Progress in Implementing the European Union Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence (Volume 1): Malta

Table of contents

• Set enabling conditions for AI development and uptake in the European Union
• Make the European Union the right place: Excellence from lab to the market
• Ensure AI technologies work for people
• Build strategic leadership in priority sectors

The European Union (EU) Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a strategic initiative by the European Commission and EU Member States to promote AI development, investment and co-operation. In 2024, the OECD conducted a survey and interviews to take stock of implementation progress made by the EU Member States in implementing the actions set in the EU Coordinated Plan on AI. Drawing on the information collected, the OECD prepared country notes for each EU Member State. This document presents the country note for Malta, which summarises key initiatives and implementation progress.

Key messages

• Evolving artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and governance: Malta launched its AI strategy in 2019, establishing three strategic pillars, building an AI ecosystem, supporting public sector adoption and encouraging private sector implementation. A review process is underway to update the strategy in response to technological advancements.

• Progress monitoring of AI strategy: The strategy is accompanied by an action plan comprising 72 specific initiatives. The strategy’s implementation shows measurable progress, with 54.2% of these initiatives implemented, 25% in progress, and 20.8% in planning stages where stakeholders are being consulted and requirements are being defined or obsolete.

• Monitoring strategy implementation: The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) oversees strategy implementation, co‑ordinating with relevant ministries. An AI Consultative Expert Group brings together public and private stakeholders.

• Strengthening AI infrastructure: Malta is developing key infrastructure to support AI adoption, including high-performance computing (HPC), a hybrid cloud platform for government services and a Public Administration Data Strategy 2023-2027.

• Establishing innovation support mechanisms: Malta has developed several frameworks to support AI innovation and adoption. These include the Technology Assurance Sandbox for testing AI solutions, a data sandbox for experimentation with data-driven technologies and various funding schemes supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in their AI initiatives. The European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) serves as a central platform co‑ordinating support for digital transformation across sectors.

• Building AI talent for the future: Malta has established various educational initiatives across different levels, from the Future Innovators Summer School to postgraduate scholarships. The EducationAI application, launched in 2022, demonstrates practical AI application in education, providing personalised learning for approximately 55 000 students.

• Advancing sector-specific applications: The country has implemented AI initiatives across priority sectors. Environmental projects focus on utility optimisation and heritage preservation, while healthcare applications range from medical imaging to patient care systems. The public sector employs AI for service delivery, and transport initiatives address traffic management and mobility solutions.

Set enabling conditions for AI development and uptake in the European Union

Acquire, pool and share policy insights

The Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta (Malta: the Ultimate AI Launchpad) was released in 2019 (MDIA, 2019[1]). It is built on three strategic pillars: i) create a solid AI ecosystem based on investments, start-up support and innovation; ii) support AI adoption in the public sector; and iii) support AI adoption in the private sector. To achieve these objectives, three horizontal strategic enablers have been identified: i) education and workforce; ii) legal and ethical framework; and iii) ecosystem infrastructure. The strategy addresses the following sectors as a priority: health, education, utilities, customer care, tourism and transport. Funding for the national AI strategy is distributed across specific initiatives complemented with approximately EUR 2.5 million of annual centralised budget.

The strategy’s implementation is monitored through 72 performance indicators, known as “action points”. These include six AI-related pilot projects in traffic management, education, health, customer service, tourism and utilities. Current implementation data show significant progress: 39 action points (54.2%) have been implemented, 18 action points (25%) are in progress and 15 action points (20.8%) are in planning stages or have been deemed obsolete (MDIA, 2024[2]).

The strategy is currently undergoing a review process to address rapid advancements in AI. This process has been conducted in collaboration with the public and private sector and incorporates feedback from public consultations, workshops and surveys. The review, expected to be completed by end 2025, seeks to realign the original strategy’s objectives while creating new and updated action points, with an increased focus AI for societal well-being and sustainability and private sector AI adoption, including through funding support (MDIA, 2024[3]).

