Malta companies called to compete in ‘Olympics’ of creative startups

A new national competition has been launched for Malta’s creative entrepreneurs to join a global community celebrating startups and championing the creative industries.

The Creative Business Cup, launched in Malta by Culture Venture, is a global competition organised by the Creative Business Network bringing together 80 national winners. Regarded as the Olympics of creative startups, the competition is a unique event for innovative disruptors aiming to change the world and impact the global economy.

Toni Attard, National Partner for the Creative Business Cup said that as the pandemic continues to present unprecedented challenges to the creative industries, “this is a unique opportunity to celebrate the resilience of the sector. The global competition will provide Malta’s creative startups with an international platform and unprecedented access to networks, experts and investors.”

Globally, the creative economy generates $2.2 trillion in revenues and creates 30 million jobs. In Malta the creative industries account for 7.9% of total GVA, exceeding the direct contribution of the construction and civil engineering sector and the accommodation and food services sector. They also create 12,000 jobs and play a key role in propelling the sustainable development goals by incorporating people-centred values and sustainability across their economic, social and environmental objectives.

Kurt Farrugia, CEO of Malta Enterprise, which is the main sponsor of the national competition, recognised the role of the creative sector towards the economy. “Malta Enterprise has been supporting this sector with various schemes and even more during the pandemic by the Wage Supplement. Sponsoring the Creative Cup at a national level demonstrates the level of commitment of the Government towards the creative sector,” said Farrugia.

Startups utilising creative skills in the production of a creative industry product or service or creative startups collaborating with other industries are eligible to apply.

These include businesses in advertising, architecture, craft & artisan, design, experiences technologies, fashion, film, video, photography, gastronomy, leisure activities, music, performing arts, publishing, radio and television, software, visual arts, computer games and electronics, publishing, 3D printing maker and toys and games.

All finalists at the national competition will receive one-on-one sessions by PwC Malta to prep them for the competition and Malta Enterprise will provide guidance on business development.

In June, Malta’s winner will virtually join other creative startups with the possibility of winning a variety of prizes to help shape more creative ideas and concepts into sustainable businesses. 

Online applications are open until April 28th and the National Finals will be held on May 14th.  The application is available here.