Rootcode Foundation has built five computer labs in underserved Sri Lankan schools, working with 300+ students, all on Rootcoders' own time.

From Colombo to the engine room of Europe's most digital government.