The OECD.AI Policy Navigator

The Institute for the Public Service of Malta is implementing training programmes for public officers in Artificial Intelligence under a three-year agreement with educational institutions and government bodies. The training aims to build knowledge in AI fundamentals, applications, and responsible use. It is designed to improve how public servants use AI to enhance service delivery.

The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation is working to draft a framework for responsible generative AI in public administration. The goal is to set rules for accountability, transparency, security, and recourse in AI-supported decision making. The Directorate for Digital Literacy & Transversal Skills (DDLTS) aligns its work with both EU and UNESCO guidance on AI in education.

The Servizz.gov Chatbot provides 24/7 online assistance for people seeking information about Maltese government services. Users can ask questions in Maltese or English, and the chatbot handles many inquiries without needing a live agent. It helps reduce wait times and improve access to public services across the country.

An AI-driven tool for budgeting, procurement, and inventory management in healthcare. The system predicts future outcomes using data analysis and management insights, helping optimize costs, ensure resource supply, and prepare for fluctuations in demand.

Mater Dei Hospital uses advanced robotic systems to assist surgeons during operations. These systems improve surgical precision, reduce recovery times, and enhance patient outcomes, aiming to ensure safer and more efficient procedures.

An AI-powered imaging solution that generates advanced and perfusion scans to support faster and more accurate diagnoses. RapidAI is used in the Medical Imaging departments of Mater Dei and Gozo General Hospital, particularly for stroke and aneurysm treatment.

AI training is available for all healthcare professionals through the Institute of Public Services. The curriculum includes the "Artificial Intelligence Introduction" module, which covers fundamental AI concepts and their applications in healthcare. Additionally, healthcare professionals have the opportunity to attend various AI and healthcare courses and receive refunds of up to EUR 1 165 per year.

The Digital Health Strategic Roadmap aims to meet the needs of citizens, patients, and health professionals, focusing on enabling patient-centered care. It’s a foundation for system integration and continuity of care across the healthcare ecosystem.

The Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) Malta Platform launched the ‘To Be Seen and To Be Heard Patient Empowerment project. This initiative, supported by the Malta Health Network, aims to empower patients by promoting self-management, enhancing patient-professional communication, and ensuring that patients are actively involved in their healthcare decisions.

Malta offers advanced Master’s programmes in Artificial Intelligence through MCAST and the University of Malta. These programmes equip students with AI skills for business, industry, and specialised research areas. Students gain practical experience and theoretical knowledge to solve real-world challenges and enhance competitiveness using AI.

The Malta Chips Competence Centre is a strategic initiative to strengthen Malta's semiconductor ecosystem. Spearheaded by Malta Enterprise in collaboration with the University of Malta, MCAST, MDIA and Silicon Catalyst. The Centre will have the objective to spur innovation and develop new talent. The Centre will also provide access to technical expertise and experimentation in the area of semiconductors targeted primarily for SMEs and startups.

The European Digital Innovation Hub (DiHubMT) in Malta will host a High-Performance Computer (HPC), designed for AI and data-intensive workloads. It will provide essential resources to support the local start-up and innovation ecosystem.

The Smart & Sustainable Investment Grant provides business funding to support investments that lead to more sustainable processes, enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises through the optimisation of resource use in their activities. This includes initiatives such as sustainable digitisation. The service is offered by the DiHubMT.

The Innovation Aid for SMEs Scheme provides grants to SMEs aiming to enhance their innovation performance. This includes projects leading to product, process, and organisational innovation through collaboration with Research & Knowledge-dissemination Organisations and access to innovation advisory and support services. This service is offered by the DiHubMT.

The scheme provides financial support to innovative start-ups that demonstrate viable business concepts and a commitment to expanding their economic activities. In 2024, it allocated dedicated funding through various grants to support small start-ups undertakings and academic research in AI. The financial support is provided as a repayable advance.

The Digital Technologies Programme led by Xjenza Malta (XM) supports capacity-building efforts related to AI, digital trust, knowledge and data, representation and analysis, technology for sustainability, quantum computing and other emerging technologies. The capacity-building efforts are aimed at researchers, entrepreneurs, and organisations involved in these emerging technologies.

The Data Sandbox managed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority will provide a secure and controlled environment for organisations to experiment with data-driven technologies while adhering to data protection laws. The initiative will provide guidance on best practices for responsible data use, enabling companies to safely explore new technological applications.

The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award (TOSFA) is a seed funding initiative established in 2014, aimed at fostering innovation by providing financial support to researchers and entrepreneurs. This joint initiative between the University of Malta and the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects (MEEP) supports early-stage technology and start-up development by offering grants ranging from EUR 2 500 to EUR 25 000 per project, with a total allocation of EUR150,000 in 2023.

The MEGALITH project uses AI models to study and protect Malta’s megalithic temples. The models predict stone degradation under different weather and climate scenarios. This helps preserve these historic sites for future generations.

The University of Malta has established an AI excellence research centre through its AI Department and the Institute of Digital Games. The department offers specialisations in various AI fields, including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Digital Games, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Robotics, Fintech, Big Data, Creative Technologies, Text Processing, IoT, Data Science, AI in Education, Generative AI, and Computer Vision.