The governance and implementation of the AI strategy is overseen by the MDIA that is responsible for specific priority areas shared among relevant institutions. These include the Ministries for Health and Active Ageing, for Education and Employment, for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works and for Energy and Water Management. To strengthen stakeholder engagement and expertise. An AI Consultative Expert Group was established in 2023 to focus on realigned the strategy. This group serves as the primary forum for bringing together public and private stakeholder, with the insights gathered during expert meetings directly informing the ongoing review of the national AI strategy.

Tap into the potential of data and foster critical computing capacity

The Government of Malta and its ministries have developed several initiatives to strengthen the country’s digital and AI infrastructure ecosystem. These include a comprehensive data strategy for public administration, advanced cloud computing capabilities through a hybrid cloud platform and the development of HPC for AI workloads. The country is also investing in semiconductor innovation through a dedicated competence centre and creating a data sandbox environment to support responsible experimentation with data-driven technologies.

Table 1. Set enabling conditions for AI development and uptake in the European Union: Key initiatives

Name	Start year	Short description (main goals)	Funding (including EU funding use)
Public Administration Data Strategy 2023-2027	2023	The strategy is a cornerstone of Malta’s digital transformation in public administration. It aims to enhance the digital information framework from both technological and governance perspectives through regulations, guidelines, measures for data protection, effective use and interoperability of data. The strategy will establish single, centralised registers for individuals, organisations, geospatial data and government administrative data (MITA, 2023[4]).	EUR 689 638 (for first phase of implementation only)
Hybrid Cloud Enabling Infrastructure	2019	The Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) manages the government’s hybrid cloud platform, which combines on-premise Tier 3 data centre infrastructure with Microsoft data centres in the European Union. Connected to the Malta Government Network (MAGNET), this platform provides government entities with secure, flexible hosting options that meet regulatory requirements while enabling self-service deployments (MITA, 2023[5]).	EUR 4.52 million
High-performance computer	In development	The Malta Tech Entrepreneurship Community and Innovator Hub (DiHubMT) will host a high-performance computer, designed for AI and data-intensive workloads. It will provide essential resources to support the local start-up and innovation ecosystem.	EUR 1.5 million (amount excludes additional investment)
Malta Chips Competence Centre	In development	The centre is a strategic initiative to strengthen Malta’s semiconductor ecosystem. Spearheaded by Malta Enterprise in collaboration with the University of Malta, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), the MDIA and Silicon Catalyst. It will aim 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 at SMEs and start-ups (Malta Enterprise, 2024[6]). In order to engage fully with the Malta Chips Competence Centre, the University of Malta has recently established its own “University Semiconductors Competence Centre” to interface directly and collaborate with the Malta Chips Competence Centre.	EUR 8 million (50% of national funds)

Make the European Union the right place: Excellence from lab to the market

The Government of Malta has introduced a series of initiatives to support AI excellence and innovation through funding mechanisms and institutional support. The initiatives include research grants such as the MDIA Applied Research Grant and the Digital Technologies Programme, along with infrastructure developments like the Technology Assurance Sandbox and the Data Sandbox for technology testing. Research capacity is developed through various funded projects conducted in several Faculties, Centres and Institutes at the University of Malta including, among others, the Department of AI and the Institute of Digital Games, while innovation support is provided via the TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award and Start-up Finance Scheme. The EDIH Malta Tech Entrepreneurship Community and Innovator Hub (DiHubMT) co‑ordinates support for digital transformation across sectors, complemented by broader innovation schemes that, while not AI-specific, provide additional funding opportunities for AI-related projects.

