In a significant technological leap, an international team based at the Gozo Innovation Hub is developing a pioneering conversational chatbot in Maltese. This advanced AI tool, aimed primarily at the banking, finance, insurance, and investment services sectors, marks a notable achievement in AI development and linguistic technology. The “The New Era of Chatbot” project is a strategic collaboration involving Cartesio Ltd and the University of Malta, alongside AI and cloud technology experts from Noovle International.
Pioneering in the Maltese language
The Maltese language is set to be the first rolled out in this innovative project, with other languages to follow. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as it brings the Maltese language to the forefront of AI technology, offering a unique platform for customer service in the financial sector. The chatbot is designed to provide customer care support, enhancing the user experience by communicating effectively in Maltese.
Visit by distinguished officials
The project gained significant attention during a visit by Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, and Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia. The team behind the project, spearheaded by Valentino Benicchio, Director of Noovle International, and Francesca Caruso, Director of Cartesio Ltd, showcased the chatbot’s capabilities and outlined the project’s objectives. They emphasized using cutting-edge AI, machine learning technologies, and advanced cloud computing in developing this conversational platform.
A €3 million investment in innovation
With a budget of €3 million, this ambitious project is supported by Malta Enterprise under the Research and Development Scheme. The primary objective is to create an innovative conversational platform that leverages the latest advancements in AI and cloud computing. This investment not only signifies a major step in technological innovation but also highlights Malta’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy.
Expanding beyond financial services
Initially focused on financial services, the chatbot’s potential applications are vast, extending to public service, tourism, customer services, and other e-commerce sectors. This versatility showcases the chatbot’s ability to adapt to various industry needs, making it a valuable tool across multiple sectors.
Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli emphasized the importance of such investments in aligning with the government’s strategy to push for a knowledge-based economy. AI’s integration into daily routines and its increasing significance across industries were highlighted. Dalli also noted Malta Enterprise’s role in supporting companies through digitalization, research, and development, prioritizing sustainability and continuous innovation.
Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri further reinforced the importance of this project in line with the government’s vision for Gozo. He stressed the chatbot’s capability to understand and respond in Maltese, improving service delivery in various sectors.
Symbiosis of academia and industry
A key factor in the success of this project is the collaboration between academia and industry. Dr. Claudia Borg, a senior lecturer on AI at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, underlined the benefits of this partnership. This collaboration allows students and researchers to see their work materialize into tangible products that serve society while advancing research knowledge and capacity.
This project is a testament to the power of innovation and the successful partnership between the public and private sectors in Malta. It represents a significant step in advancing AI technology and language processing tools, particularly for Maltese. The collaboration between academia, industry, and government entities in this project sets a precedent for future technological advancements and highlights Malta’s position as a hub for research and innovation in AI and intelligent technologies.
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