At the recent "Futures Powered by Knowledge: Innovate with Data - AI Edition" conference in Athens, Prof. Alexiei Dingli from the University of Malta joined a distinguished panel to discuss AI innovation and the vital collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector.
Hosted by Dell Technologies, this high-profile event brought together leaders from prominent tech firms. Aleksandar Preradovic, Chairman and General Manager, Greece, Cyprus and Malta, Dell Technologies opened with a keynote on how AI strengthens modern business resilience. Following that, Dell’s Global AI Strategist, Dr. Yannis Kalfoglou, examined the role of generative AI for both commercial and consumer needs. NVIDIA's Global VP, John Josephakis, expanded on the synergy between AI and high-performance computing, particularly in advancing big data and deep learning capabilities.
Prof. Dingli contributed insights on the transformative role universities play in translating AI research into practical, real-world applications that benefit society. He argued that universities act as essential bridges between theoretical AI research and its implementation, helping to accelerate the transformation of complex research into innovations that reach and impact the public.
By collaborating actively with startups, public entities, and private companies, universities shape AI solutions that extend benefits across multiple sectors. This collaborative approach positions academia not only as a knowledge hub but also as a driving force behind impactful, socially responsible AI advancements. Dingli underscored how partnerships between academia and industry facilitate a dynamic exchange of ideas, resources, and expertise, fostering both technological progress and the ethical deployment of AI. In this role, universities like the University of Malta contribute a research-focused perspective that prioritises the public good and addresses challenges the industry may overlook.
One key area of his discussion involved sustainable funding, primarily through European Union grants and private funds. Such financing, he noted, is essential for advancing research with broad societal impact, particularly in healthcare, sustainability, and urban development. EU grants, for example, enable research into predictive healthcare models or climate-resilient infrastructure—AI applications that may not offer immediate commercial appeal but serve critical public needs. By supporting these projects, funding allows academic institutions to delve into innovative AI applications that drive long-term societal benefits and serve the greater good.
Prof. Dingli highlighted how the University of Malta is already translating this philosophy into action.
Through its Corporate Research and Knowledge Transfer Office, the university fosters partnerships that bring academic discoveries to life by guiding research toward industry-ready applications. This office connects researchers with organisations and funding sources, optimising the impact of their work. Dingli offered several examples of how the university applies AI research to solve real-world challenges. His team has developed AI-driven pain management models, enabling more precise and personalised healthcare treatments. In education, Dingli’s research has led to adaptive learning systems that tailor content to each student’s needs, enhancing learning outcomes and accessibility. Moreover, his work on Industry 4.0 technologies has resulted in automation solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing, emphasising the far-reaching potential of university-industry collaboration to transform critical sectors.
His remarks perfectly matched the conference’s theme, affirming that academic and industry collaboration is essential for creating ethical, impactful AI solutions. By sharing expertise, securing funding, and nurturing these partnerships, universities like the University of Malta are laying the groundwork for an AI-driven future that is innovative, inclusive, and beneficial to all.
Through dedicated research and impactful partnerships, institutions like the University of Malta are showing how academia can have a transformative role in building an AI-powered world that benefits everyone.
