Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1109092
25.04.19 6 INNOVATION MALTESE telecommunica- tions giant GO is keen to in- tegrate elements of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and fintech in its operation. GO CEO Nikhil Patel told BusinessToday it was imper- ative for a tech company to embrace technologies such as blockchain, AI and Big Data. "e only way for a technol- ogy company to stay relevant and continue providing the ser- vices that its customers want is to continuously enhance its services and the way it delivers them," Patel said. He noted that telecom com- panies were traditionally good at amalgamating the latest technological advancements into their operations. "GO has over 500,000 cus- tomer connections and these generate tremendous amounts of data and information. AI, big data and analytics can help GO better understand its cus- tomers' needs and deliver bet- ter products, services, and cus- tomer experience, while fully respecting its customers' data rights," he said. Patel highlighted the possible future integration of block- chain technology in the com- pany's operations. "Blockchain has great poten- tial in areas such as smart con- tracts, that digitally facilitate, verify or enforce the perfor- mance of a contract… we are also interested in investing in cybersecurity applications that will strengthen our securitisa- tion of customer data and in- formation," added the CEO. Last week, GO Ventures launched a €2 million fund for small tech businesses. e fund will primarily target startups focusing on AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, fin tech, big data, and analytics. Patel said at the core of GO's 44-year operation was the abil- ity to embrace innovation and move into near core businesses. "We bought Multiplus Lim- ited, a small pay-TV company back in 2007 and transformed it into our current TV business. We then bought BMIT, which grew into Malta's largest mul- ti-site data centre provider in Malta and which we have just listed successfully on the Malta Telecoms giant GO eyes emerging GO launches €2 million start-up fund focusing on AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, fintech, big data, and analytics LIAM CARTER We are also interested in investing in cybersecurity applications that will strengthen our securitisation of customer data and information