The Mediterranean island nation of Malta is all set to cement its position as a hub for cutting-edge technology this year with two mega events focused on artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.

 

The hotly anticipated Malta AI & Blockchain Summit 2019 is scheduled for the 23rd and 24th of May and has already confirmed 100 startups, 700 investors, 5000 delegates, and 300 exhibitors from across the world.

 

Supported by the Maltese government, the summit has been substantially expanded following last year’s unexpected success. Last November, hundreds of startups and developers congregated on the beautiful island of Malta to discuss potential investments, possible ventures, and the long-term outlook for the blockchain industry. The success of the event was a major stepping stone for the Maltese government, which used the flagship summit as a way to publicize regulatory efforts to support promising startups and kickstart a wave of technology innovation across the country.

 

The event is now biannual, with the winter summit scheduled for early-November, and includes a focus on artificial intelligence alongside blockchain technologies.

 

Noteworthy attendees at this year’s Spring summit include blockchain pioneering scientist W. Scott Stornetta, software magnate John McAfee, and early cryptocurrency investors the Winklevoss Twins. Attendees expect the world’s most sophisticated social humanoid robot, Sophia, to take the stage once again for a speech on recent advancements in artificial intelligence technology. According to the Times of Malta, Sophia’s speech at last year’s summit enthralled the audience and inspired the Maltese government to explore potential citizenship tests for advanced robots.

 

Other speakers include Tim Draper, the founder of Draper Associates, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Junior Minister for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Silvio Schembri.

Spread across four days, the summit’s agenda includes an industry awards ceremony, a social impact workshop, networking platforms for thought leaders, interactive sessions with regulators, a one-on-one developer marketplace for selling software products or innovative tools and a pool party at the end.

 

However, the cornerstones of this year’s summit are the competitions. Organizers have scheduled an AI startup pitch contest and an ICO/STO competition for startup teams and ambitious developers trying to kickstart their dream projects. Over 100 startups will be selected to showcase their products and initiatives throughout the event, allowing the most promising entrepreneurs a chance to raise funds, seek mentorship, and recruit top talent. Meanwhile, Pre-selected STO’s will be invited to pitch in Malta on the main stage for a chance to gain millions in early-stage funding for the most innovative ideas presented to a jury of expert investors.

According to Eman Pulis, the founder of the Malta AI & Blockchain Summit, the feedback and demand from disruptive startups was so overwhelming that the team decided to expand the days, venue, and available spots for each workshop and competition to accommodate them.

 

For more details on the Malta AI & Blockchain Summit 2019, visit www.maltablockchainsummit.com