Microsoft Malta recently inaugurated its Innovation Centre, located at Skyparks in Luqa. The MIC, of which Microsoft has around 110 in 40 countries worldwide, will be providing access to world-class resources for software developers, IT professionals, university students, academic faculties and entrepreneurs.

The centre was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi in the presence of Takuya Hirano, Microsoft multi-country general manager for Central and Eastern Europe, who was in Malta purposely for this event.

Dr Gonzi said the centre was yet another concrete step towards the creation of an innovative culture among youth and IT professionals in Malta.

In a brief address, Adrianna Zammit, Microsoft Malta’s country manager, described the MIC as the realisation of yet another dream by Microsoft in Malta and a tangible project by Microsoft to support Malta’s drive towards establishing itself as an IT force and to further encourage the thriving entrepreneurial spirit among youths.

“Everybody knows about the giant leaps and advances Malta has made over the past years to establish itself as a centre of IT excellence. This was one of the reasons that led to Microsoft’s decision to establish the MIC – a centre with clear and defined targets, namely that of training individuals in the latest technology and business skills, enhancing employability prospects within the sector and incubating new start-ups that will give life to new and exciting ideas,” said Adrianna Zammit.

The MIC will be offering specialised training and technology-related business and soft skills, workshops, prototyping opportunities, technical support and logistics to create prototypes of the innovation and collaboration with visiting experts to Malta.

“Microsoft Innovation Centers are a very special place to be especially if you happen to have a great idea, have a budding entrepreneurial spirit and want to be guided by those who have already treaded the same path before you and reached a high level of success,” added Mr Hirano.