Tech Meetups & Startup Events in Malta 2025

Malta has quietly built one of Europe's most dynamic tech ecosystems. Between the iGaming giants, fintech innovators, and a growing wave of startups, there's a lively community of developers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. Here's your complete guide to connecting with Malta's tech scene.

Regular Tech Meetups in Malta

Malta's tech community is surprisingly active for its size. Most meetups are free and welcoming to newcomers, making them perfect for digital nomads looking to network.

🖥️ Developer-Focused Meetups

Malta JS (JavaScript Community)

The most active developer community in Malta, with monthly meetups covering everything from React and Node.js to TypeScript and modern frameworks.

• Frequency: Monthly (usually last Thursday)
• Location: Rotates between tech companies
• Typical attendance: 40-80 people
• Format: 2 talks + networking + pizza
• Find them: meetup.com/maltajs

Malta Python User Group

Growing community of Python enthusiasts covering web development, data science, and automation. Beginner-friendly with talks ranging from intro to advanced.

• Frequency: Monthly
• Location: Usually at MITA or tech companies
• Topics: Django, FastAPI, data science, ML
• Find them: meetup.com/malta-python

AWS User Group Malta

Cloud-focused meetup covering AWS services, architecture patterns, and certifications. Often features AWS employees or certified professionals.

• Frequency: Bi-monthly
• Location: Various tech offices
• Topics: Lambda, ECS, serverless, cost optimization
• Find them: meetup.com/aws-user-group-malta

DevOps Malta

Infrastructure and DevOps practitioners sharing knowledge on CI/CD, Kubernetes, monitoring, and platform engineering.

• Frequency: Quarterly
• Location: Tech companies in St Julian's/Sliema
• Topics: Kubernetes, Terraform, observability

🚀 Startup & Entrepreneur Events

Startup Grind Malta

Part of the global Startup Grind network, featuring fireside chats with successful founders and investors. Great for understanding the local startup ecosystem.

• Frequency: Monthly
• Format: Fireside chat + networking
• Entry: Usually free
• Typical guests: Local founders, VCs, tech executives

Founders Drinks Malta

Informal networking event for startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs. No presentations - just conversations over drinks.

• Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Location: Various bars in St Julian's/Sliema
• Vibe: Casual, networking-focused
• Cost: Pay for your own drinks

TechMT Community Events

Malta's tech industry association runs various events throughout the year connecting companies, professionals, and government initiatives.

• Events include: Women in Tech, Tech Awards, industry roundtables
• Website: techmt.com.mt

Major Tech Conferences in Malta

Malta punches above its weight in hosting tech conferences, largely due to its position as an iGaming and blockchain hub. Here are the key events to mark in your calendar.

🎯 Top Annual Conferences

Delta Summit

Malta's premier tech and innovation conference, attracting thousands of attendees from across Europe. Features keynotes from tech leaders, startup pitches, and extensive networking.

• When: October (3 days)
• Where: InterContinental Malta, St Julian's
• Attendees: 4,000+
• Tickets: €199-599
• Focus: Innovation, AI, startups, digital transformation
• Highlight: Startup pitch competition with €100k+ prizes

Tech.mt Annual Conference

Industry association event bringing together Malta's tech ecosystem for a day of insights, awards, and networking.

• When: November
• Attendees: 1,000+
• Tickets: €50-150
• Focus: Malta tech industry, talent, policy

AI Malta Summit

Dedicated AI conference covering machine learning, LLMs, and AI applications in business. Growing rapidly in importance.

• When: March
• Attendees: 500+
• Tickets: €150-300
• Focus: AI/ML, practical applications, ethics

Product Tank Malta

Part of the global ProductTank network, featuring product managers sharing insights on building great products.

• When: Quarterly events
• Format: Evening talks + networking
• Free entry

Startup Incubators & Accelerators

If you're building a startup or thinking about it, Malta has several programs designed to help you grow.

🌱 Active Programs

Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) Programs

Government-backed initiatives supporting tech startups with mentorship, funding, and regulatory guidance.

• Focus on blockchain, AI, and innovative tech
• Regulatory sandbox for testing new business models
• Connections to government and enterprise clients

TAKEOFF Business Incubator

University of Malta's startup incubator, located at the Knowledge Transfer Office.

• Location: University of Malta, Msida
• 6-12 month programs
• Mentorship and workspace
• Access to university resources and talent
• Focus on tech and research-based startups

SiGMA Startup Pitch

Part of the massive SiGMA conference, this pitch competition offers visibility to investors and potential prizes.

