Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/897139
45 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2017 Information Technology can have a common experience when access- ing Government systems. Nonetheless, MITA is still working to find the best ways in which the eID can be used even abroad. Increasing awareness about the use of digital technology On another level, MITA is also working on another project, where it is raising aware- ness about how game-based learning can decrease the number of students who drop from study after secondary school. This project is being implemented with the Ministry of Education and is based upon in- ternational research that shows that digital games can be used in teaching, to improve the student experience and encourage them to study and experiment more. More than that, through the MITA Innovation Hub, the agency has issued the second call for the Accelerator Programme YouStartIT. In this programme, MITA is helping and fund- ing 6 digital startups from a total of 19 appli- cants. These startups have received a total of €147,000 and this programme is contributing in strengthening the startups platform in Mal- ta and making our country a natural destina- tion for startups. MITA is not limiting itself to helping only startups, but is also giving IT students the chance to experience what it feels like to work in the industry through on-the-job training. Moreover, MITA experts are deliver- ing study units to students so that they can learn about the practical aspect of working in the IT industry. Looking forward to 2018 MITA has started to implement the CON- vErGE project that was launched by the Maltese Prime Minister earlier this year. This project involves an investment of €57 mil- lion, of which €28.5 million will be allocated from EU funds. The aim of this project is to combine all the Government services together electronical- ly by putting all the electronic services ap- plication onto one platform, hence enabling the One Government concept. A lot of new services will be implemented in several sectors that affect citizens and businesses. Apart from the CONvErGE project, MITA will be implementing several other projects. Such projects include more awareness cam- paigns about cyber security; the implemen- tation of national legislation about networks and cyber security; training to Government employees on the use of public services on mobile and another edition of the YouStartIT where applicants will benefit from €220,00 for technological services which use tech- nologies such blockchain and Internet of Things. MITA will also continue working on the simplification of the eID mechanism so that it can be used by more citizens to access Government services. The internet platform for Government will be strengthened and pilot projects will be implemented in new technologies such as Internet of Things. As revealed by the Prime Minister, MITA will also be establishing a Blockchain Labo- ratory where MITA employees and public service employees will be trained to convert Government systems to use this technology. through investment and awareness MITA had the chance to showcase its projects during the Digital Expo. In March, 21 Government services were launched as mobile apps that are accessible through a single point called Maltapps. Through the MITA Innovation Hub, MITA is helping and funding 6 digital startups from a total of 19 applicants.