The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) has allocated €150,000 for innovative technology projects in the community whereby local and regional councils can apply. The aim of this scheme is to encourage local councils to invest in innovative technology so that traditional services can become more efficient and sustainable for the benefit of residents and businesses.
During the launch of this initiative, Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri said that the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war showed us the importance of diversification in the economy, and this can be done not just by investing in technology, but by serving as a hub where technology can continue to develop.
“In the past years, our country has started investing in innovative technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and cloud computing among others, in order to create an environment whereby both local and foreign businesses can grow. Today, we have new technologies that are being developed, such as quantum technology and the internet of things, among others, and our country will also be at the forefront of such technologies,” said Minister Silvio Schembri.
He stated that this government has a mandate for our country to be at the forefront of the fourth technological revolution that is developing around the world and this can be done by continuing to invest in our digital infrastructure, as well as in human resources.
Minister Schembri added that the best way to see that technological innovation is used in the community is by launching schemes like the one launched today involving local councils. “In the technology sector, we need to ensure that we offer the necessary learning tools to our children so that they can continue to specialise in these sectors. In the past, Malta’s diminutive size was a hurdle at times, but in the technology sector this is not the case, and we can continue to flourish, and we already started to see to Malta becoming a leading hub for technological developments,” concluded Minister Schembri.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli said that; “Today, digital technology is used in many systems across various sectors, therefore it should also serve as a valuable tool for local councils in a bid to help overcome social, economic and environmental challenges.” She encouraged local councils to submit their application in order to benefit from this funding scheme that can help improve the quality of life of our residents.
CEO of MDIA Kenneth Brincat, explained that applicants can apply for a minimum of €25,000 and a maximum of €100,000 for projects. The chosen projects must be implemented within one year.
Photos: DOI, MEFL
