The Startup Ecosystem of Malta

Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its economy, Malta remains a sought-after tourist destination. Many innovative startups are flourishing on the island, creating more job opportunities. The thriving Maltese startup ecosystem benefits from government regulations tailored to attract startups in specific industries. In addition, Malta’s Startup Residence program offers a 3-year residency permit for non-EU entrepreneurs looking to establish their startups in Malta. The Nomad Residence Permit extends a warm welcome to digital nomads worldwide. With favorable tax policies that support ecosystem growth, Malta is establishing itself as a prime location for successful entrepreneurs. The recent launch of Malta Venture Capital Ltd, a €10 million fund aimed at providing equity investment to startups with cutting-edge technologies, further solidifies Malta’s position as a startup hub.

Diversifying from its strong iGaming sector, Malta’s economy is branching into Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). The aviation industry is also gaining momentum, particularly in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sector. Malta is capitalizing on its sunny climate by tapping into the emerging Medical Cannabis industry. Fintech projects are supported through the FinTech Regulatory Sandbox, enabling companies to test their products under various conditions.

Tech.mt actively supports Malta’s ecosystem with a focus on positioning the country as a tech-savvy nation. The organization assists tech companies in exporting their innovations beyond national borders. Other investment and support initiatives include Startup Malta, the Malta Individual Investor Program (IIP), TAKEOFF, Malta Enterprise, Silicon Valletta, and the government-backed Start in Malta program.

By harnessing its agility and creativity in developing startup ecosystems, Malta can sustain its growth trajectory in the long term.