Throughout this summer, 63 students attended the Future Innovators Summer school, which is a technologically-themed summer school intended to give students the opportunity to learn about new technologies through interactive learning.
The students who took part in the summer school, between July and September, were aged between 13 and 15. The topics covered during the program included artificial intelligence, coding, blockchain, metaverse, digital innovation, cybersecurity and 3D printing. The Ministry for the Economy said that the initiative proved to be a success and that it will be held again in 2024.
This initiative was launched in collaboration between the Maltese Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), the eSkills Foundation, Tech.mt, MCAST and the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands.
Minister for the Economy Silvio Schembri said that the Government has recognised the needs of today’s world of employment and of the future, and that programs such as this are intended to encourage young people to take interest in and study technological subjects. He added that during the coming week Malta will be hosting a meeting for the MED9 Group to gather and discuss the “advantages of a digital economy and welcoming the challenges it offers.”
Principal and Chief Executive of MCAST Professor Joachim James Calleja said that a large number of students participated in various activities on the MCAST campus during the summer, including the Future Innovators Summer School. The Principal said that the goal is to open the facilities and learning to everyone, and that MCAST will continue to be at the forefront in the field of technology in order to offer relevant learning to prepare people for the world of employment. He said that the Institute of Information and Communication Technology offers several courses which lead to careers in the digital field, and that the institute will be starting news courses in October for digital games and cyber security at the bachelor’s level.
MDIA CEO Kenneth Brincat said that this initiative was one of several efforts being made to promote emerging technologies. He said that the aim of the Future Innovators Summers School was to educate the future generation to be more capable in the use of these technologies through an accredited program. Brincat concluded by announcing the opening of applications for DigiNova Camp, another education program focused towards young people.
Techxpo, an expo focused on innovation, technology and business will be held between the 19th and 21st of September at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali.