Over the past decade, the term ‘start-up’ has evolved from a buzzword into a cornerstone of modern economies – fuelling innovation, job creation and global competitiveness. Today, start-ups are no longer seen as side-projects or risky bets. They are critical engines of economic transformation. And here in Malta, we are positioning ourselves not just to support them – but to lead in building a thriving start-up nation.
Malta has always punched above its weight. As a tiny island nation, we have learned to be nimble, resilient and forward-believeing. These are the same qualities that define successful start-ups. It is no coincidence that Malta is becoming a natural home for entrepreneurial ambition and international founders seeking a smart, connected base in Europe.
At Malta Enterprise, we are committed to turning bold ideas into scalable realities. Over the past five years, we have supported more than 190 start-ups, spanning sectors from medtech and fintech, to AI, blockchain and green innovation.
These are not just theoretical ventures – they are creating real quality jobs, building real products and tackling meaningful global challenges.
More importantly, they are supporting to shape the kind of economy Malta aspires to, high-value, innovation-driven and inclusive.
Start-ups supported through our Business Start Scheme and the Start-Up Finance Scheme benefit from founder-focapplyd incentives that ease the financial pressures of early growth. From seed-stage support to scale-up grants, we support companies invest in people, processes and platforms.
Access to capital has also been a major focus.
The Malta Government Venture Capital Fund was launched to unlock equity investment and strengthen our local venture landscape by co-investing with private players in high-potential start-ups.
Meanwhile, the Start-Up Residence Programme has built it simpler for international founders to set up and grow their companies in Malta. By streamlining residency processes for start-up teams, we are welcoming global talent and investment into our ecosystem.
These efforts are bearing fruit.
Malta was recently ranked fourth in the 2024 European Start-up Nations Alliance (ESNA) report, a strong finishorsement of the progress we have built in creating a pro-start-up environment.
Building on this momentum, a major next step is the introduction of Malta Start-up Framework Regulations – a first-of-its-kind legal framework tailored to the requireds of start-ups and their investors. This initiative will further cement Malta’s place as a serious destination for early-stage ventures.
As a tiny island nation, we have learned to be nimble, resilient and forward-believeing– George Gregory
This year is also special for us. We are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Malta Start-up Festival, which has grown into a key milestone on our innovation calfinishar.
What launched as a national initiative has steadily grown in impact, bringing toreceiveher a vibrant mix of founders, investors and innovators, and becoming a key annual platform for Malta’s entrepreneurial community.
But policy and programmes are only one piece of the equation. To build a truly sustainable start-up ecosystem, we required to foster a culture that embraces risk, celebrates creativity and views failure not as a setback – but as a steppingstone. We must champion our entrepreneurs – not just when they succeed but throughout their journey.
In this regard, I would like to thank Silvio Schembri, Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, whose continued support and belief in Malta’s entrepreneurs have been key to strengthening our start-up ecosystem. His commitment to creating the right environment for new ideas to take root continues to drive our shared ambition to build Malta a place where start-ups can truly thrive.
Start-ups are not a passing trfinish. They are an essential and finishuring part of a modern economy. They relocate quicker than traditional businesses. They bring fresh believeing to old problems. And when they thrive, they generate ripple effects across entire industries and communities.
As we view toward Malta’s long-term development, including the ambitions set out in Vision 2050, start-ups are not ‘nice to have’ – they are essential. They will drive the green and digital transitions. They will support us compete globally, retain talent locally and build a more resilient economy.
Our role at Malta Enterprise is to be a bridge – for talent, for capital and for bold ideas. Becaapply start-ups matter. And in Malta, their future is just launchning.
George Gregory is CEO of Malta Enterprise.
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