Table 2. Make the European Union the right place: Excellence from lab to the market: Key initiatives

Name	Start year	Short description (main goals)	Funding (including EU funding use)
MDIA Applied Research Grant (MARG)	2022	The MARG is an initiative by the MDIA to support capacity-building efforts in AI research in Malta. The grant aims to advance AI research capacity, foster AI research and development investments and promote collaboration between academia and commercial entities. The grant supports projects in various areas, including AI, digital trust, knowledge and data representation, technology for sustainability, quantum computing and other emerging technologies. Applications for this grant are open annually (MDIA, 2024[7]). In 2024, 15 applications were accepted for funding through this initiative.	EUR 120 000 estimated annual budget
TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award (TOSFA)	2014, renewed in 2023	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 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 EUR 150 000 in 2023 (University of Malta, 2024[8]). In 2024, several AI-related projects were funded through TOSFA (TAKEOFF, 2024[9]).	EUR 150 000 in 2023
Technology Assurance Sandbox	2021	The sandbox managed by the MDIA offers a secure environment for individuals or companies to test solutions based on innovative technologies such as blockchain and AI. The sandbox ensures that solutions meet recognised standards for safety and security (MDIA, 2024[10]).	Less than EUR 1 million
Data Sandbox	In development	The data sandbox managed by the MDIA 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.	Not reported
Malta Tech Entrepreneurship Community and Innovator Hub (DiHubMT)	2023	The EDIH in Malta, known as the DiHubMT and managed by the MDIA, provides comprehensive digital transformation services for SMEs, midcap companies and public sector organisations. Operating as a strategic one-stop shop, the DiHubMT offers targeted support in critical technological domains such as AI, cybersecurity, HPC, augmented and virtual reality, three-dimensional printing and drone and robotics technologies. The hub aims to enhance digital competitiveness, provide technical “test before invest” support, develop evidence-based policy making and bridge connections between the private sector, the European Commission and the Maltese government. The hub operates from a physical workspace in Mriehel, Malta, and through a digital platform online (MDIA, 2025[11]).	EUR 5.6 million (50% national funds)
Digital Technologies Programme	2024 - ongoing	The Digital Technologies Programme, led by government agency Xjenza Malta, 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 (Xjenza Malta, 2025[12]).	EUR 600 000 in 2024 which excludes committed funds for following years
Start-up Finance	2024	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-up undertakings and academic research in AI. The financial support is provided as a repayable advance.	EUR 21 million per annum
University of Malta	Not reported	The University of Malta has established an AI excellence research centre through its Department of Artificial Intelligence 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, financial technology (fintech), big data, creative technologies, text processing, the Internet of Things, data science, AI in education, generative AI and computer vision (University of Malta, 2024[13]). The AI research group at the Institute of Digital Games is actively engaged in cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI and games. The group has received numerous awards for their contributions to fields such as AI, machine learning, affective computing, creative computing and player modelling. The University of Malta conducts a significant amount of funded research projects in various AI fields. Several university faculties, centres and institutes participate in such projects including, among others, the Department of AI and the Institute of Digital Games. The research specialisations include machine learning, deep learning, digital games, virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics, fintech, big data, creative technologies, text processing, the Internet of Things, data science, AI in education, generative AI, and computer vision. The University has approved the setting up of a research cluster titled ‘AI@UM’ championed by the Faculty of ICT, to promote and coordinate inter-university multidisciplinary research on AI.	EUR 1 176 000 annual budget: research group and AI department
Business Development (not AI‑specific)	2024	The Business Development scheme aims to facilitate value-added projects, including new business initiatives, start-ups, expansions and transformation activities that contribute to the regional development of Malta. Businesses may review and re-engineer their processes to enhance the use of digital technology. Aid is granted in the form of cash grants or tax credits. This service is offered by the DiHubMT (Malta Enterprise, 2024[14]).	Overall budget: EUR 63 million; EUR 9 million per annum
Innovation Aid for SMEs (not AI‑specific)	2024	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 and knowledge-dissemination organisations and access to innovation advisory and support services. This service is offered by the DiHubMT (Malta Enterprise, 2024[15]).	EUR 1 million per annum
Smart and Sustainable Investment Grant (not AI-specific)	2024	The Smart and 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 (Malta Enterprise, 2024[16]).	Overall budget: EUR 6 million

Ensure AI technologies work for people

Nurture talent and improve the supply of skills necessary to enable a thriving AI ecosystem

Malta has established a range of educational initiatives to develop AI skills and knowledge across different levels of education. These include programmes such as the Future Innovators Summer School introducing young students to digital innovation, and projects like PAIDEIA focused on integrating AI into teaching practices. Higher education offerings encompass specialised courses in AI applications, from environmental sciences to Industry 4.0, while the MDIA Pathfinder Digital Scholarship supports postgraduate studies in AI and related fields. The AI for Education pilot project demonstrates efforts to implement AI-powered learning tools within the education system.

