As the founder of a Maltese firm pioneering realworld applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), did you find the local business and investment landscape conducive to growth?

Malta offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for AI-driven companies like EBO. The nation’s size fosters a close-knit business community, allowing quicker, more personal interactions with stakeholders; however it also means that the graduate count and the throughput is limited. Support from local institutions exists but is limited to the economic strictures of a small nation. Most significantly, access to capital is constrained and the M&A scene remains largely static. As an AI company, we’ve benefitted from Malta’s position as a bridge between Europe and other continents. However, fostering a robust AI ecosystem necessitates a committed focus on developing digital infrastructure, promoting an innovation culture and establishing data-friendly policies to support sustained innovation at scale.

EBO.ai’s most high-profile client is in the UK – the NHS. How did that contract come about?

Our journey with the NHS began in 2019, during a time when digital transformation in healthcare was accelerating and AI was beginning to demonstrate real value. We partnered with established UK firms to introduce innovative AI solutions that address some of the NHS’s most pressing needs, such as patient waiting list management and operational efficiencies.

“Malta offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for AIdriven companies.”

Do you think a Malta-based company would have similar growth opportunities in the UK now that the country has left the EU?

Post-Brexit, opportunities for Malta-based companies in the UK may appear superficially more complex; however, demand for reliable AI solutions remains strong. Malta’s presence in the EU could offer companies like ours an advantage, particularly in showcasing AI as a pro-privacy, agile solution that transcends borders. With proactive adaptation, Malta-based tech companies can still succeed in the UK market, especially by emphasising the strength and ethical standards of EU-derived AI applications.

What advice would you give to tech entrepreneurs considering Malta as a location for their operations or R&D?

Malta offers distinct advantages, particularly for entrepreneurs focused on European markets. For tech entrepreneurs, Malta’s appeal lies in its skilled workforce and supportive regulatory environment. However, I would advise entrepreneurs to prepare for the unique challenges that come with scaling and raising capital outside of this small market. Maintaining a global perspective, forming partnerships beyond local borders and fostering a culture of adaptability are crucial. Furthermore, engaging with local networks – such as TradeMalta, Malta Enterprise, MDIA, MDB, Tech.mt, and other innovation hubs – can help entrepreneurs maximise Malta’s resources and contribute to the local ecosystem.

BMIT plc purchased a minority stake in EBO in 2020. Can you share any insights or lessons from this phase in EBO’s development?

The partnership with BMIT plc was both strategic and symbiotic, providing EBO with access to the iGaming sector while allowing BMIT to expand its digital capabilities beyond data centres to AI. For aspiring entrepreneurs, our experience highlights the importance of finding investors aligned with your long-term vision and values. Partnerships like ours demonstrate that mutual value creation can drive growth without compromising independence. A key takeaway is to approach partnerships as collaborations for innovation, not just funding, to ensure they support your company’s evolution and reinforce its mission.