The Malta A.I. & Blockchain Summit aims to shine a light on the practical application of emerging technologies, says Sophie Crouzet, events director at Malta A.I. & Blockchain Summit.

From the first successful edition of the Malta Blockchain Summit last year, you have now added AI to the pitch and increased the editions to two: Spring and Winter. How will such changes improve the event?

When it comes to blockchain, AI and deep tech, 12 months can be a lifetime. With the market undergoing such intense periods of innovation, we felt it necessary to cover this sector much more frequently, particularly in the light of heavy demand from both businesses and the public. We have also added new verticals, such as Quantum Tech, Big Data and AI to the fray, as many of these fields see significant cross-over.

Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Ultimately the show aims to shine a light on the practical application of these emerging technologies as they converge with the business sphere, while moving in tandem with the fast-paced change we’re currently experiencing.

What added logistics have these developments added to your plate? 

Aside from the added research needed to pull off something of this scale, an extra show always doubles our operations, as we use a single formula that we apply to every event we take on, namely: a buzzing exhibition which focuses on stakeholders within the industries, and a conference with top speakers and experts to cover the latest industry trends.

Also key is a series of satellite events bringing premier networking opportunities to the fore. We believe wining and dining are essential when it comes to engaging people and fostering stronger business ties.

In addition to this, we hope to reflect the more global approach we will be taking this year – mirroring this vision through our conference topics and in the variety of attendees and speakers we attract to the show. This certainly adds another facet that requires close and careful attention.

Is AI the natural companion to blockchain? 

AI is a natural partner to any tech sector where automation and learning is an integral component to its development. Blockchain’s immutable and decentralised nature makes it a perfect data storage solution – the combination with AI technology allows for valuable analysis of that data, making these two technologies a match made in heaven. This is especially useful in areas of industry such as healthcare. AI also nicely complements all sectors in general, as it allows for the mass reduction of man hours and labour.

Since the first edition of the Malta Blockchain Summit held last year, how has the local blockchain and AI context developed?

Initially the push was focused on blockchain and the development of ICOs. This has recently changed with an application for business taking priority. Additionally, the government has taken huge strides in AI through the establishment of the Malta AI task force, which was set up to introduce a national AI strategy in Malta. Part of this strategy includes bringing the practical uses of AI technology to the mainstream by providing support in bridging the knowledge gap, which is crucial, particularly in light of the many companies looking to set up shop here in recent months.

We have tried to reflect this focus in our events – we’re bringing more technicity to our conferences, and going beyond the hype of crypto by focusing on the all-important business applications and the technology that lies behind them.

What are the highlights for the Spring Edition of the Malta AI & Blockchain Summit?

We have a stellar line-up of speakers already on the books – these include individuals like Noel Sharkey, Tim Draper, Tone Vays, Amanda Sharkey, Brock Pierce and Patrick Chang. These are all at the forefront of their field and it’s going to be a treat to listen to what they have to say.

Companies will also be looking at developing this technology and applying it across not only private but potentially public-and-government-run businesses. AI and blockchain are turning a corner and we are proud to feature some of the best use cases being presented at our show.

We are also pushing the start-up ecosystem and initiatives related to deep technologies by offering 100 start-ups a booth for free.

You recently announced an ambitious expansion plan, with new SiGMA offices on the books for Dubai, Hong Kong as well as Manila. How will the SiGMA brand translate in the East?

Growth on a national level will allow us to create an interconnected highway of regions, with all the right links and resources that will allow businesses to adapt to new industry. We plan to base ourselves in these hubs to help companies reach out through our networks, allowing us to foster more businesses opportunities across continents, while shining a light on the vast potential the Asian marketplace has to offer.

And what are your plans for Malta?

As our headquarters, Malta will always remain at the heart of our operations. It is with this in mind that part of the focus for 2020 will centre on expanding the team in our Maltese office. The idea is to push Malta on the international stage as the European hub for such initiatives and to bridge the gap between these regions while facilitating business between them.