Box 1. In focus: EducationAI application

Launched in September 2022, the EducationAI application (Fair AI Educator, FAIE) is an initiative designed to transform Malta’s education system through AI-powered personalised learning. The application addresses systemic educational challenges by providing tailored learning experiences to students based on their individual needs and competency levels, ensuring equal access to quality education regardless of students’ social or academic backgrounds.

The application serves as a dynamic platform for personalised teaching, learning and assessment, offering real-time feedback and predictive analytics to identify and address potential learning difficulties. Designed specifically to improve mathematics learning outcomes for primary school students, FAIE provides personalised and adaptive AI-generated activities, including video-format exercises and gamification elements that boost motivation and engagement. Accessibility features further enhance inclusivity, such as text-to-speech functionality for children with low vision, visual cues to guide focus and amplified sound for students with auditory challenges. Complementing these accessibility features, the Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills (DDLTS) supports digital education through its one‑tablet-per-child initiative and has equipped schools with AI-enabled examination reader pens to assist students with reading difficulties.

Targeted at Malta’s compulsory education system, the application supports approximately 55 000 students. It is particularly impactful for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including children at risk of poverty, with disabilities or from minority communities. By adapting content in real time to students’ unique needs, the application is helping to close achievement gaps and empower learners to reach their full potential.

Funded under Malta’s national AI strategy with a budget of EUR 775 000, FAIE highlights the country’s commitment to leveraging AI technologies for social impact. Early assessments indicate significant academic improvements, particularly among low-performing students, with performance gains of up to 35% over a period of 4 months. As a scalable and transformative tool, the application exemplifies Malta’s vision for an AI-driven educational system that fosters equity and excellence in learning.

Source: MDIA (2025[17]), Malta AI Strategy & Vision 2030, https://mdia.gov.mt/national-strategies/malta-ai-strategy-and-vision/2019-strategy-and-vision/strategic-pillars-and-enablers/.

