On 11th September, Tech.mt’s event, named ‘Tech.mt: Support for Tech Businesses – Your Gateway to Funding, Growth & Internationalisation’, highlighted the needs and aspirations of Malta’s digital ecosystem.

Live surveys conducted throughout the sessions provided a valuable snapshot of where startups and businesses see the greatest opportunities and challenges; insights that will help shape Tech.mt’s support services moving forward.

Mark Bugeja (Tech.mt), Annalise Zammit (MBR), Bernard Montebello (DiHubMT), Ivan Filetti (Gaming Malta), Karl A. Borg (Tech.mt)

For early-stage entrepreneurs, the results pointed to both drive and difficulty. Almost half of participants (47 per cent) said that finding initial customers is the toughest step, while 48 per cent identified access to early-stage funding as the most valuable support during their first year. Limited access to investors (37 per cent) and difficulty hiring local tech talent (25 per cent) also ranked highly, underscoring the need for targeted initiatives that combine funding opportunities with talent development and mentorship.

Wayne Grixti, CEO at Tech.mt

For scaling businesses, regulation was top of mind. Nearly half (47 per cent) said that keeping up with changing requirements is their greatest challenge, while funding once again stood out: 65 per cent said grants and non-repayable support are the most needed financial tools. When asked about what would help Malta’s innovation ecosystem thrive, 50 per cent pointed to better access to early-stage funding, while 25 per cent highlighted the importance of stronger mentorship and business support networks.

On the international stage, ambition is clear, but so are the hurdles. 48 per cent cited finding international partners as their top challenge, while 57 per cent pointed to funding constraints. 58 per cent said Tech.mt’s best role is facilitating connections abroad and access to global events and incentives.

These insights highlight a community eager to grow and scale, while recognising where support is most needed.

Tech.mt remains committed to turning this feedback into action, building stronger pathways for funding, partnerships, and international expansion.