About me James Gatt I'm James! Since a very young age, I've been a passionate Android developer.
Bio I'm James Gatt, also known as PixelBoot. I’m an AOSP Engineer based in Malta currently studying MSc. in Microelectronics and Microsystems, after graduating from a BSc. Computer Engineering at the University of Malta.

I've started my Android journey back in 2015 with the discovery of Android Custom ROMs for my legacy device collection. Starting with a Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo, my motivation was to maintain and learn more about Android at operating system level. I've supported many custom ROM distributions and maintained over 15 devices.
My next step was to found my own custom ROM distribution "PixelBuilds" in 2023 and support my Google Pixel device collection with my own flavour of Android 14, with the latest security patches.

In the meantime, I've ventured across the sea to deliver talks at different conferences around the region and share my work and findings with other developers in conferences like droidcon Berlin, droidcon London, AndroidMakers by droidcon and even AndroidWorldwide.
Locally, I've founded the first ever Google Developer Student Clubs in Malta, and helped organise events, workshops, hackathons and conferences as a GDG Malta organiser, to share my knowledge and expertise with a local and vibrant developer community.

During the development of my Final Year Project at the University of Malta for my undergraduate degree, I built an Internet of Things-enabled Greenhouse system from a wireless sensor network using an ESP32-S3, a number of sensors and LoRa. This project displays real-time data on an Astro-built website, and a Jetpack Compose built Android app. Additionally, this project also includes image processing leaf health detection prototype.
Education History
October 2025 - Present Master of Science in Information and Communication Technology (Microelectronics and Microsystems)
University of Malta
Msida, Malta

October 2022 - July 2025 Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Computer Engineering)
University of Malta
Msida, Malta

Graduated with a First Class Honours in November 2025.

October 2020 - June 2022 2 AM Advanced Levels & 4 IM Intermediate Levels
University of Malta
Msida, Malta

AM Advanced Level: ◦ Physics (C) ◦ Pure Mathematics (C) IM Intermediate Level: ◦ Computing (C) ◦ English (C) ◦ Religious Knowledge (C) ◦ Systems of Knowledge (B)

October 2020 - June 2022 11 SEC O-Levels
University of Malta
Msida, Malta

◦ Biology ◦ Chemistry ◦ Computing (2) ◦ English Language ◦ English Literature ◦ Environmental Studies ◦ Maltese ◦ Mathematics ◦ Physics ◦ Religion ◦ Spanish

Work Experience
February 2023 - Present Freelance AOSP Platform Developer
Paradox Cat GmbH
Remote

Freelance AOSP developer, with ongoing learning and projects related to Android Automotive.

July 2025 - September 2025 Student Trainee
ICT Solutions
Birkirkara, Malta

Student Internship Position at ICT Solutions as a part of the security and infrastructure team. During this experience, I was able to study and become certified for Microsoft's Azure Fundamentals. Furthermore, I learnt, and also performed operation tasks for onboarding Fortinet devices onto a new network. Additionally, also the appropriate steps and SOPs required to safely upgrade FortiGate, FortiSwitch and FortiAP devices.

September 2022 Student Intern
Paradox Cat GmbH
Munich, Germany

One week, on-site internship at Paradox Cat GmbH, working on AOSP in the automotive industry. During this experience, I learnt more about the application and importance of developing Android onto infotainment environments for vehicles. I was able to research and analyse more about the surrounding automotive market, whilst also prototyping onto devices, a suitable Android Automotive interface.

July 2022 - September 2022 Student Intern
Identity Malta
Msida, Malta

Part-Time role over selection of MITA Student Programme for the duration of 3 months. IT Support Officer role at Identity Malta Agency involves responsibilities such as the handling of IT equipment, maintaining databases, servers and backups, alongside the deployment for any maintenance or query handling within the Identity Malta Agency or any related involvements.

Community & Volunteering
August 2023 – Present Organizer
GDG Malta
Malta

Help organize events, workshops, hackathons, and conferences to share knowledge and expertise. Organise events related to Android and AOSP. Organising in DevFest 2025 Malta.

Nobember 2022 – Present Student Member
IEEE
Region 8

Voluntary work at IEEE Region 8 Robot Championship Malta 2022. Competitor at IEEE Region 8 Robot Championship Malta 2024.

December 2023 – December 2025 Chair
IEEE Student Branch
University of Malta

Chair of the IEEE Student Branch at the University of Malta, helping to promote awareness to the IEEE organisation and STEM, with the use of activites and events.

August 2023 – August 2024 Founder & Lead
GDG on Campus - University of Malta
Msida, Malta

Founded in 2023, the University of Malta was the first branch of GDSC in Malta! With a number of events throughout the semester, this first year was a huge success with over 100 members and 5 events. In December 2023, DevFest on Campus was the highlight of the chapter. A whole day conference at the University of Malta with more than 10 talks and 5 guest speakers, including Google Developer Experts coming from overseas.

September 2020 – September 2022 Youth Group Leader
Żgħażagħ Azzjoni Kattolika
Iklin, Malta

Leadership role in Żgħażagħ Azzjoni Kattolika Iklin Group 2007-2008 throughout the course of ŻAK Leadership course.

Awards & Recognition
Best Final Year Project: Computer Engineering
Chamber of Engineers
November 2025
Best Business Plan at IEEE R8 Robot Championships 2024
IEEE Region 8
April 2025
Winning Team at EU Heritage Hackathon
JEF Malta
December 2024
Best Teamwork Award at IEEE R8 Robot Championships 2024
IEEE Region 8
November 2024
Portfolio View articles, interviews, posts and talks that I’ve been a part of.
Articles Follow recent events via articles, in community-related work by James.
Interviews Tune in to James' invitations to interviews and live discussions.
Social Media Follow James' mentions on social media channels regarding his projects and talks.
Talks Follow James' talks in Android conferences all over the world.
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