Malta AI and Blockchain Summit: Connecting passionate innovators with cutting edge technology
Among the thousands of conferences and gatherings happening in the blockchain space, it can be a difficult task to find the right place to be for you to be. The Malta AI & Blockchain Summit (AIBC) is the place for those looking for the best connections and the great opportunities to learn about the latest developments of innovative technologies.
Considered one of the flagship Blockchain events, the Malta AI and Blockchain Summit brings together the most important names in the industry and showcases the state-of-the-art technology. The Summit is a bi-annual expo, covering topics relating to the global sectors for Blockchain, AI, Big Data, IoT, and Quantum technologies.
The third edition is to take place on 7th and 8th of November in St. Julian’s, Malta and is expected to have more than 10,000 global attendees, a great leap from its first edition in November 2018 which counted with 8,000 guests.
Some of the previous high profile and key note speakers include AI VIP Sophia the Robot, the world’s first robot citizen and John McAfee, the famous British-American computer programmer and businessman.
With the dynamism of the new technologies and innovations coming into play, the Malta AIBC summit promises to deliver on the ideals of blockchain, AI, quantum technology, big data and the internet of things. It creates an ideal environment and the perfect opportunity for investors, innovators and aspiring leaders to come together and help empower people.
In addition to the Spring and Winter main events, the Malta AIBC also offers opportunities through a number of global satellite events and networking gatherings, as well as producing a bi-annual publication and news site with in-depth interviews and related content, bringing brand exposure and visibility to companies and an educational peg for enthusiasts and new comers to the industry.
Malta has become the hub for innovation in Europe, earning the reputation of ‘the Blockchain Island’. The Maltese government is very forward thinking and keen on promoting technology developments on national level to spur economic growth. The authorities are deeply involved in the making and presenting of the summit and they use the summit’s international attention to showcase their blockchain-friendly regulations, as seen with the three new government bills introduced by Malta’s prime minister and Secretary for Financial Services at the 2018 Summit.
More than attracting foreign investment and human capital, the summit serves as a platform for the Maltese government to renew its commitment to the future of the technology sector in Malta, possibly with the announcement of further regulations on the matter. The purpose is to grab a slice of an emerging market, and create an environment where cryptocurrencies can be used and traded with security under the regulatory framework.
Stefania Barbaglio, Blockchain strategist and Director at Cassiopeia Services believes Malta is a great example of successful strategy for business and investment and positive regulations: “Malta has become a role model for European nations, highlighting the role of positive legislation to boost economy and business activity. Outdated regulations and closed attitudes towards innovation can lead to elite nations losing their spot in the international investment scene. It is important that new regulations are centered around innovation and the social value of technology, so that the digital economies can flourish and develop.”
The passing of the recent laws makes Malta the pioneer nation in Europe to offer a holistic regulatory framework for Distributed Ledger Technology operations. Unlike their counterparts, Malta attempts to develop a comprehensive framework that comprises use and trade if digital currencies, ICOs, exchanges activity.
The strategy was developed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, who was also responsible for other three regulatory laws — the Innovative Technology Arrangements and Services (ITAS) Law, the Malta Digital Innovation Authority Law, and the Virtual Financial Assets (VFL) Law — that today form the cornerstones of DLT regulation in Malta and are designed to offer guidelines for companies entering the emerging sector.
The innovative mindset of the Maltese government is also reflected other economic sectors, from personal healthcare to financial technology. Because of that, Malta has been the European gateway for many policies, including the legalisation of medicinal cannabis and embracing crypto and gaming projects.
In March 2018, Malta officially legalised medical cannabis. A month later, with the Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Research Purposes Act in place, Maltese entities were able to cultivate, import, process and produce cannabis intended for medical and research purposes under a controlled and supervised environment.
These policies led to the Malta Medicines Authority gaining international reputation and prestige for its patient-centric work in the regulation of medicines. The strategy seems to be working so far: according to statistics from Eurostat, a 75% share of the population in Malta perceived their health as good or very good.
It’s not surprising to acknowledge how Malta has become the centre and a pivotal point for all of Europe as it is a preferred homeland for many leading and innovative technology companies throughout the world. More exciting news can be expected at the Winter edition of the Malta AIBC Summit. You can purchase your tickets for the winter edition summit to be held on 7–8 of November 2019 at the hotel Intercontinental in St Julian’s here.
