Malta Enterprise and Universita' degli Studi di Salerno signed a cooperation agreement to support a new concept model called 'Economy of the Mediterranean' (MED) which will lead to the setting up of a joint business incubator for start-ups in Malta.

The aim of the Memorandum of Understanding between ME and Universita' di Salerno is to promote and support research, development and innovative projects in Malta.  The business incubator will serve as a hub for the transfer of technology and knowledge as well as attraction of new investment in Malta and the Mediterranean region.

The MOU was signed by the CEO of Malta Enterprise Kurt Farrugia and the Rector of Universita' degli Studi di Salerno Prof. Vincenzo Loia.

After signing the MOU, Unisa Rector Prof Loia said: "This agreement is part of the University's internationalisation strategy. The importance of this agreement stems from the creation of an incubator for which the Universita' di Salerno will be contributing with its know-how, in a country which is very strategically placed in the Mediterranean region.  It is the start of a larger collaboration between UniSA and the Government of Malta."

ME CEO Kurt Farrugia said: "The collaboration with Universita' di Salerno is part of Malta Enterprise's strategy to attract start-ups and spin-offs to set up in Malta. It is an honour to be collaborating with such a prestigious Italian University which has similar objectives, namely to create new opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the Mediterranean region.  Malta can also serve as a bridge between cultures in the Mediterranean region. This is an opportunity to continue providing the necessary synergies for such collaborations to materialise on our island."

The collaboration between ME and Universita' di Salerno started with a visit of the UniSA Rector in Malta in December, which continued with the visit of Malta Enterprise in Salerno and the signing of the MOU which will lead to the setting up of an incubator in Malta in the next months.