Day one of the Malta Startup Festival 2025 has set the stage for a powerful celebration of innovation, connection, and ambition. From the buzzing conversations to the insights shared by visionary speakers, today’s sessions have proven that Malta’s startup community is more alive and ambitious than ever.

But the best is yet to come.

As we look ahead to day two, get ready for one of the Festival’s most inspiring highlights, Nicolas Hamilton’s keynote: “Overcoming Adversity, Driven to Inspire” and the Pitch Black Grand Finale, where Malta’s brightest emerging startups will take the spotlight in a high-energy pitching showdown.

Tomorrow promises to be a day of resilience, bold ideas, and big dreams, the perfect conclusion to two transformative days of innovation and opportunity.

Nicolas Hamilton: Redefining what’s possible

Nicolas Hamilton’s story is one of courage, determination, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Born with cerebral palsy, he was told as a child that he would never walk, yet he defied every limitation to become a professional racing driver competing on the global stage.

His journey from overcoming personal challenges to achieving success in one of the world’s most competitive sports has inspired millions. At the Malta Startup Festival, Hamilton brings that same message of grit, self-belief, and resilience to founders and innovators who know that building a startup requires just as much endurance as racing on the track.

In his talk, “Overcoming Adversity, Driven to Inspire,” Hamilton will share how mindset, focus, and perseverance can turn obstacles into opportunities, lessons that resonate deeply with every entrepreneur navigating the unpredictable road to success.

His story is not only about racing cars; it is about racing past doubt. It is a masterclass in what it means to push boundaries, fuel ambition, and keep going when the odds seem impossible.

Expect an emotional, energising session that will leave you ready to tackle the next challenge with renewed motivation, both on and off the startup track.

Pitch Black: Malta’s startup arena

Following Hamilton’s keynote, all eyes will turn to the Pitch Black Grand Finale, the Festival’s flagship pitching competition and one of the most anticipated moments of the entire event.

Over the past weeks, early-stage founders have been preparing to take the stage, having already pitched their ideas and earned their place as finalists for tomorrow’s grand finale. On Friday, 24^th October, the finalists in both Pre-Seed and Seed categories will compete for recognition, investment, and the chance to be crowned Malta’s next breakout startup.

This year’s Pitch Black brings together an exceptional line-up of judges, including Caspar Lee, entrepreneur and investor, who will serve as the overall judge for the finale. His experience as a creator, startup founder, and global business leader will offer invaluable feedback and inspiration to Malta’s emerging founders.

Pitch Black is more than a competition.  It is a platform for bold ideas, fearless founders, and game-changing innovation.

Why you should not miss day two

Day two is designed to energise, empower, and elevate every participant. Here is what to look forward to:

• Nicolas Hamilton’s keynote – A must-see session on resilience, purpose, and the mindset of champions.
• Pitch Black Grand Finale – Live startup pitches judged by global investors and innovators, including Caspar Lee.
• Networking opportunities – Connect with founders, investors, and mentors during the Festival’s closing sessions and evening celebration.
• Exclusive insights and announcements – Stay tuned for special updates from Malta Enterprise and partners driving the future of Malta’s innovation ecosystem.

Whether you are a founder seeking inspiration, an investor searching for the next big idea, or simply part of Malta’s growing innovation community, Friday is the day you do not want to miss.

Join us for the Grand Finale

The conversations started today will continue to shape the island’s innovation story for years to come.  Tomorrow, let us finish strong. Be part of the energy. Be part of the inspiration. And witness the ideas that will shape Malta’s next generation of success stories.

Join the grand finale of the Malta Startup Festival 2025 on Friday, 24^th October, at the Montekristo Estate.

Let’s celebrate resilience, ambition, and the unstoppable power of innovation together.

For more information, visit: www.startupfestivalmalta.com