Hewlett-Packard announces collaboration with MITA, University of Malta and MCAST

The aim of this strategic collaboration is to provide students studying ICT with access to the latest information technologies and knowledge databases.

The University of Malta has been selected to join the “HP International Institute of Technology” (HP IIT) programme. Within the framework of the HP IIT programme, the University will be provided with the newest HP technologies (both hardware and software) for the creation of a new research and education centre.

HP experts and university professors will jointly develop new educational courses for students in the field of ICT as well as organise related research projects. Furthermore, Maltese undergraduate and postgraduate students will have the opportunity to undertake international internships at HP and HP Labs, as well as to participate in exchange programmes with other universities participating in the IIT programme.

‘Classic’ curricula will be enriched with new educational material and laboratory studies, and students will be exposed to cutting edge topics by researchers from HP Labs, who will be invited to deliver lectures at the university as part of the programme. 

Another HP educational centre will also be opened at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). This will be focused on providing more in-depth professional expertise in a number of mainstream IT and related technologies, and give very practical knowledge aimed at young IT professionals entering the IT sector. Courses on specific HP technologies will equip students particularly well for employment where these technologies are used. Some courses will be also available on a fee paying basis. 

After a successful trial phase in Russia, the HP International Institute of Technology (HP IIT) is now being rolled out to further higher educational institutions in Europe. Currently there are centres functioning successfully in Bulgaria, Poland and the Ukraine, and the programme is developing further to the West, and now – in Malta. The HP IIT community consists of 21 leading universities in which HP research and education centres are being established, and unique IT education courses are being created. The Maltese centre will have access to educational courses developed by all other members, as cooperation among the participants of the programme is one of its most important goals.

“Technological innovation holds immense promise for addressing societal challenges,” says Herbert Rastbichler, HP vice president and managing director of Central and Eastern Europe. “Our efforts with the Malta Information Technology Agency demonstrate our pursuit of improving access to newest technologies and driving positive change for further employment opportunities and research work of the Maltese students.”

The centres will support the university and college in bringing real-time knowledge about newest technologies to students and provide them with access to latest information and practical preparation for continuing their career in the IT field.