Table 3. Ensure AI technologies work for people: Key initiatives

Name	Start year	Short description (main goals)	Funding (including EU funding use)
Future Innovators Summer School and Future Innovators Plus (not AI-specific)	2024	The Future Innovators Summer School and Future Innovators Plus are initiatives by the MDIA, in collaboration with the University of Malta, MCAST, the Malta Innovation Forum and Malta’s Esplora Interactive Science Centre. These programmes include two summer schools and bootcamps and one winter bootcamp, aimed at introducing young students to digital innovation, including AI. This involves using digital technologies to create new or improved products, services, processes, and business models (MDIA, 2024[18]; 2024[19]).	Future Innovators 2024: EUR 38 000; Gozo Summer School: EUR 15 000
PAIDEIA	2023	The PAIDEIA project is designed to upskill teachers in the use of AI in education and to develop an AI-related competency framework. This competency framework aims to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to integrate AI into teaching practices (PAIDEIA, 2024[20]).	EUR 106 000
Community of Professional Educators (CoPE) sessions (not AI‑specific)	2017- ongoing	CoPE sessions are designed to enhance the professional development of teachers in Malta. These sessions aim to provide educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to improve their teaching practices and stay updated with the latest educational trends. Organised by the DDLTS, the CoPE sessions cover a range of topics, including digital literacy and the integration of AI in education (University of Malta, 2019[21]).	Not reported (funded by national funds)
Master in Artificial Intelligence for Industry 4.0	Not reported	The Master in Artificial Intelligence for Industry 4.0 is a 90-credit European Qualifications Framework (EQF) Level 7 course offered by MCAST. This programme focuses on the application of AI in business contexts. It equips students with the necessary skills to solve business challenges and gain a competitive advantage through AI technologies (MCAST, 2024[22]). Furthermore, the University of Malta offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (taught and research, mainly by research). This is a degree course in one specific branch of information and communication technology that deals with simulating intelligence within real-world applications. Designed for both working professionals and recent graduates, the programme builds a comprehensive understanding of AI fundamentals before students specialise in a specific thematic area (astronomy, big data, computer vision, fintech, geosciences, robotics or statistics) or pursue advanced general AI studies prior to their dissertation work. The programme includes potential internship opportunities with industry partners, which can be integrated into applied projects or final dissertation work (University of Malta, 2024[23]). During the 2024/25 academic year, 89 students were enrolled in this master’s programme (Univeristy of Malta, 2024[24]).	Not reported
MDIA Pathfinder Digital Scholarship	2022	The scholarship, established by the MDIA, aims to support postgraduate education and doctoral level studies in fields such as AI, information security, quantum computing, machine learning, neural networks, and robotics (https://mdia.gov.mt/services/pathfinder-digital-scholarship/).	EUR 120 000 per annum (total funding pool)
Machine Learning and Computer Vision for the Environmental Sciences course	Not reported	The University of Malta offers a course focusing on applying machine learning and computer vision techniques to geosciences. Students develop practical skills in using AI technologies to address environmental challenges, preparing them for research and professional applications in natural sciences (University of Malta, 2025[25]).	Not reported
AI for Education pilot project	2024	The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation is developing an AI-powered adaptive learning system scheduled for implementation in 2024-25. The project aims to deliver personalised learning programmes and support teachers in student assessment. With EUR 150 000 funding, partially supported by the national AI strategy, this initiative represents a key step in integrating AI technology into Malta’s education system (MDIA, 2025[17]).	EUR 150 000, partially funded by the national AI strategy

Build strategic leadership in priority sectors

Malta has implemented AI initiatives across several priority sectors. In the field of environmental management, projects focus on utilities optimisation and heritage preservation. The health sector combines AI applications for medical imaging and patient care with professional training programmes. Public sector initiatives include an AI chatbot for government services and frameworks for responsible AI use. In transport, AI supports traffic management and intelligent transport systems, while agricultural applications range from pest management to price forecasting.

State of AI in healthcare

Malta’s health data governance is outlined in the National Health Systems Strategy for 2023-2030, which emphasises the implementation of a Digital Health Strategic Roadmap. Central to this roadmap is the establishment of governing bodies, such as the National Digital Health Authority, designed to align with European Health Data Space regulations (The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, 2022[26]). Malta’s centralised health system has enabled significant investments in infrastructure and legislation, resulting in the development of a unified health information strategy, electronic patient records, which enhances healthcare data management (MDIA, 2019[1]).

A notable advancement is the introduction of a legal framework on the secondary processing of personal data, which facilitates research efforts while safeguarding individual privacy (Government of Malta, 2019[27]). In the field of AI, Malta was among the first countries to adopt a national AI strategy with health as one of the priority sectors (MDIA, 2019[1]).

