Source of Funding: MDIA - Malta Digital Innovation Authority

The AI Applied Research Fund is in line with the AI Strategy Implementation and Governance.

In terms of rationale and scope, this Grant is aligned with several of the goals of the Malta AI Strategy including:

• Building awareness of AI and its potential benefits for society;
• Stimulating R&D through AI-related activities;
• Fostering a culture of collaboration between research institutions and industry;
• Demonstrating the potential benefits of AI applications to both the public and private sectors.

Part of MDIA’s budget has been earmarked for the creation of support measures for the further diffusion of innovative technology arrangements within the public and private sector in order to increase efficiency, transparency and citizen engagement.

Visit the below link to read further, download the guidelines and application form.

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Source of Funding: European Commission

Under the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS), the European Commission funds research on:

• New, sustainable and low-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes
• Advanced steel grades and applications
• The conservation of resources, protection of the environment and circular economy
• The management of workforce and working conditions

Visit the below link to read further.

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Source of Funding: European Commission

In line with the New European Innovation Agenda’s flagship on accelerating and strengthening innovation in European Innovation Ecosystems across the EU and addressing the innovation divide, this action is intended to create connected Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) across the European Union (EU), involving regions with lower innovation performances, by building on strategic areas of regional strength and specialisation (defined in their smart specialisation strategies), in support of key EU priorities.

The European Commission dedicated EUR 122 million under Horizon Europe (European Innovation Ecosystems) and under the European Regional Development Fund (Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument).

Continue reading on the below link.

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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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