The buzz surrounding tech start-ups is often associated with big hubs like London and Berlin. Yet Zest, held on June 27 and 28, led by the Malta Communications Authority, exposed the extent of activity in Malta. The event also highlighted the growing relevance of developing a vibrant and diverse business ecosystem for technology enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to make the most of developments in the digital economy.

Tech start-ups are born with global aspirations. They aim to scale fast by leveraging on technology. They tend to carve new niches by disrupting what would otherwise be considered mature markets. A small team of talented tech enthusiasts working on a bright idea can lead to the next big innovation – all while working with makeshift facilities and typically running on bootstrapped resources. Success stories like Spotify, Minecraft or Skype emerged as tech start-ups with very humble beginnings.

Most importantly, these elements are not exclusive to runaway successes – similar start-ups in Malta, like Hotjar and Oulala Games, are also making an international name for themselves. Events like Zest provide the ideal environment to stimulate start-up community formation, while giving visibility to success stories and bridging bright ideas with potential investment and talent.

Zest was the first conference of its kind in Malta. Marked by its informal, no-nonsense yet fun set-up, Zest attracted over 375 delegates consisting of CEOs, investors, tech talent and relevant stakeholders. The two-day conference programme featured a line-up of 40 speakers from all corners of the globe, with talks and panel discussions focusing on industry disruption, early-stage investment, talent management, marketing and growth, and the development of the Maltese ecosystem.

Zest also offered a number of promising Maltese start-ups an opportunity to showcase their business and engage with potential partners and investors. The diverse audience, consisting of locals, expats and fly-ins, created a cosmopolitan vibe. This generated energetic networking over both days, further compounded late on Monday at the exclusive sundown party.

The objective of the event was threefold. First, the event was intended to further consolidate the start-up community in Malta and to subsequently encourage more collaboration and business networking. Secondly, the event aspired to educate current and future entrepreneurs about the present disruptive developments and encouraged them to share their experiences. Finally, the event contributed to the promotion of Malta as an attractive and promising base for tech start-up activity.

Zest was organised and financed in its main part by the MCA. The conference programme was developed in collaboration with the TakeOff Business Incubator. The event also drew on the support of a number of sponsors and partners, including Microsoft, Melita Business, Ricston UK Ltd, Konnekt and Grant Thornton.

The Times of Malta acted as the Media Partner for Zest, publishing a supplement exclusively on digital business in the run up to the event and supporting the MCA in promoting the event. Scheduit provided Zest delegates with an event app that doubled as a networking platform, while the Gadgets team carried out a number of video interviews with Zest exhibitors and delegates. At Zest, the MCA was supported by a number of public entities including Mimcol, MITA, Malta Enterprise, Trade Malta, and the Malta Council for Science and Technology.

During Zest, seven tech entrepreneurs and influencers active in the Maltese tech scene were recognised as Tech Ambassadors for Malta by the MCA. Recognitions were presented by MCA Chairman Dr Edward Woods.

Tech Ambassadors were chosen for their remarkable contribution towards the advancement of Malta’s tech entrepreneurship ecosystem. As tech ambassadors they will serve as role models for future generations and will also help to give visibility to Malta’s budding tech community.

David Vella, CEO at Altaro Software, was recognised for being a leader in supporting the Maltese community. Nathan Farrugia stood out for his ability to create sustainable ventures with a social cause. Valéry Bollier and Benjamin Carlotti, co-founders of Oulala Games, were singled out for their regular promotion of Malta on the international front. Daniel LeCoultre Galle from Sense of Nature was recognised for his engagement with local start-ups. The brain behind the launch of the TakeOff Business Incubator, Professor Juanito Camilleri was lauded for his effort to step-up the local start-up ecosystem. Jaroslaw Bialek was recognised for bringing Startup Weekend to Malta in 2013 and actively contributing to its organisation ever since.

The selection of the Tech Ambassadors was presided over by a six-member committee consisting of entrepreneurs, industry experts and policy advisors. The committee was chaired by Reinhold Karner, a global success advisor and mentor to entrepreneurs.

Visit www.zest.org.mt.

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