Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1114117
17 EVENTS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 8 MAY 2019 63 per cent of respondents to a survey carried out on behalf of The Malta Innovation Hub either have no, or a limited, un- derstanding of what Social Inno- vation is, and how it can benefit their organisation and society. These are the preliminary re- sults of a survey completed by senior managers from across a wide range of commercial and voluntary organisations, details of which will be presented dur- ing 'Profit With Purpose', taking place at the Malta Life Sciences Park on 8 and 9 May. In addition to the presentation of the survey results, 'Profit With Purpose' will include a series of workshops on social innovation, namely new commercially vi- able ideas that tackle a societal challenge. The two-day event will also provide an opportunity to individuals and businesses to pitch their own social innovation ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. A number of awards will be presented for the best ideas in- cluding €6,000 worth of support services from the Malta Innova- tion Hub, sponsored by ENISIE, a project which was created to enable innovation through ser- vices and institutional engage- ment between Sicily and Malta. These services will be awarded to one national social innovation proposal and one cross border social innovation proposal. A further €6,000 in mentoring support services will awarded to a social innovation idea selected by the Valletta Design Cluster and the Malta Innovation Hub. One idea will also be selected to take part in Best Ideas from Eu- rope. Ing. Joseph Sammut, Chairman of the Malta Life Sciences Park, said, "The results of this survey show that Social Innovation is a concept which has been under- stood by a relatively small num- ber of decision makers in both the private and voluntary sec- tors. We believe, however, that social innovation is set for rapid growth as socially conscious en- trepreneurs increasingly look to tackle societal challenges in ar- eas such as climate and health care through innovative busi- ness ideas. 'Profit with Purpose' will provide an ideal forum for anyone interested in social inno- vation to learn more and maybe even begin the process of taking their idea forward." 'Profit With Purpose' is be- ing organised together with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector and also Impact HUB Siracusa and Tree. The four or- ganisations are part of ENISIE, which is supported by the Euro- pean Union's Program INTER- REG V-A Italia-Malta, which provides funds for intra-regional projects. Participation in 'Profit with Purpose' is free but places are limited. More information can be obtained by sending an email to network@mlsp.com.mt or by calling +356 2247 7601. Social innovation remains an untapped sector TECHNOLOGY & Gadgets Ex- po, Malta's major annual event for design, technology and edu- cation, will be held at MFCC Ta' Qali this weekend. The event brings together educational institutions, tech- nology and innovation-driven enterprises and agencies, as well as private exhibitors, while also hosting diverse national and in- ternational events, competitions, challenges and exhibitions. The successful formula of 2018 will be improved by making full use of the extended MFCC with over 8,500sqm of space and the re-introduction of the outside area for exhibitors and a new format for the main stage. Among the highlights of this year's event one finds the Malta Junior League which surprised everyone with a massive turnout of over 400 students and the SU- MO challenge which will see the participation of a record break- ing 35 teams. One of the aims of the 2019 event is to improve visitor de- mographics by attracting a greater diversity of visitors. The Digital Careers Expo will be tar- geting teens and young adults looking for information on job opportunities in the digital in- dustry. The MRO - D&T Expo will showcase the latest prototyp- ing tech and innovative Design &Technology student projects from schools across Malta and host the DIYBot challenge, for makers who want to aim high with an improvised live rocket launcher build or show off be- spoke robots. MRO is also proud to work with the Maltese technology brand Gadgets™ for 2019 to in- troduce the Gadgets Expo on the MRO floor. The Malta Robotics Olympiad is financed and organised by the Ministry for Education and Em- ployment in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Financial Services, Digital Econ- omy and Innovationn and with the valuable support of various sponsors. Entrance is free, this year's event is set to be the largest and most exciting edition yet with a range of competitions, work- shops and presentations for all the family. The Malta Robotics Olym- piad is financed and organised by the Ministry for Education and Employment, powered by Go plc, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation and with the valuable support of various sponsors. MRO returns to MFCC Minister Evarist Bartolo (centre), Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri (from left) and Dr Frank Fabri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Employment, together with students from Santa Tereza College in Birkirkara. The students had the opportunity to talk about their experience at last year's MRO and their plans for this year's event TO mark the opening of yet another 3X3 Malta Champion- ship series; 3X3 Malta and the Malta Basketball Association are teaming up with Red Bull to organise the first ever Red Bull Full Moon, for a unique night of Basketball. The event will take place on Saturday 18th May at the parking area of the Basketball National Complex in Ta Qali. Played under the lights of a full moon, the event kicks off at 20:00 and will continue throughout the night. The event will feature a men's competition and a ladies event and participation for the Red Bull Full Moon is free and for those over 16 years. e event is being supported by Urban Jungle. More information about the event can be found on the Fa- cebook event page Red Bull Full Moon // 3X3 Basket A night of basketball for the full moon