The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) together with the EIT-Urban Mobility Hub will be hosting the EXCEL Winter School from 12 February to 16 February 2024. The activities will be commencing at the MCAST Gozo Campus.

The College recognizes the complexities of urban mobility, especially in the face of rapid technological advancements and emerging business models. This programme will address gaps in traditional educational frameworks, offering a specialized learning experience to equip participants with the latest knowledge, tools, and a mindset tailored to the evolving urban mobility landscape.

As well as being an educational programme the EXCEL Winter School is a transformative journey aimed at empowering students to shape the future of urban mobility. The program, comprising an online preparatory week and an in-person study visit in Gozo, shall focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving in the urban mobility domain.

Participants will be mainly students who are residents of EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries and have completed at least their second year of Bachelor’s education in the fields of Engineering, Information Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering Statistics, Geoinformation Technology, Urban Planning, Geography, Economics, Software Engineering. Through the programme participants will be gaining various skills including the development of a business mindset, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Students will be working on key challenges provided by the Gozo Regional Development Agency (GRDA), including the use of sustainable renewable energy sources in mobility, a modal shift towards sustainable travel, and improvements in maritime connectivity. These challenges directly address pressing issues faced locally, contributing to the region’s sustainable development.

With a focus on electro-mobility, MCAST is well-positioned to provide valuable insights into transport industry issues and opportunities. The institution’s extensive experience in EU funding programs and active management of projects under EIT Urban Mobility ensures a strategic approach to addressing urban mobility challenges. MCAST’s involvement in this initiative will ensure the integration of innovation, stakeholder engagement, real-world problem-solving, and cutting-edge urban mobility solutions into its existing curriculum.

The main stakeholders in this project are MCAST, Cleantech Bulgaria PAF, Transport Malta, and the Gozo Regional Development Authority.