Malta has once again solidified its reputation as a hub for innovation by retaining its fourth‐place ranking in Europe, as highlighted in the 2024 Startup Nations Standard (SNS) Report by the Europe Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA). Evaluated among 24 EU countries, the report underscores Malta’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, entrepreneur‐friendly ecosystem through strategic initiatives in talent attraction, digital transformation, and regulatory innovation.

A beacon for talent and digital excellence

The SNS Report praises Malta for its remarkable performance in critical areas that underpin a thriving startup ecosystem. In particular, Malta achieved a perfect 100% score in:

Talent attraction & retention: Through targeted programmes, Malta draws top-tier talent—especially within the tech sector—encouraging skilled professionals to relocate and contribute to the burgeoning local innovation landscape.
Digital transformation: With all government services available online, Malta stands out as a leader in digital public administration, ensuring smooth and efficient interactions for startups and businesses.

Since 2020, Malta’s startup ecosystem has experienced significant growth. Sixty-six projects have been approved under the Startup Finance Scheme, attracting €30 million in funding and creating over 145 high‐quality jobs. Startups in Malta now boast average wages of €45,000—double the national average—with the highest‐paying companies offering around €71,248. These impressive figures underscore the country’s economic dynamism and its role as a magnet for innovation and knowledge transfer. In this article you can find the 10 of the most promising startups in Malta.

Strategic initiatives driving future growth

Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri emphasised Malta’s commitment to further strengthening its startup ecosystem, stating, “Our vision is clear – we want Malta to be the ideal destination for startups and entrepreneurs. By continuously refining our support structures and attracting international businesses, we are laying the groundwork for long‐term economic growth. Malta Enterprise plays a crucial role in these efforts, ensuring that Malta remains a top contender for innovation and investment.”

Alongside Malta Enterprise, which plays a pivotal role in bolstering this ecosystem, initiatives such as DiHubMT by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) provide essential mentorship, incubator services, and access to cutting-edge workspaces and equipment. Looking ahead, the planned introduction of a High‐Performance Computer (HPC) in 2025 is set to further enhance local research capabilities, reducing the need for expensive overseas studies.

Celebrating innovation 

Additionally, the Startup Festival and the EU-Startups Summit have been instrumental in the country’s startup ecosystem, bringing together established startups and aspiring entrepreneurs under one roof, offering networking opportunities, and serving as a platform for collaboration and growth.

Don’t miss the 11th edition of the EU-Startups Summit this 2025. Taking place on April 24-25, this exclusive, in-person event is the meeting place for Europe’s best startups and investors, with expectations to draw over 2,500 founders, startup enthusiasts, corporates, angel investors, venture capitalists, and media professionals from across the continent. Learn more and secure your tickets here.

A vision for a resilient, future-ready economy

Malta Enterprise CEO George Gregory highlighted this achievement, stating: “Maintaining our 4th place position in the 2024 SNS Report is a testament to Malta Enterprise’s ongoing efforts to create a supportive and competitive startup ecosystem. We are particularly proud of our leadership in talent attraction and digital services, and we remain committed to further strengthening our startup environment.”

Malta’s startup ecosystem is a key pillar of Malta Vision 2050, a long‐term strategic framework designed to guide the country toward a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future. By fostering a dynamic startup environment, Malta is laying the foundation for a resilient economy driven by technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Startups will play a crucial role in this vision, creating new industries, high‐value jobs, and ensuring that Malta remains at the forefront of global innovation.