Source of Funding: European Commission

The New Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument calls has been published; the I3 instrument, as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), aims at promoting innovation and interregional collaboration providing financial and advisory support for projects and the development of value chains.

Deadline for applications is: 17th October 2023.

More information on the open calls can be found via the below link:

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Source of Funding: Malta Council for Science and Technology

MCST launched its annual thematic programme this year, and the theme for 2023 is the Space Upstream. This field of scientific research is extensively broad and presents myriad opportunities where the sky is not the limit. It presents opportunities for Maltese stakeholders to conduct research in the following areas:

• The transportation of items or personnel into Space
• Space Exploration
• The development of related ground-based technology

The call is open to all Maltese legal entities from the public, private and academic institutions under three funding modalities (De Minmis ; GBER ; State Aid n/a).

An applicant or each partner within a consortium is to opt for one funding modality, making use of the respective rules and application template accessed below. A proposal can apply for a grant of up to €125,000 in order to carry out their research projects during a period of 12 or 18 months. For more information about this call and to find the application documents please check out our webpage: https://mcst.gov.mt/space-upstream-programme/

Funded projects under this Call must start between October and November of 2023.

Information Session about the Call:

MCST together with ESA will deliver an information session about the Call. The session will be held online.

9th June, between 10:00 and 11:30Hrs

You may request a copy of the recording by sending an email to space.mcst@gov.mt.

Please confirm your attendance by filling in the Google form (Link provided below). You may also book a one-to-one session with an ESA representative to discuss your proposal by booking an appointment in the form provided: https://forms.gle/KuizVedLAHmo9tor5

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Source of Funding: Malta Council for Science and Technology

The Commercialisation Voucher Programme is a formidable instrument aimed at bridging the existing gap in the R&I framework as well as improving the overall development and commercialization potential of innovative ideas. This Programme acts as a demand side measure, enticing user driven innovation, with an aim to increase research, technological development, and innovation activities, which could eventually be implemented in industry. The Vouchers are primarily intended to assist prospective applicants of the FUSION Technology Development Programme to prepare themselves better in terms of project proposal and validation. In some cases, it may also assist beneficiaries of previous or current R&I Programmes as well as projects funded through the European Programmes. Submission, evaluation, and selection of application will be in the form of a one-stage process in which a legal representative of the applicant will be asked to submit all the necessary information, to enable a decision on acceptance or rejection. The Commercialisation Vouchers are subject to a Scientific Evaluation and priority will be given to the Smart Specialisation Areas. State Aid rules apply.

Interested parties should submit their application form electronically to voucher.mcst@gov.mt with “CVP 2023 Call Application” as a subject. The Application must be dated and signed by the applying entity’s legal representative. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the timely submission of the application within the timeframes provided for in the call. Emails larger than 6MB shall be automatically rejected by the system. File sharing software is limited to WeTransfer or Dropbox.  All received applications shall be acknowledged by email and provided with a reference number.   Additional notes to applicants:

• Altering the parameters of the application template might lead to disqualification. Inputted text should not exceed the printable area of the text boxes.
• Annex I is to be used to include a clear diagrammatic representation of how the project will go beyond the state-of-the-art. Annex I should be stamped or signed by the applicant and scanned together with the application form.
• Annex 2 is to be used to include a reference list with full citations for each item. Annex 2 should be stamped or signed by the applicant and scanned together with the application form.
• Additional information pertaining to guidelines, rules, procedures, and the application form can be found in the documents attached with this call.

Visit the below link to download guidelines and application forms.

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Source of Funding: EIT Food

EIT Food is looking for startups, scale-ups and small or medium size organizations participate in EIT Food “RIS Straight to Market (RIS S2M)” programme.

The RIS Straight to Market is coordinated by EIT Food South and seeks connect retailers with small and medium-sized companies, startups and scale-ups, to bring to mainstream markets and supermarkets food products that are new or highly improved at a nutritional/sustainable level (see definition below).

The goal of the programme is to address EU policy priorities through R&I, and increasing the number of consumers using products developed with the support of EIT Food to personalize or change diet in line with relevant Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Europe, by bringing to mainstream markets and supermarkets food products that are new or highly improved at a nutritional/sustainable level, in alignment with EIT Food’s Impact Framework regarding new food products

Each selected start-up will work with one retailer to market their new or highly improved food product. A consortium established by one retailer and one start-up will be named “Project” in the below text. Each Project is expected to test and launch in the market at least 1 new food product.

Each startup will receive a maximum net funding of 30.000 EUR to cover the eligible costs of the project.

The strong market-oriented aim of this call will be combined with the engagement with consumers, through co-creation workshops in which their needs and expectations are heard, and feedback on product is given to validate the added value in terms of nutritional improvement for consumers.

Click on the below link to download guidelines and additional documentation.

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Source of Funding: Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)

The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. Created in 1992, it has co-financed thousands of projects. The LIFE programme 2021-2027 is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), has a budget of €5.4 billion and is divided into four sub-programmes:

• Nature and biodiversity
• Circular economy and quality of life
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Clean energy transition 

An online information shession will be held on 1st June 2023, visit the below link to read further.

