A Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030 aims to map the path for Malta to gain a strategic competitive advantage in the global economy as a leader in the AI field. The Strategy is expansive, looking at the impact commercially and socially, areas of economic opportunity and the need for special consideration, if not regulation, where AI use cases potentially intersect with national priorities, values and citizen’s rights.
AI is expected to have a transformative impact across multiple areas of society, government and business. The Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030 therefore takes a holistic approach and aims to give due focus to the needs of various different groups of stakeholders as the country looks forward to achieving its vision.
Below is the progress status of the pillar action points related to the strategic and vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta by 2030.
The ‘investment, start-ups and innovation’ strategic pillar sets out initiatives to generate investment and position the country as a hub for AI application and niche areas of research and development, supported by a vibrant startup community.
17 Action Points
Part of MDIA’s budget has been earmarked for the creation of support measures for the further diffusion of innovative technology arrangements within the public and private sector in order to increase efficiency, transparency and citizen engagement.
The overall objective of the MDIA AI Applied Research Grant (MAARG) is to support capacity-building efforts related to Artificial Intelligence research in Malta.
This Grant aims to advance progress related to a number of Actions within the Malta AI Strategy. The MAARG opened in January 2022 and was open for the 4 rounds (i.e., 4 quarters of the year 2022).
| # | Project Title | Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | medicX-KE: Knowledge-Graph based Explainability for Drug-Drug Interactions | €25,000 |
| 2 | Intelligent Precision Cosmology in the Era of New Physics (IntelliVerse) | €25,000 |
| 3 | Optimising the cultural tourism experience through Al | €24,722.80 |
| 4 | Intelligent Inventory (I²) | €24,998 |
Further details about the projects can be found via the following link:
https://www.mdia.gov.mt/schemes/ai-applied-research-grant/
Action Point is Established.
Currently, the EU has just accepted the EU funding for the project under the Digital Europe Programme under the guidance of the European Commission, following the consent of the Ministry for Finance and Employment (MFIN), the MINISTRY FOR THE ECONOMY, EUROPEAN FUNDS AND LANDS and cabinet and following a national appeal. Malta is rated 127th out of 225 nations with the EDIH initiative.
EDIH has been launched in March 2023 with kick-off conference. Works in process to finish first floor within MDIA premises, actions taken are constantly in line with EU established deliverables and milestones, which are the base of Hub’s operation.
Action Point is Established.
In 2021, Tech.mt set out with the main mission to continue to listen and act on the industry’s needs. Through Tech.mt, a public-private foundation tasked with promoting Malta as a leading global hub for emerging technologies, including AI, the Government will provide €1m per annum in funding to raise the visibility of the country’s offering and promote Maltese AI businesses through various marketing activities, with participation in and sponsorship of leading global AI and tech summits in Malta and overseas.
List of initiatives and outcome details can be found via the following link:
https://tech.mt/media/press-news/end-of-year-newsletter-2021/
Action Point is Established.
In 2019, Malta introduced a Patent Box Regime (Deduction) enabling qualifying beneficiaries to benefit from a deduction against taxable income or gains of up to 95% of the gross revenue from its qualifying intellectual property (IP) assets. This measure is expected to significantly strengthen Malta’s positioning as the “Ultimate AI Launchpad” and stimulate AI related R&D activities in the country.
The Patent Box Deduction Rules, 2019 establishes a fiscal regime for income arising from patents, similar intellectual property (IP) Rights and copyrighted software.
Details of the scheme can be accessed at:
https://maltaenterprise.com/support/patent-box-deduction
Action Point is Established.
The country will also invest to strengthen its AI research capabilities at two of its public higher education institutes, the University of Malta (UoM) and the Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST), to increase academic and applied research output and drive greater collaboration with industry and international partners.
The action point is established through AI Applied Research Grant (MAARG) and MDIA Pathfinder Scholarship.
Action Point is Established.
