The third edition of the Startup Festival took place in October 2023 at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) and the nearby park in Ta’ Qali, Malta. This edition showcased  keynote talks, practical workshops, an expanded exhibition area, and a mindfulness zone. It continued to facilitate matchmaking opportunities for startups and scaleups seeking investment from local and international investors. Additionally, a new pitch competition called ‘Pitch Black’ was introduced, and Malta Enterprise launched its podcast ‘Business Matters’ during the festival.

As an artist myself, I was delighted to discover a hub bustling with creative startups. Among them, Alphie Alpha stood out with his captivating watercolor artistry, and there was another startup specializing in plush toys. However, what truly piqued my interest and seemed to possess tremendous potential was a budding brand specializing in meticulously crafted handmade jewelry ‘Peprin’ The jewelry exuded exquisite beauty and intricate detail. I wholeheartedly wish the talented creator behind this venture the best of luck in her artistic journey.”

As one of my main interests is data collection, I could not help but be drawn to the digitalization section of heritage Malta.The Digitisation Unit’s primary goal is to digitally acquire cultural heritage assets using advanced tools such as photography, videography, laser scanning, photogrammetry, audio recording, drone aerial acquisition, and Reflectance Transformation Imaging. These digital artifacts are then cataloged and annotated with metadata in a collection management system (CMS) that houses the national collection. The Unit manages this CMS, which will eventually contain millions of digital artifacts, and it will make the CMS contents available to the public online following international standards.

Additionally, the Digitisation Unit aims to present digitized artifacts interactively and engagingly to the public, using multimedia to ensure that the national digital collection appeals to a wide audience. It also plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility by producing various communication content such as features, documentaries, webinars, and masterclasses.

Inspiring keynote talks have the remarkable ability to ignite the flames of motivation and drive within their audiences. These electrifying addresses are more than mere words; they are powerful catalysts for change, offering a unique blend of wisdom, insight, and passion. And one must say  that this was especially achieved during this festival.

All the Keynote speakers were accomplished experts in their respective fields. Taking the stage to share their experiences, expertise, and vision they all painted a vivid picture of their journey, highlighting the hurdles they’ve overcome and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Through their words, one could sense aspiration and achievement.

I was especially impressed by Lars Silberbauer’s keynote.

Lars has recently taken on the role of Chief Marketing Officer at Nokia Mobiles/HMD Global, transitioning from their previous position as the Global Head of Brand, Marketing, and Digital for the Olympics (IOC).

Before hisOlympic role, He served as the Senior Vice President of Viacom Digital Studios, leading teams in New York and Los Angeles, after relocating from London to New York. Prior to that, he held a significant role at LEGO as the Senior Global Director of social media & Video, responsible for the company’s global strategy and execution in various digital areas, a role that earned  him a lot of recognition  including being named one of the 25 most Innovative and influential marketers in Europe by the Holmes Report.

In his speech, he delved into the concept of eliminating dissonance in marketing, which often arises from modification, trivialization, and cognitive factors. He provided insightful solutions to address these challenges effectively.

In addition to this, he presented three key methods to conquer these hurdles. The first approach involved “peeling the brand onion,” emphasizing the importance of understanding the core purpose and existence of one’s brand. Collaborative efforts and a sense of pride in creation were also highlighted.

He concluded his keynote with a powerful message: “Do what feels right, not what feels safe.”