A four-year-long research and development project that saw the creation of new technology aimed at capturing high-speed events from many perspectives at the same time is already appealing to the high-speed camera market, said Minister for Research, Innovation and the Co-ordination of post COVID-19 Strategy Owen Bonnici during a press event at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre on Tuesday 15 June 2021.

He was referring to MEMENTO, or Multi-camera high-frame rate synchronisation, that was a collaborative venture between the University of Malta and MST Audio Visual Ltd, and was based on a set of camera-related technologies and intellectual property established by the Department of Electronic Systems Engineering. This project benefited from research funding from the MCST under the FUSION programme.

Hon. Bonnici explained that MEMENTO has developed unique sensor cooling technologies as well as the ability to perfectly synchronise a number of cameras to capture high-speed events from many perspectives at the same time. He said that the University of Malta already has intellectual property on the subject and is in the process of patenting a number of derivative technologies that have evolved as a result of its research.

He emphasised the importance of investment in research which will in turn generate further economic wealth. “Collaboration between the public and private sector is crucial in concretising research and delivering innovative solutions”.

Dr Marc Anthony Azzopardi, who led this project from UM’s side, said this product will serve the needs of two market segments at the same time, the first segment being the scientific market through the creation of a camera which can capture high-speed video at high resolution while performing well in low-light settings, and which can be offered at an accessible price tag, and the second being the broadcast or cinematographic market, with the aim being to serve this niche market with an affordable but versatile high-speed imaging solution that is easy to use and is well adapted to cinematographic workflows.

The MEMEMTO team is currently looking into ways through which the camera can start being produced and sold in the market.