Roundup of 2019 Achievements
Public-Private Partnership Tech.mt, was established in 2019 by the Government of Malta and the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, to promote Malta as a tech centre for innovative technologies.
Tech.mt was launched in March 2019
Created on the key priority fields of technology and innovation, Tech.mt’s main mission is to elevate Malta’s status as a quality Tech provider on both a local and international platform but also strives to act as the interlinking force between government, industry and academia. To realise Malta’s vision to become an international tech hub, last year Tech.mt built its strategy onto four main pillars – those of Promotion, Innovation, Talent and Assistance. Through the combined relevance of all four pillars, Tech.mt aims to provide the means through which established local tech organisations may export their technology overseas and by which foreign investors may equally set up new technological ventures in Malta. As part of its strategy, Tech.mt also focuses on providing tech students with the opportunity to present and enhance their research, attract international talent in the fields of tech and innovation and finally to also provide the assistance and support to local tech start-ups and companies operating within the sector.
Tech.mt achieved local and international recognition by successfully implementing initiatives and events relevant to its mission.
Since the inception of its operations in May 2019, Tech.mt achieved local and international recognition by successfully implementing initiatives and events relevant to its mission. These included the eBusiness Awards 8th edition and subsequent nominations of local companies to the World Summit Awards, that are organised under the auspices of the United Nations. In June 2019, Tech.mt went on to launch the Women4IT project, aiming at bridging the gender gap and the wider digital divide. The fifth edition of the BeSmartOnline! Project was also launched in the summer months of 2019, during which the findings of the EU Kids Online Study were presented.
DELTA Summit, Malta’s official Blockchain and Digital Innovation event
In October 2019, Tech.mt participated in the DELTA Summit, Malta’s official Blockchain and Digital Innovation event. In 2019 Tech.mt also took over the organisation of ZEST, a conference and networking event within DELTA Summit focusing on digital disruption, innovation, and technology business. Towards the end of October, Tech.mt also participated in “The Future of Tech” panel at EY Malta’s Annual Attractiveness event and in the SME National Forum addressing “Today’s opportunities and challenges in Employment for SMEs”, organised by the Malta Employers’ Association. To promote Malta’s pioneering initiatives in the AI and Blockchain spheres, Tech.mt participated in the third edition of the AIBC Summit. On the 15th November, Tech.mt hosted the fourth Digital Invasions project meeting. The concept of the Digital Invasions project revolves around the promotion of good practices in the dissemination, enhancement and care of cultural heritage.
KSU Freshers’ Week at the University of Malta
As part of its mission to bridge the human resource skills gap, aid growth in the Technology sector, and encourage youth participation in the digital economy, Tech.mt met with students at the KSU Freshers’ Week at the University of Malta and also participated in the MCAST Freshers’ week. Later in October, Tech.mt also participated in the sixth annual ICTSA Expo organised in collaboration with the Faculty of ICT at the University of Malta and in the Careers Pathway Fair organised by the Secretariat for Catholic Education for Form 5 students.
As part of its mission to attract Foreign Direct Investment in the sector, Tech.mt participated in the World Summit AI held during the second week of October. Representing the Government of Malta during the world’s leading and largest AI Summit in Amsterdam, Tech.mt engaged with the brightest brains in AI as they embarked on a mission to tackle head-on the most burning AI issues and set the global AI agenda. Towards the end of October, Tech.mt was invited to participate in the ‘Festival della Diplomazia’ by the Embassy of Malta in Italy. This was a great opportunity to promote Malta as a technology hub of choice. In November Tech.mt CEO, Dana Farrugia, delivered a speech at ‘The Blockchain Island meets Crypto Valley’ event in Zug, Switzerland organised by CV Labs. The event focused on Malta’s blockchain space, in particular Malta’s attractive and reliable business environment.
Promote and strengthen cyber security in the local private sector
Tech.mt is also committed towards enhancing cyber security on a national level. In collaboration with MITA, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and Acronis, last year Tech.mt embarked on an initiative to promote and strengthen cyber security in the local private sector through the B SECURE Scheme.
Partners of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
As part of its mission to assist local technology companies to grow and expand their business into international markets, in 2019 Tech.mt partnered with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, as partners of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). Through this strategic and cooperative partnership, Tech.mt can facilitate the development of international partnerships by connecting businesses to expertise contacts; ensure expert advice to businesses to simplify entry into international markets; support business innovation services to instigate international success; support the clients’ needs on their international growth path; and assist businesses to find an international business partner.