It was established that financial support will be provided for AI-related research commercialisation programmes and technology development (including financial support for research, development and innovation) in Malta’s areas of Smart Specialisation (ICT as an Enabler, ICT Based Innovation, Tourism Product Development, Aviation and Aerospace, Health, Resource Efficient Buildings, High Value-Added Manufacturing, Aquaculture) through the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) R&I FUSION Programme until 2020.
The details of the program can be found via the following link:
https://mcst.gov.mt/ri-programmes/fusion/
Action Point is Established.
Malta Enterprise, the Economic Development Agency of the Maltese Government, has launched a set of incentives which aim to support companies of various sizes in R&D and innovation activities.
The Investment Aid Scheme aims to sustain the regional industrial and economic development of Malta. This measure facilitates initial investments by encouraging the setting up of new establishments as well as the expansion and development of existing businesses. The aid awarded under these guidelines shall amount to a percentage of qualifying expenditure incurred and may take the form of tax credit (which may be claimed against future tax bills) and/or cash grant.
https://maltaenterprise.com/support/investment-aid-2021
The Corporation also administers the Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity (Personal Tax) measure which facilitates the relocation of highly skill personal engage in research and creative roles.
https://maltaenterprise.com/support/qualifying-employment-innovation-and-creativity-personal-tax-0
The aim of this incentive is to assist Industrial Research and Experimental Development activities required by industry for the acquisition of knowledge leading to the development of innovative products and solutions. The measure also encourages cooperation between undertakings by providing additional assistance for Industrial Research and/or Experimental Development projects. Approved projects will mainly be supported through a tax credit, but the Corporation may also consider approving support in the form of a cash grant.
https://maltaenterprise.com/support/research-and-development-2020
Through this measure, Malta Enterprise aims to support businesses carrying out feasibility studies to determine the technical and commercial challenges and carrying out preliminary activities that will enable businesses to make more knowledgeable decisions in the development of the intended research and development project. The Corporation may support the implementation of a feasibility study with a cash grant of up to fifty thousand euro (€50,000) which shall cover a percentage of the eligible costs depending on the size of the undertaking.
The scheme is available until 31st December 2023.
https://maltaenterprise.com/support/research-grant-scheme
Action Point is Established.
Legal notice implemented by virtue of Subsidiary Legislation 528.10, Processing Personal Data (Secondary Processing) (Health Sector)
https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/528.100/eng
Action Point is Established.
The project proposed, led by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, foresees the setting up of a single EDIH in Malta titled: Malta- EDIH. In line with the call for proposals for the EDIHs, the Malta-EDIH aims at providing the complete set of services of an EDIH on an open, transparent, and non-discriminatory basis and targeted towards SMEs, small midcaps, and public sector organisations.
One of main objectives of EDIH is to help Start-ups and SME’s, through the entrepreneurship hub it will enable and assist such businesses with incubation, pre-acceleration, acceleration stages.
Currently, the EU has just accepted the EU funding for the project under the Digital Europe Programme under the guidance of the European Commission, following the consent of the Ministry for Finance and Employment (MFIN), the MINISTRY FOR THE ECONOMY, EUROPEAN FUNDS AND LANDS and cabinet and following a national appeal. Malta is rated 127th out of 225 nations with the EDIH initiative.
EDIH has been launched in March 2023 with kick-off conference. Works in process to finish first floor within MDIA premises, actions taken are constantly in line with EU established deliverables and milestones, which are the base of Hub’s operation.
Action Point is Established.
Project YouStartIT was abolished, functions and programme were transferred under remit of EDIH. See Action Point 9.
The project proposed, led by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, foresees the setting up of a single EDIH in Malta titled: Malta- EDIH. In line with the call for proposals for the EDIHs, the Malta-EDIH aims at providing the complete set of services of an EDIH on an open, transparent, and non-discriminatory basis and targeted towards SMEs, small midcaps, and public sector organisations.
One of main objectives of EDIH is to help Start-ups and SME’s, through entrepreneurship hub it will enable and assist such businesses with incubation, pre-acceleration, acceleration stages.
