On April 24-25, 2025, the EU-Startups Summit returns to Malta, bringing together many of Europe’s most promising founders, startup enthusiasts, and investors for two days of networking, inspiration and learning.
Malta is emerging as a prime hub for startups and scale-ups looking to establish and expand in Europe. But what does it take to launch and scale successfully in the country? From funding opportunities and strategic partnerships to navigating regulatory landscapes, our panel “How to Successfully Launch & Scale in Malta” will explore the key factors that drive business growth in this dynamic ecosystem.
To dive into this discussion, we’ve assembled four leading figures from Malta’s business and innovation landscape:
George Gregory – Malta Enterprise
George Gregory is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in accounting and strategic advisory roles. He holds ACCA qualifications from the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants. Throughout his career, Mr Gregory has served as a partner in several top-tier firms. In this capacity, he led numerous high-profile engagements, including acquisitions, restructuring, and strategic advisory projects, focusing on both commercial and taxation aspects. On September 9, 2024, Mr Gregory assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Malta Enterprise, the national economic development agency. Mr Gregory is leveraging his extensive experience to attract high-value activities to Malta, aiming to ensure sustainable economic growth that benefits the nation.
JJ Miceli Demajo – M. Demajo Group
As CEO of M. Demajo Group, one of Malta’s most established business entities, JJ Miceli Demajo leads a diversified organisation spanning ICT, engineering, manufacturing, corporate services, and tourism. With 20 years at the company, he has held top leadership roles across multiple sectors and sits on several corporate boards. Under his leadership, M. Demajo Group continues to drive innovation, expand investments, and support startup growth in Malta’s evolving business landscape.
Keith Azzopardi – Smart Materials
Keith is the Founder & CEO of Smart Materials, a pioneering Malta-based company which started in 2020 specialising in advanced material technologies. He also co-founded Thought3D, the company behind Magigoo and Drywise, which has gained global recognition for its contributions to 3D printing materials and adhesives. As a key player in Malta’s deep-tech and manufacturing sector, Keith is at the forefront of scaling innovation and supporting high-tech startups.
Mark is the Chairman of Bajada Group, a leader in renewable energy, engineering, manufacturing, and hospitality. With over 30 years of experience, he has been instrumental in driving sustainable energy solutions in Malta. He also serves as Vice President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, where he helps shape the country’s business landscape and economic policies. He has backed and mentored numerous startups, including as an investor on Shark Tank Malta. His expertise in scaling businesses and fostering innovation makes him a key voice in Malta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This panel is a must-attend for entrepreneurs looking to expand in Malta, investors exploring opportunities in the region, and startup leaders keen on unlocking new growth strategies. Secure your ticket today, and stay tuned for more exciting announcements and event updates on our event page!
OUR HEADLINE SPONSOR
Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation, by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperity by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.
OUR SPONSORS
Scytale helps startups get compliant and stay compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and more, without breaking a sweat.
Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With their proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 100,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more.
EUROCROWD is an independent network organisation aiming to support and promote crowdfunding as an alternative funding mechanism for small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative projects. EUROCROWD promotes and supports the development of Crowdfunding mechanisms as a viable funding source to European entrepreneurs and funders.
M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a flagship initiative of the European Commission to turn disruptive European science into groundbreaking commercial propositions and accelerate the scale-up of “game-changing” innovations. It is a key building bloc of a reinforced European ecosystem and the New European Innovation Agenda, filling the gap between R&D support, private investors, and the market. With a budget of over €10 billion under the Horizon Europe Programme (2021-2027) it seeks to position Europe as a global leader in the current wave of deep tech innovation.