Furthermore, it was interesting to learn more about the various initiatives such as startinmalta and the support measures provided by Malta Enterprise and other entities that are in place to support the startup community and industry.

We need to create a pan-European Innovation Ecosystem that is inclusive and attracts the best entrepreneurs from across the globe.

An ecosystem that will call Europe and Malta their home. 

Our mission at the European level is to continue to assist startups in finding solutions to the challenges our world is facing. By doing this they will also create new opportunities for growth.

This is why we are working towards a pan-European Innovation Ecosystem focused on deep tech startups with a hardware component and focused on addressing the Sustainable Development Goals. This is the so called new wave of innovation after digital startups.

I believe that our deep tech startups are key to creating this innovation ecosystem. They are the leading engine for job growth in Europe. For this reason, it is important that the European Commission continues to bring forward a coherent European approach on initiatives designed to support startups.

The Covid-19 crisis has brought along new challenges especially for startups. Some faced liquidity issues. For others, the crisis meant new opportunities in the areas of energy, construction, agriculture, mobility, food, education and health.

At the same time, there has been a strong momentum for the creation of new high growth start-ups during this period and a record boom of investment in startups in 2021.

I praise the European startups’ resilience, drive, ability to create, innovate and change things for the best. As innovation Commissioner, I will continue to drive bold initiatives for an innovative, prosperous and sustainable Europe. Startups will be pivotal to ensure a sustainable future for Europe and the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Maltese Society for the excellent work they are doing to build a vibrant startup ecosystem in Malta and to connect it across Europe. I look forward to visit Malta again in the near future and to meet more key actors in the startup ecosystem.