• Focus on iGaming and tech startups
• €100k+ in prizes and services
• Exposure to major industry players

Fintech Malta Accelerator

Specialized program for fintech startups looking to leverage Malta's regulatory framework.

• Regulatory guidance (MFSA connections)
• Banking and payment partnerships
• 6-month intensive program

Coworking Spaces with Tech Events

Many of Malta's coworking spaces host regular tech events, making membership doubly valuable.

🏢 Top Spaces for Tech Events

The Foundation (St Julian's)

Premium coworking space that regularly hosts tech meetups and startup events in their event space.

• Weekly lunch & learns
• Monthly startup showcases
• Event space available for community use

Soho Works Malta (Sliema)

Part of Soho House, offers a mix of creative and tech professionals with regular events.

• Member events monthly
• Guest speaker series
• Access to global Soho House network

Malta Innovation Hub (Mriehel)

Government-backed tech hub specifically designed for startups and tech companies.

• MITA-sponsored events
• Hackathons and workshops
• Government tech initiatives

Online Communities & Resources

Much of Malta's tech networking happens online. Join these communities to stay connected:

💬 Online Groups

LinkedIn Groups

• Malta Tech Community: 5,000+ members, job postings and discussions
• Digital Malta: Government initiatives and tech news
• Malta Startups: Founder-focused discussions

Facebook Groups

• Malta Tech Jobs: Active job board
• Developers Malta: Technical discussions
• Startups Malta: Founder community

Slack & Discord

• Malta JS Slack: Active developer community
• Malta Tech Discord: Real-time chat and help

Meetup.com

The primary platform for finding tech events. Search "Malta tech" and join relevant groups to get notified of events.

Networking Tips for Digital Nomads

Making connections in Malta's tech scene as a newcomer requires some strategy:

✨ How to Break In

• Start with Malta JS: Most welcoming and active community
• Attend 3 events before judging: Each has different vibes
• Offer value: Give a lightning talk or share expertise
• Join online groups first: Introduce yourself before attending
• Use LinkedIn actively: Maltese tech folks are LinkedIn-heavy
• Follow up: Connect after events, suggest coffee

🎤 Speaking Opportunities

Meetups are always looking for speakers. If you have expertise, pitch a talk:

• Malta JS: Always seeking talks (15-30 min)
• Python Malta: Welcomes all levels
• DevOps Malta: Looking for case studies
• Product Tank: PM experience sharing

Tech Industry in Malta: Quick Overview

Understanding Malta's tech landscape helps you network effectively:

🏢 Major Sectors

iGaming (Dominant)

Malta hosts 10% of the world's online gambling companies. Companies like Betsson, Kindred, and Tipico have major operations here.

• Hundreds of tech jobs constantly open
• Pay above average for Malta
• Heavy JavaScript, Java, and Go usage

Fintech

Growing sector leveraging Malta's EU passporting for financial services.

• Payment processors and neobanks
• Crypto and DeFi companies
• Regulatory sandbox advantages

SaaS & Tech Startups

Small but growing ecosystem of B2B software companies choosing Malta for EU access and lifestyle.

Seasonal Patterns

📅 Best Times for Events

• September - November: Peak conference season (Delta Summit, SiGMA, etc.)
• January - March: Meetups resume after holidays
• April - June: Active period before summer slowdown
• July - August: Quiet - many events pause, people on holiday

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Malta tech meetups welcoming to newcomers?

Very much so. The community is small enough that new faces are noticed and welcomed. Most organizers make an effort to introduce newcomers to others.

Do I need to speak Maltese?

No. All tech events in Malta are conducted in English. It's the working language of the tech industry here.

Are events free?

Most meetups are free, often with pizza and drinks provided. Conferences range from €50-500+ depending on the scale.

Can I work in tech in Malta as a digital nomad?

The Nomad Residence Permit allows you to work for non-Malta clients. For local employment, you'd need a different visa arrangement. Many nomads do contract work for Malta companies remotely.

What's the best way to find tech events?

Start with Meetup.com, follow Malta JS and other groups on LinkedIn, and join the relevant Facebook groups. Word of mouth at your first few events will reveal more.

Is there a startup visa for Malta?

While there's no specific "startup visa," the Nomad Residence Permit works well for founders building remote businesses. Malta Enterprise also has programs for companies wanting to establish operations.