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Source of Funding: Malta Council for Science and Technology

The Technology Extension Support Programme will form part of FUSION, the National Funding Programme, administered by the R&I Unit at MCST. The Technology Extension Support Programme will incentivise industry to seek technical support from Higher Education Institutes (HEI), to ensure incremental product or process improvement. This programme aims to accelerate the application of technological innovation to the industry, in a low-risk environment. This support measure is designed to incorporate R&I at all stages of product or process development and support collaborations between private and public entities. Maltese private entities can benefit from up to €40,000 per project of 15-months. Get in touch by contacting us on rtdi.mcst@gov.mt keeping abigail.aquilina@gov.mt in copy further information or assistance.

Visit the below link to acess the call specifications.

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Source of Funding: X2.0 Driving Deeptech Growth Project - EU Funded

SMEs, startups, and scaleups in the AgriTech sector encouraged to apply and receive €30K

The second Open Call as part of €1.5M total to startups launched last week. With a focus on AgriTech, the X2.0 Project is looking for startups offering innovative and deeptech solutions to advance the agriculture sector. Only 10 selected startups will have the chance to participate in this competitive and customized 5-month program designed to launch, develop, and scale new products, services, processes, and integrated solutions. Each beneficiary will receive€30K in Innovation Vouchers to reach the next level in their advancement with mentoring from more than 100 selected experts – known as Impact Builders (IBs)– providing tailored support and scaling services. The first Open Call in Manufacturing & Circular Economy received a great response, with 76 innovative startups applying.

Do you have a solution to disrupt the Agri-Industry?

The AgriTech Open Call is aimed at startups, scaleups, and SMEs with technologies to improve production and address challenges, especially in the context of climate change. We seek innovative solutions, such as precision farming techniques (e.g., sensors and drones) and advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms, that help farmers make more informed decisions.

Download the official press release or visit the below link for further information.

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Source of Funding: Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands (MEFL) and the University of Malta, supported by the Knowledge Transfer Office, Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation and the TAKEOFF Business Incubator

The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award is a joint initiative between the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands (MEFL) and the University of Malta, supported by the Knowledge Transfer Office, Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation and the TAKEOFF Business Incubator.
The new feature of the TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award 2023 cycle is the involvement of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), for the support of research projects in the area of Artificial Intelligence.

A total of €150,000 has been earmarked for distribution between start-ups and academics to enable the next phase towards the commercialisation of their business or research idea. Grants between €2,500 and €25,000 will be awarded to the selected projects.

The will fund two types of initiatives: University of Malta academic staff may apply for ‘Proof of Concept’ funds which will enable a step-change in taking an innovation developed through research at the University closer to being commercialised; entrepreneurs may apply for ‘Seed’ funds which will enable a step-change in taking their independent technology or knowledge-based start-up closer to the first customer or investment.

All applicants must attend the relevant online workshop being organised as part of the TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award application process. The workshops will provide an overview of the application process as well as tools for creating a competitive proposal. The final application form will only be accepted if applicants or their representatives register and attend the required TAKEOFF or Knowledge Transfer Office workshop. This will only be waived in extenuating circumstances. Should applicants be unable to attend alternative meetings must be held directly with the Knowledge Transfer Office for POC or TAKEOFF for SF. Both events will be held online and links will be shared with those who register for the respective workshops beforehand. To register for the event, please click here

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Source of Funding: Malta Council for Science and Technology

The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People’s Republic of China would like to announce that the SINO-MALTA Fund 2023 Joint Call for Project Proposals is now open for Malta-based applicants. The SINO-MALTA Fund supports research, development, and innovation projects between Maltese and Chinese researchers.

For the SINO-MALTA 2023 Joint Call, the eligible Thematic Areas are:

1. Health, with a focus on:

• Cancer,
• Cellular therapy,
• Drug development,
• Traditional Chinese Medicine,
• Digital tools to support healthcare.

2. Green and Blue Economy Transitions, with a focus on:

• Renewable energy,
• Sustainable mobility,
• Smart manufacturing,
• Marine and Maritime technologies.

3. Digital technologies,

• Digital technologies may remain general as a theme,
• Digital technologies as a cross-cutting theme may be equally supported.

Proposal Deadline: 27th June, 23:59 CET

The submission process for the 2023 Call will follow a one-stage process that allows for Malta-based applicants to find China-based partners to collaborate and submit a full proposal that describes the state of the art, methodology, implementation, and foreseen outcomes.

Click on the below link to download application forms and guidelines.

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Source of Funding: SuperCharger Ventures

­SuperCharger Ventres' accelerator programme in Malta is catered to a diverse range of founders seeking to:

• Expand their team by 3 to 10 people and consider remote work options from Malta, which can be finacned with up to 75% of their salaries through soft loans.
• Access EU market through local POC and international reference clients and a European presence of 500 million consumers.
• Invest heavily in tech and research, specifically AI and realted fields. Malta offers a wealth of highly skilled students and employees and a fast track for visa applicants for specific industries.
• Raise more than a million euros in funding and access additional non-dilutive funding to supplement their pool of funds.

Read further on this programme on the below link or download their brochure from here.

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