Currently, the EU has just accepted the EU funding for the project under the Digital Europe Programme under the guidance of the European Commission, following the consent of the Ministry for Finance and Employment (MFIN), the MINISTRY FOR THE ECONOMY, EUROPEAN FUNDS AND LANDS and cabinet and following a national appeal. Malta is rated 127th out of 225 nations with the EDIH initiative.
EDIH has been launched in March 2023 with kick-off conference. Works in process to finish first floor within MDIA premises, actions taken are constantly in line with EU established deliverables and milestones, which are the base of Hub’s operation.
Action Point is Established.
The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award is a joint initiative between the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands (MEEL) and the University of Malta, supported by the Knowledge Transfer Office, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation and the TAKEOFF Business Incubator.
A total of €150,000 has been earmarked for distribution between start-ups and academics to enable the next phase towards the commercialisation of their business or research idea. Grants between €2,500 and €25,000 will be awarded to the selected projects.
Agreement has been signed between University of Malta, MDIA and the Ministry of the Economy.
Project has started in 2022 utilizing funds of 100,000 Euros, and this was increased in 2023 to 150,000 Euros.
Further details can be found on:
https://takeoff.org.mt/seed-funds/
Action Point is Established.
The Government will look to establish an investment fund to provide equity-based risk capital to Maltese start-ups and scale-ups.
It is envisaged that: All investments will be structured through coinvestments with private investors who will participate alongside the Government on equal terms and conditions. The involvement of the private sector as co-investors will create a multiplier effect in terms of the volume of funding available and help to increase deal flow and decrease investment risk and transaction costs.
Action Point is in progress.
The Government will look to update the rules of the Seed Investment Scheme, which provides tax credits to investors in return for investment in a qualifying Maltese start-up or early-stage company.
Action Point is in progress.
Business START offers seed and growth funding for small start-ups. Start-up’s undertakings that are still in their early development phase may receive an initial grant of up to ten thousand euro (€10,000) to help them develop their business proposal and undergo a Feasibility Study that will help them determine the feasibility of their business idea. Start-ups that present a viable business plan may receive additional support linked to full time employment which may reach up to twenty thousand euro (€25,000) per quarter up to a maximum of €200,000.
This incentive shall be available from 1st January 2021 until the 31st of December 2023. The Corporation may periodically update and amend these Incentive Guidelines and may terminate the incentive at an earlier date. Any request for assistance shall be considered by applying the conditions established in the current Incentive Guidelines when the request for assistance is received.
https://maltaenterprise.com/support/bstart-2021
The aim of this measure is to support Small Start-up Undertakings that demonstrate a viable business concept and that exhibit commitment to expand and further develop their economic activity. Malta Enterprise may provide support not exceeding four hundred thousand euro (€400,000) which may be increased to up to eight hundred thousand euro (€800,000) if the Start-up is an Innovative Enterprise.
Through this new scheme, Malta Enterprise will provide support linked to private equity, wage costs, procurement of tangible & intangible assets, working capital, crowdfunding, and the participation in a recognised Start-up Accelerator programme.
The support, with the exception of a onetime Accelerator Grant shall be awarded as a repayable advance in accordance with the rules provided in these Incentive Guidelines.
This incentive was available until the 31st of December 2022.
https://maltaenterprise.com/startup-finance
Action Point is Established.
Action Point is being discussed.
Malta has launched a “Start-up Residence” for aspiring entrepreneurs who intend to develop an innovative business in Malta.
The Malta Startup Residence Programme grants a 3-year residence permit, extendable for an additional 5 years, during which beneficiaries are able to reside in Malta while launching their startup venture.
Intended for non-EU nationals, this competitive programme is specifically designed to facilitate the setting up of innovative startups and scale-ups in Malta whilst supporting the immigration process of their founders/co-founders, core employees and respective immediate family members. Beneficiaries of this programme need to have a tangible presence in Malta (including living and paying taxes locally).
Action Point is Established.
The development and expansion of knowledge-based industries requires the availability of human resources. Such resources may be developed through education and training; however, such resources would need to be substantiated through knowledge and experience.
