Elevate AI launches to establish Malta as global hub for AI and gaming ventures
Backed by a coalition of local and international partners
A new powerhouse accelerator, Elevate AI, has officially launched with a bold vision: to transform Malta and Gozo into a globally recognised launchpad for high-growth artificial intelligence startups. Backed by a formidable coalition of local and international partners including Xjenza, BytePlus (a TikTok ByteDance Company), and MeDirect, Elevate AI is set to attract world-class tech talent to the nation.
Elevate AI’s mission is to accelerate 50 elite AI startups by 2030, guiding them to achieve a collective valuation of over €250 million, raise €50 million in follow-on funding, and create more than 200 high-value jobs within the Maltese economy. This vision is directly aligned with the government's 'Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030', providing a tangible mechanism to achieve the nation's strategic goals.
The four-month accelerator programme is uniquely designed to prioritise commercial traction over fundraising. "Our core value proposition is simple: we provide our founders with a direct path to revenue," said Alessandro Silvestri, co-founder of Elevate AI. "We believe the strongest foundation for any company is a robust customer base, and our entire programme is geared towards helping startups achieve meaningful commercial success before they raise significant capital."
This focus on go-to-market strategy is led by co-founder Keith Zammit, a veteran B2B sales expert whose primary role is to facilitate high-level introductions and help founders secure pilot contracts, particularly within the dynamic Gaming and digital entertainment sectors.
The programme is supported by a world-class network of mentors, including: Shannon Weber, Founder & Strategy Expert at A&E Creative Consulting; Valentina Diaco, Founder & Gaming Advisor at Profit Matches; Martin Manning, Equity & Finance Specialist at M2 Financial Services; Mikko Puhakka, Founding Partner & Advisor at Lion Partners; Malorie Galligan, Co-Founder & CCO at M&E Partners and 1Game Changer; Alex Borg, Managing Partner at AB Innovation Consultants; Joe Pisano, CEO of Jade Gaming; Michael Earley, Founder & Investor at earley.ventures; and Vladimir Marenovic, IPR Specialist at Zivko Mijatovic & Partners.
These partnerships are a cornerstone of the accelerator's strategy. The collaboration with entities like Malta Venture Capital, DiHubMT, A&E Creative Consultants, GD Advocates, and M&E Partners ensures that founders have access to a complete ecosystem of support, from regulatory guidance and legal advice to strategic investment and creative services.
Elevate AI is now accepting applications for its first cohort. Ambitious, post-MVP AI startups ready to scale globally from Malta are encouraged to apply.