The OECD.AI Policy Navigator

Malta Enterprise, together with the University of Malta, MCAST and MDIA, is setting up the Malta Chips Competence Centre to strengthen the local semiconductor ecosystem with a focus on SME and start-up needs. In May 2024 Malta Enterprise signed an MoU with imec - a semiconductor and nanotechnology research centre - signalling plans to connect Maltese firms and researchers to European design platforms, pilot lines and imec’s venturing activity. The arrangement also foresees better access for UM/MCAST students to imec facilities during MSc/PhD work. The centre is framed to nurture talent, provide hands-on expertise and experimentation—especially in chip design—and to position Malta’s companies to tap EU instruments while building on a sector that already accounts for a notable share of exports and manufacturing employment.