Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, accompanied by the Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses and the Minister for Gozo, officially inaugurated the Gozo Innovation Hub with an investment of €9 million from Malta Industrial Parks and co-financed through European Funds for Regional Development. 

Spanning over 9,000 sqm, the Gozo Innovation Hub will be housing high-end, smart businesses working on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain and the internet of things. The Gozo Innovation Hub will be creating about 120 new jobs in Gozo.

The Prime Minister praised the project and said “Gozo has always been associated with back-office work rather than innovation. However, with by investing in high-value-added economic activities we are improving the standard of living and creating well-paying jobs not only for Gozitans but also for everyone who lives in Gozo.” 

Economy Minister Chris Cardona said that this project is part of the government’s commitment to fostering innovative economic development and increasing Gozo’s competitiveness. “This investment together with the installation of the second fibre optic cable between Malta and Gozo are two important symbols of the economic change taking place in Gozo,” stated Minister Cardona.

Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana said that this project is a commitment of this government’s determination to drive forward the economy of our island, diversify our economic product and give us the necessary tools to overcome the particular challenges of Gozo as a region at the periphery of the European Union. 

 “This hub will help us to create tangible solutions enabling us to work and create quality jobs in Gozo for the Gozitans while continuing to contribute to the economic growth and sustainable development of our country.” Minister Caruana said that Noovle, which is one of Google’s premium partner, as well as J2 Limited together with Microsoft, are the first two companies confirmed to begin their operation from within the site. She stated that there are currently talks with high-end companies to open their offices in Gozo, and thereby further increase opportunities for Gozitan workers.