Microsoft Malta, has just inaugurated its Microsoft Innovation Center. Located at Skyparks in Luqa, the MIC, of which Microsoft only has around 110 in around 40 countries round the world, will be providing access to world-class resources for software developers, IT professionals, university students, academic faculties and entrepreneurs.
The MIC was inaugurated by Prime Minister Hon Lawrence Gonzi in the presence of Takuya Hirano, Microsoft Multi-Country General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe who was in Malta purposely for thi event.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that the Microsoft Innovation Centre is yet another concrete step towards the creation of an innovative culture amongst youth and IT professionals in Malta. After thanking Microsoft and its partners for this investment, Dr. Gonzi said that for Malta to continue succeeding in attracting investment and create jobs in today’s new knowledge-based economy, it needs to capatilise on its existing strength, amplify the education capital and continue investing in its human resources. “Malta’s most precious asset is its citizen and my Government is investing heavily in education at all levels particularly in our higher education institutions. We have embarked on a €50 million investment programme at our University, including a €17 million ICT faculty which is nearing completion. In addition, we are registering significant progress in the building of a new campus for MCAST,” added Dr. Gonzi.
In her brief welcome address, Adrianna Zammit, Microsoft Malta’s Country Manager described the MIC as the realization of yet another dream by Microsoft in Malta and a tangible project by Microsoft to support Malta’s drive towards establishing itself as an IT force and to further encourage the thriving entrepreneurial spirit amongst youths.
“Everybody knows the giant leaps and advances that Malta has attained over the past few years, establishing itself as a center of IT excellence and this was one of the reasons that led to Microsoft’s decision to establish an MIC in Malta – an MIC with clear and defined targets namely that of training individuals in the latest technology and business skills, enhancing their employability prospects within the sector and to incubate new start-ups that will give life to new and exciting ideas,” said Adrianna Zammit.
As happens throughout the international network of MIC’s, Malta’s Microsoft Innovation Center will be offering specialized training, technology related business skills and soft skills, will be organising workshops, prototyping opportunities, technical support and logistics to create prototypes of the innovation, collaboration with visiting experts to Malta and more.
“Microsoft Innovation Centers are a very special place to be especially if you happen to have a great idea, have a budding entrepreneurial spirit and want to be guided by those who have already treaded the same path before you and reached a high level of success,” added Mr Takuya Hirano in his address. “This is why Microsoft partners with local stakeholders to establish the Microsoft Innovation Centers and we are proud that Malta’s MIC has already found great support from some outstanding partners that include BMIT, GO, Pricewaterhousecoopers and Demajo Group. The grounded strategy employed by these corporate companies, their experience and their will to partner with Microsoft on this project will certainly guarantee the success of the Microsoft Innovation Center.”
“We are delighted but also very hopeful that this new Microsoft Innovation Center will once again confirm Malta’s disposition to put IT and Entrepreneurship at the heart of its long-term targets. The potential of these Microsoft Innovation Centers is backed by a very positive track record. Over the past 3 years, Microsoft Innovation Centers have reached over 1.1 million students and ICT professionals and these numbers stand to increase further as we witness a constant increase in the role of IT in our lives,” added Takuya Hirano.