The picturesque country of Malta is surrounded by stunning deep blue waters and boasts a rich history of diverse visitors and conquerors from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It is a place where one can immerse themselves in captivating stories, culture, and architecture, but it also holds an unexpected dimension. Malta has emerged as a hub of rapid progress in the field of healthcare, spearheaded by a visionary doctor whose mission is to bridge gaps and elevate healthcare to new heights.
Dr. Dylan Attard, a highly skilled surgeon, recognized that he could make a more significant impact on numerous patients by fostering connections between innovation, industry, and healthcare. Dr. Dylan Attard is not only a surgeon but also an entrepreneur, leader, and organizer of global experts from four different continents. He is the founder of a global med-tech conference that he initiated in his homeland of Malta.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with him about the vision behind these global gatherings.
Why did you decide to start MedTech World?
As a surgeon, I often felt limited by the fact that I could only assist one patient at a time within a hospital setting. While this work is incredibly rewarding, I always had a desire to make a broader global impact. I was particularly intrigued by the intersection of healthcare and entrepreneurship, especially the journey of MedTech startups from concept to market with the support of venture funding. MedTech World was created out of this fusion—a desire to expand impact and help companies bring life-changing technologies to market faster by connecting them with the right investors, partners, and clinicians.
Is collaboration between industry, investors, and doctors important and how do conferences help?
Small group gatherings, such as a walking tour or casual drinks at a local restaurant, often lead to meaningful conversations. One example that stands out is the founder of Cognixion engaging in a spontaneous discussion with an investor about his vision. Cognixion is developing AI-augmented AR wearable devices that have the potential to benefit millions of patients who struggle with speech. This conversation took place during an excursion in Malta, highlighting how informal settings can foster valuable connections between founders, doctors, and investors without pressure.
I believe the strength of a global health innovation conference lies in the continuous stream of opportunities it generates. Investors have discovered their next promising startups, clinicians have joined advisory boards of emerging tech companies, and strategic partnerships have been formed through conversations that began in Malta. The environment is conducive to serendipitous encounters, and over time, it has delivered tangible results in terms of funding, product development, and market entry.
Why did you decide to initiate this in Malta?
Malta offers a unique blend of strategic location, government flexibility, and business incentives. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, it serves as an ideal platform for international collaboration. The Maltese government, particularly through Malta Enterprise, has played a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship by offering various benefits such as tax incentives, startup grants, co-financing, and support for AI-driven solutions. The country’s compact size also fosters a distinctive form of collaboration, where policymakers, clinicians, and founders are easily accessible and open to innovation. Malta is evolving into a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies in AI, providing both accessibility and scalability in a collaborative environment.
What are the growth plans for this conference beyond its annual flagship in Malta?
Given the remarkable connections established at our annual flagship event, we have decided to expand it into a global movement. Starting this year, we are launching four flagship events across four continents, one per quarter—Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. From our successful events in Singapore and the Middle East, particularly Dubai, we have now ventured into the U.S., having hosted a thriving event in Houston and gearing up for a partnership event with MedTech Innovator in San Jose, California.
This expansion is rooted in our belief that innovation knows no boundaries, and by engaging with our community on a global scale, we can better support startups, investors, and healthcare leaders in driving impact both locally and globally. Each event will retain the core essence of our conference—curated networking, valuable content, and a startup-driven atmosphere—while addressing the unique opportunities and challenges of each region.
Dr. Attard’s vision is to foster connections among individuals worldwide, and he has successfully linked startups with investors, clinicians, service providers, and strategic partners, ultimately creating opportunities that have accelerated innovation and healthcare on a global scale. Through the visionary leadership of one doctor, Malta has emerged as a prominent player in advancing innovation and making a significant impact on healthcare worldwide.
Grandmaster’s Palace, Home To The House Of Representatives And The Office Of The President Of Malta, … More