This measure facilitates employment of non-residents in roles which are currently not addressed by the local labour market by temporarily easing the tax expenses incurred by such individuals through a fiscal incentive.
Details of initiative can be found on:
https://maltaenterprise.com/support/qualifying-employment-innovation-and-creativity-personal-tax-0
Action Point is Established.
The ‘public sector adoption’ strategic pillar explores how AI can be deployed widely across the public administration to improve citizens’ experiences, expand access to public services, and directly improve well-being. Six AI pilot projects covering traffic management, education, health, customer service, tourism, and utilities will be undertaken over the coming three years.
12 Action Points
Action Point is being discussed.
Action Point is being discussed.
Along with other AI training courses available to public administration, module/s “Artificial Intelligence Introduction” were included to the curriculum of the Institute for the Public Services.
Action Point is Established.
Action Point is being discussed.
Back in 2019, Malta was ranked 43rd in the list published for its Government AI Readiness Index.
Since various initiatives were taken and actions implemented, position of Malta in the ranking scale has moved up by 10 points and ranked 33rd in the 2022 Government AI Readiness Index.
Further measures to be identified relevant to Index criteria to improve Malta’s standing.
Action point is in progress.
Action Point is being discussed.
Action Point is Established.
Action Point is Established.
Action Point is Established.
Action Point is Established.
Action Point is Established.
Action Point is Established.
The ‘private sector adoption’ strategic pillar details initiatives to drive awareness and enable companies of all sizes to use, develop and integrate AI applications across their organisations. Support measures include access to technological expertise, the provision of toolkits and financial assistance.
4 Action Points
Various awareness activities will be undertaken which aim to build knowledge and encourage dialogue with private businesses.
The project proposed, led by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, foresees the setting up of a single EDIH in Malta titled: Malta- EDIH. In line with the call for proposals for the EDIHs, the Malta-EDIH aims at providing the complete set of services of an EDIH on an open, transparent, and non-discriminatory basis and targeted towards SMEs, small midcaps, and public sector organisations.
Within the Hub there will be series of public workshops organized to facilitate two-way dialogue between AI experts and industry.
Currently, the EU has just accepted the EU funding for the project under the Digital Europe Programme under the guidance of the European Commission, following the consent of the Ministry for Finance and Employment (MFIN), the MINISTRY FOR THE ECONOMY, EUROPEAN FUNDS AND LANDS and cabinet and following a national appeal. Malta is rated 127th out of 225 nations with the EDIH initiative.
EDIH has been launched in March 2023 with kick-off conference. Works in process to finish first floor within MDIA premises, actions taken are constantly in line with EU established deliverables and milestones, which are the base of Hub’s operation.
Action Point is in progress.
AI Technology Roadmap was drafted, it proposes a variety of actions that the MDIA will be involved in. These actions are aimed at building and strengthening the national infrastructure in relation to requirements borne out of the implementation of the National AI Strategy.
The roadmap presents actions and details, such as intended outcomes, timelines, and anticipated budgets for each action.
Through the implementation of the actions and initiatives proposed in this roadmap it is envisaged that Malta will be able to provide a more robust infrastructure in the AI sector for anyone who intends to embrace, promote and innovate in this sector.
Further, some of these initiatives are directly intended to improve the readiness of the national infrastructure, meaning that any changes that may be required due to future or unexpected realities can be identified and actioned upon as early as possible.
Action Point is in progress.
In order to be able to take part in AI readiness assessments, private sector shall be to some level informed and aware about AI technologies, therefore this action point is interlinked with the objectives of action point 31, and proposed projects can assist with preparation stage for readiness assessment by becoming part of the awareness campaign.
MDIA will issue a Request for Information (RFI) with regards to this action point.
Action Point is in progress.
Objectives of the action point will be achieved through various initiatives carried out by different entities and organizations, amongst which is the creation of Digital Innovation Hub for businesses to access technological expertise, advice, and insight into industry practices.
Action Point is in progress.
