Angelo Dalli
Angelo Dalli | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 14, 1978 Malta |
| Occupation(s) | Computer scientist, entrepreneur, investor |
| Known for | Artificial intelligence, natural language processing, AI in transport, AI in gaming, trustworthy AI |
Angelo Dalli (born 14 April 1978) is a computer scientist with expertise in artificial intelligence, an entrepreneur with multiple ventures, and an investor in startup companies.
Early life and education
Originating from Malta and growing up in Birżebbuġa, Dalli attended the Archbishop's Seminary, Malta. He represented Malta at the Young European Environmental Research competition held in Cologne in 1994 and earned a bronze medal at the International Olympiad in Informatics in Eindhoven in 1995. Beginning his career as a software vendor during his teenage years, he also contributed freelance articles to PC World through the International Data Group.
Academic work
Following his graduation from the University of Malta, Dalli served as a lecturer specializing in artificial intelligence and natural language processing. He later pursued doctoral studies at the University of Sheffield under the supervision of Yorick Wilks. His scholarly output includes over 23 peer-reviewed publications focused on AI and NLP, notably introducing an early technique for extracting timestamps that has become standard in email software. Additionally, he played a role in enhancing European language support within Unicode, especially regarding the Common Locale Data Repository.
Within the field of Bioinformatics, Dalli discovered an efficient integer sequence useful for string alignment computations, with further extensions applicable to both natural language processing and sequence alignment tasks. He possesses an Erdős number of 3.
Dalli also captained Malta’s national informatics team at the International Olympiad in Informatics during the 2002 Seoul and 2004 Athens editions.
Trustworthy AI and Hybrid Intelligence
Angelo promotes trustworthy AI systems designed to positively impact society while advocating for suitable regulatory frameworks. In 2019, he co-established UMNAI, focusing on explainable AI by employing a neurosymbolic AI framework that integrates both neural networks and symbolic AI, enabling transparent and auditable decision processes.
AI and society
He spearheaded the taskforce appointed by the Government of Malta responsible for crafting Malta’s AI regulatory policies and national strategy. Angelo maintains active memberships with professional organizations such as the IEEE, AAAI, ACM, and ACL.
AI in transport
Angelo introduced machine learning applications within intelligent transport systems (ITS), including solutions for parking management, regulated vehicle access zones, and adaptive traffic controls. His enterprise Traffiko operated internationally across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East until its acquisition by Norway's Q-Free in 2015.
AI in gaming
Recognized as a thought leader within the online gambling industry, Angelo founded Bit8 (now integrated into Intralot), one of the pioneering firms to implement artificial intelligence technologies in online gambling. Bit8 developed predictive algorithms to estimate player lifetime value and crafted personalized bonusing mechanisms, innovations that have become industry standards. Intralot acquired Bit8 in 2017.
AI and creativity
Angelo partners with artists to push the boundaries of AI-enhanced creativity, culminating in the creation of the UMA. This AI initiative was co-established through the Creative Science and Arts Institute to foster research at the convergence of artificial intelligence, scientific inquiry, technological innovation, and artistic expression.
UMA generates unique artworks through a customized Generative adversarial network that integrates a human artist as a critical third element, setting it apart from conventional generative AI frameworks. Its discriminator has evolved from an anti-fraud mechanism to incorporate stable diffusion alongside procedural generation methodologies.
The initial pair of artworks produced by UMA were sold at auction in late 2018, with all proceeds directed to charitable causes. Continued advancements feature collaborations with creatives like Selina Scerri, whose work was presented in the 2024 Tomorrow's Blossoms exhibition at Esplora Museum, highlighting the relationship between AI and emotional experience.
Angel investor
As an engaged angel investor within the technology startup ecosystem, Angelo holds memberships in EBAN and serves on the senate of the World Business Angel Forum. He actively supports Maltese entrepreneurial ventures through initiatives such as Zest and Budding Rockstars and played a key role in founding BAM, Malta’s Business Angel network, in 2019.
Entrepreneurial and scientific
- Bronze Medalist at the International Olympiad in Informatics (1995)
- Recipient of the Malta Top Entrepreneur Award (2014, 2019)
- Awarded the WIPO IP Enterprise Award for the UMNAI Neuro-symbolic AI architecture (2022)
Corporate awards
- Winner of the Intralot Bit8 EGR Rising Star Award (2014)
- Honored with the Intralot Bit8 Malta Communication Authority eBusiness Award for Best B2B Application (2015)
- Recipient of the Intralot Bit8 Malta iGaming Award for Excellence (2017)