Table 4. Build strategic leadership in priority sectors: Key initiatives

Name	Start year	Short description (main goals)	Funding (including EU funding use)
Climate and environment
AI for better utilities pilot project	Not reported	The pilot project aims to collect, organise and analyse current data on water and energy usage to identify patterns and other insights for improving efficiency, resilience and stability across Malta’s energy and water networks. The initiative aims to establish a foundation for advancing Malta’s smart grid infrastructure.	EUR 376 000 from the national AI strategy
Environmental Degradation of Malta’s Megalithic Temples (MEGALITH)	2023	The University of Malta has secured research funding under Xjenza Malta’s Fusion R&I Research Excellence Programme (REP-2023-031). The MEGALITH project uses AI models trained on simulation data to understand and mitigate environmental impacts on Malta’s megalithic temples. The AI models predict stone degradation under various meteorological and climate change scenarios, aiding in preservation efforts (University of Malta, 2023[28]).	EUR 80 000
Health
To Be Seen and To Be Heard (Arani u Ismagħni)	2024	The Societal Impact of Pain Malta Platform launched the To Be Seen and To Be Heard patient empowerment project (Malta Health Network, 2024[29]). This initiative, supported by the Malta Health Network, focuses on empowering patients by promoting self-management, enhancing patient-professional communication and ensuring that patients are actively involved in their healthcare decisions.	Not reported
National Health Systems Strategy for Malta 2023-2030	2022	The Digital Health Strategic Roadmap aims to meet the needs of citizens, patients and health professionals, focusing on enabling patient-centred care. It is a foundation for system integration and continuity of care across the healthcare ecosystem (The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, 2022[26]).	Not reported
AI training for healthcare professionals	Not reported	AI training is available for all healthcare professionals through the Institute for the Public Services. The curriculum includes an Artificial Intelligence Introduction module, which covers fundamental AI concepts and their applications in healthcare. Additionally, healthcare professionals can attend various AI and healthcare courses and receive refunds of up to EUR 1 165 per year.	Not reported
RapidAI solution	Ongoing	This AI-powered imaging solution 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 Hospitals, particularly for stroke and aneurysm treatment.	EUR 206 000 (from Ministry for Health and Active Ageing)
Robotics project at Mater Dei Hospital	2023	Mater Dei Hospital uses advanced robotic systems to assist surgeons during operations. These systems improve surgical precision, reduce recovery times and enhance patient outcomes, ensuring safer and more efficient procedures.	Not reported
AI for Healthcare pilot project - forecasting application	Not reported	This AI-driven tool for budgeting, procurement and inventory management in healthcare predicts future outcomes using data analysis and management insights, helping optimise costs, ensure resource supply and prepare for fluctuations in demand.	EUR 300 000
Public sector
AI chatbot	2023	This AI-powered government chatbot, providing 24-hour/7-days-a-week assistance to users seeking information about public services enhancing accessibility and user engagement, is designed to streamline enquiries and reduce wait times, ensuring citizens receive timely and accurate information about various government services (Servizz.gov, 2025[30]).	EUR 590 000 (funded from the national AI strategy)
Policy on the use of generative AI	2024	The Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) has issued the Government of Malta ICT (GMICT) Generative AI Tools Usage Policy in September 2024. It covers the responsible applicability, human-centred accountability and transparency, security and safety, data confidentiality, responsible innovation and complaints handling aspects pertaining to the usage of such tools within the Maltese Public Administration (MITA, 2025[31])	Not reported
AI training courses	2024	The Institute for the Public Service has integrated AI training into its curriculum, including an Artificial Intelligence Introduction module covering fundamental concepts, applications and machine learning. The training aims to enhance public officers’ capabilities in applying AI technologies for improved service delivery.	EUR 740
Mobility
AI for traffic management pilot project	Not reported	The AI pilot project on transport aims to integrate AI into the country’s traffic control systems (traffic lights) and geographic information systems. The objectives of this pilot include: i) reducing congestion and emissions; ii) identifying patterns in transport behaviours; iii) delivering insights for intelligent journey planning and scheduling of public transport; and iv) assisting with monitoring, policing, and enforcement (MDIA, 2019[1]).	Private funding; there is no state budget allocated for such initiatives; the government’s role was from a regulatory perspective, to change to legislation allowing the use of autonomous vehicles on Maltese roads
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)	Ongoing	The ITS project in Malta aims to reduce the negative impact of traffic through AI-driven initiatives. These include optimising traffic rerouting to improve flow and reduce congestion, co‑ordinating road closures and implementing no/low traffic zones to enhance urban environments. The project also focuses on enhancing route planning through national access points and promoting multimodal transport for seamless mobility.	EUR 4-6 million
Agriculture/forestry/rural development
Agricultural Research and Innovation Hub (AgriHub)	Not reported	The AgriHub, under the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, facilitates collaboration between researchers, innovators and farmers. The initiative focuses on developing Malta’s first local integrated pest management programmes for key crops, using AI-enabled monitoring systems and remote data collection for efficient pest management (Government of Malta, 2025[32]).	EUR 250 000
Fruit and vegetable price monitoring and forecasting	Not reported	The Malta Food Agency is planning to implement a project focused on monitoring and forecasting the prices of fruits and vegetables. The project will leverage advanced technologies, including AI, to analyse market data and predict future price movements.	EUR 50 000

References

[32] Government of Malta (2025), Agriculture Research and Innovation Hub (AGRIHUB), https://ruralaffairs.gov.mt/en/agrihub/.

