Microsoft to drive AI technology for a more sustainable Gozo

Microsoft Malta is supporting Government in a newly launched project in Gozo called The Gozo Innovation Hub. This was announced today during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Gozo, Malta Industrial Parks, Malta Enterprise and MCAST.

This was announced this week during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Gozo, Malta Industrial Parks, Malta Enterprise and MCAST.

Located in Xewkija, this project is being piloted by Malta Industrial Parks and will act as an incubator to attract knowledge companies and digital innovation enterprises to use it as a base and by Gozitan start-ups and ICT companies to relocate and operate from Gozo.

One such company is J2 Software, a Gozitan business and a Microsoft accredited Partner that will be basing itself at the Gozo Innovation Hub, effectively giving Microsoft’s products a presence in Gozo.

The launch of The Hub, at the Gozo Ministry, was addressed by Evangelos Christafidis, CEE Government Lead at Microsoft who explained how Microsoft Malta, together with its partners J2 Software, will be collaborating also with international partners in the field of Artificial Intelligence to work on AI projects across four key areas namely Transport, Healthcare, Education and Culture.

“All this is part of Microsoft’s CityNext project, a global initiative through which we help cities around the world become more competitive, sustainable, and prosperous. With our partners, Microsoft is working with cities to engage their citizens, empower city employees, optimize city operations and infrastructure, and transform to accelerate innovation and opportunity. The portfolio organizes solution categories across five broad functional areas: Digital Cities, Educated Cities, Healthier Cities, Safer Cities, and Sustainable Cities. We are proud to be part of this project, a leap for Gozo and its people,” said Evangelos Christafidis.

Brian Darmanin, Managing Director of J2 Software explained how J2 Software Group was formed 20 years ago and today is investing with Microsoft to step in a new era of AI, machine learning and augmented reality amongst others.

“Together with Microsoft, we will be developing a centre of excellence and creating quality jobs for Gozitans to bring more sustainability to Gozo. Sustainability is crucial and today, we have technology and all the tools to achieve sustainability in the way we live, how we work and how we travel. Never as much as today have we been proud of being Microsoft Partners. It is an opportunity for us to push for true change in Gozo,” said Brian Darmanin.