Malta’s Brain Gain: Pierre Schembri-Wismayer Joins Momentum

Picture this: A bustling morning at the University of Malta’s Msida campus. Students rush to lectures, researchers huddle over coffee, discussing their latest findings. Among them is Pierre Schembri-Wismayer, a name that’s become synonymous with cutting-edge research in Malta. But today, he’s not heading to his lab. Instead, he’s stepping into a new role, joining local tech giant, Momentum.

From Lab Coat to Tech Hub

Schembri-Wismayer, a seasoned researcher in artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been a staple at the University of Malta. His work, funded by the likes of the European Research Council and the Malta Council for Science and Technology, has put Malta on the global AI map. But why the sudden shift to the private sector?

“I’ve always been passionate about seeing my research make a real-world impact,” Schembri-Wismayer explains. “Momentum’s work in AI and data analytics, coupled with their commitment to local innovation, makes this an exciting opportunity to translate my work into practical solutions.”

Momentum’s Big Catch

Momentum, a homegrown tech company based in the heart of Malta’s Silicon Hub, Ta’ Xbiex, has been making waves in the local tech scene. Their work in AI and data analytics has seen them collaborate with various industries, from finance to healthcare. With Schembri-Wismayer on board, they’re set to expand their capabilities even further.

“Having Pierre join our team is a significant boost for us,” says Dr. Mark Gammaro, Momentum’s CEO. “His expertise will not only strengthen our AI capabilities but also bring a fresh perspective to our work.”

What Does This Mean for Malta’s Tech Scene?

Schembri-Wismayer’s move to the private sector is just the latest in a series of ‘brain gains’ for Malta’s tech industry. With the government’s push for innovation and the growing demand for tech talent, more researchers and academics are exploring opportunities in the private sector.

Dr. Ivan Sammut, a researcher at the University of Malta, sees this trend as a positive one. “It’s great to see our research having an impact beyond academia. It’s a testament to the quality of work being done here in Malta,” he says.

Schembri-Wismayer agrees, “Malta’s tech scene is thriving. There’s a lot of potential here, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

As Schembri-Wismayer settles into his new role at Momentum, one thing is clear: Malta’s tech industry is gaining momentum, quite literally.