MIC Hosted Over 200 Technology Start-Ups Over Past 7 Years

Microsoft Innovation Centre Celebrates Seven Years of Innovation

Start-ups have been amongst the main stakeholders of the Microsoft Innovation Centre since it opened its doors in February 2013. Hosting and mentoring start-ups in fact, was always one of the main missions of the MIC where to date, it has hosted over 200 technology start-ups for outreach activities in line with the evolution of newer technologies such as cloud computing, big data, blockchain, igaming, AI and virtual reality.

The Microsoft Innovation Centre has celebrated its seventh anniversary. Located at Skyparks in Luqa, the MIC formed part of a wider MIC programme that Microsoft was running around the world through approximately 120 MIC’s.

“Over the years, shifts in strategic operations led Microsoft to review its MIC programme in a number of markets. However, in Malta, the MIC proved a success story thanks to its role in supporting Malta’s IT ecosystem and acting as a bridge with investors, educators, students and policy makers,” said Mary Downing, Manager of the MIC for the past four years.

“The Microsoft Innovation Centre serves two main functions. It establishes opportunities for cooperation between the IT community, the business community and the academic community for the deployment, development and implementation of technologies and as its name implies, promotes innovation through technology in every aspect of our life,” added Mary Downing.

“The start-up ecosystem in Malta is a particular one but also very diverse and holds a lot of potential. Through the MIC, we help start-ups rest in the knowledge that they are getting all the information and the best service when they approach any incubator. This is why we would like to see start-up incubators collaborating more between them and together with the Microsoft Innovation Centre.

The MIC has also inspired thousands of young people to start looking at technology as a gateway to their future.

“We have hosted thousands of students who alongside their teachers, have had the opportunity to come here, interact with Microsoft’s people, tried our technology and understood that IT can be a tangible opportunity for their future employment and their place in society. Particularly, the MIC turned out to be an amazing platform for our Digigirlz programme through which we have had the opportunity to expose thousands of female students to IT, to encourage them to pursue a career in this field.”

Earlier this year, the MIC secured a set of new partners who are now contributing their experience and innovation to the MIC project. These partners include Harvest Technology which incorporates PTL Limited and APCO Systems Limited, BNF Bank, AE Ventures, an investment company providing initial funding, acceleration and advisory support to blockchain projects, Integrated Marketing Services Ltd, Corporate ID Group, Headstart and J2 Group Malta.