Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/401761
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2014 17 A collaboration between the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) and the University of Malta was an- nounced. The collaboration is aimed at stimulating and supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between research, innovation and entrepreneurship in fields related to communication tech- nologies and their applications. Recent technological advances have brought about waves of disrup- tion hitting market leaders hard in sectors such as telecoms, media and retail. In an age of fast pace disrup- tion, convergence and consolidation, surviving and thriving is only possi- ble through foresight, innovation and entrepreneurship. The collaboration is specifically aimed towards making joint contributions towards the de- velopment of an agile Maltese digital economy, able to respond to what the future may hold. Through formal agreements, the MCA and the University have already, and plan to continue, implementing joint initiatives that target specifically innovation in communications. Four research projects were supported fi- nancially by the MCA and today the MCA TAKEOFF Award was also launched during the press conference. The scheme will be supporting two local start-ups to develop an in- novative business idea with a view to eventual commercialisation. Under this scheme the MCA will be making available a seed fund of up to €40,000. The University will be hosting the start-ups at its campus-based TAKE- OFF Business Incubator. Edward Woods, Chairman of the MCA, stated that "it is imperative for an Authority responsible for the advancement of communications to look beyond the present market con- text, which can often distract policy from seeking long term objectives". He added that "The future of Malta's economic and social success relies on the ability to innovate, specialise and seek excellence specifically in the de- velopment and application of ICT". Dr Woods stated that the "collaborat- ing with the University will give the Authority access to knowledge and expertise from a broad spectrum of disciplines". Professor Juanito Camilleri, Rector of the University of Malta, welcomed the agreement as an opportunity to bridge academia with the industry and the public sector. He said that "academia can have a strong role to play in the country's development when its contributions are relevant, accessible and lead to tangible innova- tion". The MCA further announced that it will be supporting a research project led by Kristian Zarb Adami that aims to develop a low-cost Ultrawideband Antenna through a financial contri- bution of €5,500. The antenna is one of the technologies being proposed for consideration for the Square Kilome- tre Array (SKA) project, which will be the world's largest radio telescope. Individuals or start-ups interested in submitting a proposal under the MCA TAKEOFF Award are encour- aged to download details from www. mca.org.mt. Proposals must be based on a strong business case and tied to a communications technology or re- lated applications. Academics wishing to put forward research proposals that include collaboration with the MCA are invited to contact the Knowl- edge Transfer Office at the Univer- sity of Malta on knowledgetransfer@ um.edu.mt Events MCA and the University of Malta to collaborate on Innovation in Communications: Seed fund award launched OASI Cup Run THE OASI Foundation is a non- governmental and not-for-profit or- ganization based in Victoria, Gozo. Its mission revolves around the social fields of Prevention, Immediate In- tervention, Treatment and Rehabili- tation, with services related to issues of drug and alcohol abuse and other addictions. The OASI Foundation is aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle through a fundraising activity open to every- one. On the 2 November 2014 at 9.00am, OASI will organize a 10Km Road Run for adults and Road Run for children between the ages of 9 and 15 years. For those who would like to join in but do not wish to run, a fun walk will also be organized as an alternative. Free transport will be available to those coming from Malta with the 7.30am ferry and back with the 1.30pm ferry. Places are limited, so book earlier in order not to be disap- pointed. Rules and Regulations and Applica- tion Form can be downloaded from the OASI website: www.oasi.org.mt or from the OASI facebook page at www.facebook.com/oasi.gozo. For more information please contact us on admin@oasi.org.mt or by calling on 21563333. ONE of the most hotly anticipated launches of the year – that of Ap- ple's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus – is just around the cor- ner. Vodafone today announced that it will be offering both these products in store from Friday 24 October. The iPhone 6 is the new version of iPhone that Apple is describing as being not only bigger but "simply better in any way" than anything that has come before. According to Apple, the iPhone 6 represents the perfect fusion of design and func- tion with "one continuous form where hardware and software func- tion in perfect unison, creating a new generation of iPhone that's bet- ter by any measure." Given the iconic status of the iPhone it is not sur- prising that interest has been very strong in Malta, with Apple fans waiting eagerly to get their hands on the iPhone 6 as soon as possible. "Interest was evident quite a while back when the iPhone 6 was launched in other countries, with Vodafone customers asking about its availability in our retail outlets and call centre for the past weeks," said Luan Vella, Terminals Senior Executive from Vodafone Malta. "As Vodafone Malta we are proud to be the only Apple authorized re- seller of iPhones offering a 2 year warranty on the phones in Malta. This helps us provide our custom- ers the latest technology accompa- nied by the best service and offers on the Maltese Islands." He added that "With our high speed and re- liable network and our great value plans, Vodafone customers can be assured of a great experience at great value." Apple's iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus are being launched for all Vo- dafone customers in three different colours: grey, gold and silver. Vodafone customers can beat the queue by pre-registering their iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus from Friday 17 October at www.voda- fone.com.mt. For more informa- tion, visit one of Vodafone's retail outlets across Malta and Gozo, call 247 from a Vodafone line or 9999 9247 from any other line, or visit or log onto Vodafone Malta's Face- book Page. For more information on the iPhone 6, please visit: www. apple.com/iphone. Vodafone announces launch of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Open day at Majjistral Park on 25 October THE Majjistral Nature and His- tory Park is this country's first natural national park. It is in the northwest of Malta (hence the name), comprising the coastal area from Golden Bay to il-Prajjet and ix-Xaghra l-Hamra. Home to many species of both f lora and fauna, it is of great importance to Malta's ecology. Moreover, it features a number of historical, cultural and rural heritage sites, which, by blending its characteristic landscape with the rich history somewhat sym- bolises the Maltese character of rough and intense beaut y. With these key elements of the park in mind, throughout the summer a group of four students have developed a mobile appli- cation, hosted by the MITA In- novation Hub, a tech incubator funded by the Malta Information Technology Agency. The app is intended to act as a point of in- formation to visitors, as well as a fun guide for ramblers visiting the park. The app will be launched dur- ing an open day at the park on Saturday 25 October. Following the launch, families, children, tourists, ramblers, ornithologists and other enthusiasts will be the first to download the free mobile application, available on Android and iOS. Everyone is encour- aged to join in the activities be- ing organised from 12:00 noon onwards. Throughout the day, a mobile photography competition will be held, actually using the mobile app to be launched on the same day. Participants will therefore be able to send in photos taken through a special function within the application itself. These will be judged with prizes awarded to the best photos. For the more adventurous, a treasure hunt will be organised throughout the park, which will be a challenge to all those ex- press their intention to partici- pate on the day. This too will be carried using the mobile app as an itinerary. Guided walks along the park will explain in more de- tail what the park has to offer, as well as increase awareness about a rich heritage that is often taken for granted. Throughout the day, the crea- tors of the app will be present to give a presentation about the app and tell their story about the ex- hilarating experience of running their own IT project from A to Z. The team members are designers Eliza Calleja, and software devel- opers Kurt Dalli, Nicholas Galea and James Zammit. Keen nature or history enthusi- asts, or simply anyone who wants to learn more about the Majjis- tral Nature and History Park, or seek a different and exciting way to spend a rambling Saturday afternoon, should not miss the event. Of course, forgetting your smartphone could spoil a good part of the fun! For more information about the Open Day on 25th October, visit www.majjistral.org MCA and the University of Malta to collaborate OASI Cup Run