Visiting AquaBioTech, Owen Bonnici described the company as a “clear example of how research and innovation are key in the development of important economic activities and the improvement of practices and uses on the international level.”

Dr Bonnici, who leads the Ministry for Research, Innovation and Co-ordination of post-Covid-19 Strategy, continued, saying “the Government is intent on building a robust ecosystem of innovation so that more companies are able to successfully commercialise their own research in the various economic sectors”.

The Ministry hailed AquaBioTech for its development of a proprietary aquaculture technology “which is now exported all over the world”.

Its “research activities span from the next-generation aquaculture systems (aquaculture 4.0) and marine biotechnology applications to the multi-use of marine space and climate change impacts,” the Ministry said.

During his visit, Dr Bonnici was shown around by the chief executive officer of the company, Shane Hunter and the business development director George Mantas.

AquaBioTech Group, which was established in 1996, provides services and technology to the aquaculture sector, including a variety of consulting and engineering aquaculture, fisheries, and aquatic environmental projects throughout the world, such as the design, construction, and operation of state-of-the-art aquaculture facilities.

In its research and innovation centre at its premises in Mosta, the company carries out contract research activities for leading aquaculture companies globally.