[27] Government of Malta (2019), Processing of Personal Data (Secondary Processing) (Health Sector) Regulations, https://doi.org/eli/ln/2019/263 (accessed on 8 November 2024).

[33] Government of Malta (n.d.), AI in Education, Directorate for Digital Literacy & Transversal Skills, https://digitalliteracy.skola.edu.mt/ai-in-education/.

[14] Malta Enterprise (2024), Business Development, https://maltaenterprise.com/businessdevelopment.

[6] Malta Enterprise (2024), Driving Innovation in Malta’s Semiconductor Industry, https://maltaenterprise.com/node/1855.

[15] Malta Enterprise (2024), Innovate - Innovation Aid for SMEs - Incentive Guidelines, https://maltaenterprise.com/sites/default/files/Innovate%20-%20Innovation%20Aid%20for%20SMEs%20-%20Incentive%20Guidelines%20V%201.0%20%5B01.2024%5D.pdf.

[16] Malta Enterprise (2024), Smart and Sustainable Investment Grant - Incentive Guidelines, https://maltaenterprise.com/sites/default/files/Smart%20and%20Sustainability%20-%20Incentive%20Guidelines%20V1.0%2002.04.2024.pdf.

[29] Malta Health Network (2024), To be seen and to be heard, https://www.maltahealthnetwork.org/to-be-seen-and-to-be-heard/.

[22] MCAST (2024), Master in Artificial Intelligence for Industry 4.0, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, https://mcast.edu.mt/courses/ri7-06-21/.

[11] MDIA (2025), DiHubMT – European Digital Innovation Hub, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, https://mdia.gov.mt/services/dihubmt-european-digital-innovation-hub/.

[17] MDIA (2025), Malta AI Strategy & Vision 2030, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, https://mdia.gov.mt/national-strategies/malta-ai-strategy-and-vision/2019-strategy-and-vision/strategic-pillars-and-enablers/.

[7] MDIA (2024), AI Applied Research Grant (MARG), Malta Digital Innovation Authority, https://mdia.gov.mt/services/mdia-applied-research-grant/.

[18] MDIA (2024), Future Innovators Summer School, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, https://mdia.gov.mt/services/future-innovators-summer-school/.

[19] MDIA (2024), Future Innovators Summer School Plus, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, https://mdia.gov.mt/services/future-innovators-summer-school-plus/.

[3] MDIA (2024), National AI Strategy and Vision Realignment, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, https://mdia.gov.mt/national-strategies/malta-ai-strategy-and-vision/2025-strategy-and-vision/.

[2] MDIA (2024), Strategic Pillars Enablers - Malta AI Strategy & Vision 2030, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, https://mdia.gov.mt/national-strategies/malta-ai-strategy-and-vision/2019-strategy-and-vision/strategic-pillars-and-enablers/.

[10] MDIA (2024), Technology Assurance Sandbox, Malta Digital Innovation Authority.

[1] MDIA (2019), Malta the Ultimate AI Launchpad: A Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, https://malta.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Malta_The_Ultimate_AI_Launchpad_vFinal.pdf.

[31] MITA (2025), Malta ICT (GMICT) Generative AI Tools Usage Policy, Malta Information Technology Agency, https://mita.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GMICT_P_0123_Use-of-Generative-AI-Tools.pdf (accessed on 11 December 2024).

[5] MITA (2023), Homepage, Malta Information Technology Agency, http://www.cloud.gov.mt/ (accessed on 12 August 2024).

