This year’s SiGMA Euro-Med event was of significant importance to Gozo, thrusting the island under a spotlight onto the global stage of leading entrepreneurs in iGaming, technology, digital economies, and adjacent industries.
Through the partnership of the Ministry for Gozo and Planning and InvestGozo with SiGMA, Gozo was successfully presented and positioned before a wider international audience to align with Malta Vision 2050 and Gozo’s Regional Development Strategy. The SiGMA Euro-Med event, central to Malta’s positioning as an iGaming hub, was founded by Maltese entrepreneur Eman Pulis and over its 11 editions, it has grown into one of the world’s largest gaming and emerging tech summits, attracting thousands of delegates and major global brands to Malta.
Seeking to bring business and lifestyle into balance, the Gozo-themed pre-conference activity was held from the 28th to the 30th of August. The SiGMA Affiliate Retreat in Gozo can best be described as an elite getaway for 50 affiliate leaders from the world of iGaming. Attendees had the chance to experience the island of Gozo and its multifaceted charms while generating opportunities for meaningful connections. While the business aspect focused on private networking, relaxed discussions and sharing of ideas through strategy roundtables, Gozo provided the calm yet colourful Mediterranean island vibe for the three days.
In addition to the Affiliate Retreat, a separate track was organised for C-tier level delegates. The SiGMA VIP Gozo Experience was centred around a dedicated tour of the Gozo Innovation Hub, highlighting the island’s growing potential within the iGaming and tech sector. This centre, located in Xewkija, provides state-of-the-art facilities facilitating technology, talent, and investment on the island. The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, explained that Gozo’s infrastructural upgrades, such as the second fibre optic cable, have turned Gozo into a business location that is ready to welcome high-tech businesses. Other initiatives in the pipeline will further consolidate Gozo’s abilities to diversify its economy. The supportive ecosystem in Gozo has evolved into a robust 360-degree environment that leverages the incentive of island lifestyle and infrastructure to attract startups, scale-ups, and remote teams, complemented by a strong talent pool. This is of interest to CEOs, digital nomads, and affiliates considering relocation and new investment. Once again, blending business with pleasure was core, and the activity included a Gozitan-inspired lunch and an afternoon of snorkelling and swimming in Gozo’s crystalline waters.
Following this, the SiGMA Euro-Med 2025 opened on 2nd September at the Mediterranean Maritime Hub. The event brought together over 12,000 delegates and more than 400 sponsors and exhibitors. Coupled with more than 400 expert speakers and industry leaders from iGaming, the event was, as is typical, a global village where leading companies, startups, and innovators mingled and showcased their products and services. InvestGozo’s stand at the conference brought Gozo to an international stage, showcasing an island that is geared towards regional development strategies aligned with the most advanced technological perspectives.
The presence at the SiGMA event marked a first, strengthening Gozo’s international profile in attracting digital growth, tech talent, and sustainable investment. During this event, InvestGozo was, supported by Gaming Malta, Malta Enterprise, and INDIS Malta, resulting in a collaboration between four entities focused on creating a synergy that positions Gozo as a hub for technology and innovation. This joint effort showcased the island’s potential within the iGaming sector and strengthened its broader appeal as a destination for investment and growth in emerging industries, among the international delegations that attended. The presence of innovators and entrepreneurs, along with that of high-ranking officials and diplomatic representatives, underscores the strength of SiGMA as a platform for generating collaboration and cross-border partnerships.
Attracting technology and innovation to the island will remain a priority for strengthening the island’s present and future economy, an objective that InvestGozo clearly understands and is committed to.