New €255,000 Project Gives A New Voice To People Who Cannot Speak

People suffering from conditions such as ALS and severe paralysis will soon have the opportunity to regain their voice through an innovative brain-computer interface system.
A new project was launched Thursday morning at Dar Bjorn, under the name “NeuroBCI: Empowering ALS patients through brain-computer interfaces.”
This project, which will run over a 24-month period with funding of €255,000 from the Secretariat for Youth, Research, and Innovation, is the result of a collaboration between the Government and the University of Malta.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, said:
“This project is a clear example of the purpose of research and innovation: not commerce, not gadgets, but communication, relationships, and dignity. This is a true revolution that restores a sense of freedom and personal identity to those who for many years had no other means of communication. As a Government, we will remain determined to invest in more projects like this, which give a voice to those who have lost it and help build a society where no one is left behind.”
Professor Engineer Tracey Camilleri, who is leading the project, explained:
“Through this system, people who cannot speak or move will be able to write messages, interact on social media, or carry out basic communication like ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ For many of us, this may seem minimal, but for those who have been silent for years, this is a huge gift. The project will also give users the opportunity to test and help improve the system, ensuring it is reliable and practical for daily life.”
Maria Formosa, Executive Secretary of the ALS Malta Foundation, said:
“This project, made possible thanks to the support of the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, is a bridge between brilliant minds and the world around them. It is a clear demonstration of what the Maltese people can achieve when they come together. Here, I would like to appeal for your support.”
“Research costs money. Technology costs money. But the hope it gives is priceless.”
“Next week, we will hold our annual marathon. Every cent you give will go toward helping people like Bjorn live better lives and allow us to continue telling people like Bjorn: I’m with you.”
This project not only confirms Malta’s role as a small country with a big vision but also demonstrates how collaboration between the scientific community, the Government, and foundations can lead to concrete changes in people’s lives.
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