[4] MITA (2023), Public Administration Data Strategy 2023-2027, Malta Information Technology Agency, https://mita.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Public-Administration-Data-Strategy-2023.pdf (accessed on 12 December 2024).

[20] PAIDEIA (2024), About PAIDEIA, Preparing teachers for the AI Development in Education as an Innovative Asset, https://www.paideiaproject.eu/about-paideia/.

[30] Servizz.gov (2025), Online Guide to Government Services, https://www.servizz.gov.mt/en/Pages/default.aspx.

[9] TAKEOFF (2024), TAKEOFF Seed Fund Awards 2024.

[26] The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing (2022), A National Health Systems Strategy for Malta 2023 - 2030, The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, https://health.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A_National_Health_Systems_Strategy_for_Malta_2023_-_2030_Investing_Successfully_for_a_Healthy_Future_EN.pdf.

[24] Univeristy of Malta (2024), Student Statistics by F/I/C/S, Course and Area of Study, https://www.um.edu.mt/media/um/docs/about/factsandfigures/students2024-5.pdf.

[25] University of Malta (2025), Machine Learning and Computer Vision for the Environmental Sciences, https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/studyunit/GSC3202.

[23] University of Malta (2024), Artificial Intelligence [Taught and Research (Mainly by Research)], https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/pmsciaripet7-2025-6-o/.

[13] University of Malta (2024), Department of Artificial Intelligence, https://www.um.edu.mt/ict/ai/.

[8] University of Malta (2024), TAKEOFF Seed Fund Awards 2024, https://takeoff.org.mt/seedfundawards/tosfa-2024/.

[28] University of Malta (2023), “AI employed in the safeguarding of the Megalithic Temples of Malta - The MEGALITH project”, https://www.um.edu.mt/newspoint/news/2023/11/ai-employed-in-the-safeguarding-of-the-megalithic-temples-of-malta-the-megalith-project.

[21] University of Malta (2019), “Community of Professional Educators’ sessions”, https://www.um.edu.mt/newspoint/news/2019/06/communityofprofessionaleducatorssessions.

[12] Xjenza Malta (2025), Digital Technologies Programme 2025, Science Malta, https://xjenzamalta.mt/digital-technologies-programme/.

This work is published under the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Member countries of the OECD or of the European Union.

The names and representation of countries and territories used in this publication follow the practice of the OECD.

This document was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

This document, as well as any data and map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area.

The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of international law.

Specific territorial disclaimers applicable to the OECD:

Note by the Republic of Türkiye

The information in this document with reference to “Cyprus” relates to the southern part of the Island. There is no single authority representing both Turkish and Greek Cypriot people on the Island. Türkiye recognises the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Until a lasting and equitable solution is found within the context of the United Nations, Türkiye shall preserve its position concerning the “Cyprus issue”.

Note by all the European Union Member States of the OECD and the European Union

The Republic of Cyprus is recognised by all members of the United Nations with the exception of Türkiye. The information in this document relates to the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.

Kosovo: This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/99 and the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on Kosovo’s declaration of independence.

 

The full book is available in English: OECD (2025), Progress in Implementing the European Union Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence (Volume 1): Member States’ Actions, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/533c355d-en.

 

© OECD 2025

Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

This work is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. By using this work, you accept to be bound by the terms of this licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Attribution – you must cite the work.

Translations – you must cite the original work, identify changes to the original and add the following text: In the event of any discrepancy between the original work and the translation, only the text of the original work should be considered valid.

Adaptations – you must cite the original work and add the following text: This is an adaptation of an original work by the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed in this adaptation should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its Member countries.

Third-party material – the licence does not apply to third-party material in the work. If using such material, you are responsible for obtaining permission from the third party and for any claims of infringement.

You must not use the OECD logo, visual identity or cover image without express permission or suggest the OECD endorses your use of the work.

Any dispute arising under this licence shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) Arbitration Rules 2012. The seat of arbitration shall be Paris (France). The number of arbitrators shall be one.