Stefan Farrugia, CEO of Eunoia, was recently awarded the title Malta’s EY Rising Star Entrepreneur of the Year. After receiving his award in Malta, Stefan travelled to Monaco for the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year awards, joining top founders from across the globe.

In this interview with WhosWho.mt, Stefan shares the story behind Eunoia, his vision for data-driven business, and his reflections on leadership and recognition on the world stage.

What inspired you to start Eunoia?

Data has always been my passion, and I couldn’t understand how leaders could steer organisations based on gut feeling alone, without data to support decisions. That’s why I founded Eunoia. The goal was to help organisations truly transform through data. My core value has always been to make life easier for the users I work with. Every day.

Eunoia’s mission is to turn data into a competitive advantage. How do you make this real for your clients?

At Eunoia, we believe data isn’t just a technical asset, it’s the heartbeat of any modern organisation. From day one, we challenged the idea that data is just for analysts, or something that sits in dashboards. We put it at the centre of every decision, conversation, and transformation.

We do this by understanding our clients’ ambitions and goals, not just their infrastructure. Whether clients are just starting with data or need modernisation, we meet them where they are. Then we build, integrate, automate, and empower using modern tools like Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, and OpenAI, always with the goal of helping clients move faster, act smarter, and compete harder.

But the real impact comes when teams start thinking with data. When reports become conversations, insights drive strategy, and AI becomes a trusted advisor. That’s when we know we’ve delivered.

For us, it’s not just about technology. It’s about giving clients an edge they can feel, one that grows with them and defines them. That’s what Eunoia was built to do.

What do you think sets Eunoia apart from other tech firms in Malta or the EU?

We are a young, dynamic, and resilient team who are proud to be data nerds. We live and breathe data and AI. Our focus puts us in a great position. Most competitors have large software teams and small data or AI teams. We are purely a data and AI company, and we’re proud of that.

Your company works in several industries, iGaming, finance, retail, maritime. How do you adapt your solutions for such different sectors?

We see data as a universal language, but every industry speaks it differently. We bring proven data and AI capabilities but shape them to each industry.

In gaming, we optimise real-time behavioural data for engagement. In finance, we modernise BI platforms for better compliance and forecasting. In maritime, we clarify fragmented systems. In retail, we empower buying and sales teams with real-time insights.

We also use our cross-industry knowledge. Challenges like decision speed, hidden insights, or scaling data governance are common across domains. The difference is in how you apply the solution, and that’s where our adaptability shines.

Our team thrives on complexity, and our ability to turn ambition into action is why we’re trusted across sectors.

Can you share a client story that captures what Eunoia stands for?

Our partnership with Hudson Holdings, a leading retail group expanding rapidly, stands out. When we started, their data was fragmented across countries and teams, with a lot of manual reporting and outdated information. But what really mattered was their ambition. They didn’t just want better reports, they wanted a system that could grow with them, unite teams, and support bold moves.

Together, we built a modern data platform that did more than consolidate numbers. It gave visibility at every level, from inventory to team performance and market trends. What once took weeks was now available in real-time. Most importantly, teams began to trust the data, act on it, and drive growth.

That’s Eunoia in action. We make transformation real, not just with technology, but in mindset. We don’t drop in a tool and leave. We stand with ambitious companies, understand what drives them, and make data their edge. When our clients win, we win.

How did it feel to be recognised as EY Rising Star Entrepreneur of the Year?

It was humbling. Being recognised from such an incredible lineup was unexpected and brought great pride and satisfaction for what we’ve built. It made me reflect on who we are and how we got here. I have my family to thank for their incredible support while I pursue these dreams.

Did any stories or people you met in Monaco change how you see your own journey?

There were a lot, however a statement by one of the past winners, Gaston Taratuta made me think a lot. He said: "Doing what you love everyday is not a right but a privilege. And when your company provides jobs for thousands of people, it’s a way of showing care for everyone who works with you.”

Has this recognition changed anything for you or Eunoia?

Definitely! I am more motivated and charged than ever to continue driving Eunoia beyond boundaries, and to be the round peg in the square hole.

What advice would you give to someone in Malta dreaming of building something big?

Start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions, they’ll never come. If you have a vision, begin with what you have, where you are. When we started Eunoia, people said a company focused only on data and AI would never survive. Today, we support leading brands across countries because we kept moving forward.

Be bold in your ambition, but patient with results. Malta’s size brings faster decisions and closer teams, use that to your advantage. Find people who share your drive and challenge you. Use every support system, from grants to mentors, and always think beyond Malta.

Focus on making a real impact. Success follows when you build something that matters.