Source of Funding: Xjenza Malta

Following the successful launch of the 1st call of the Digital Technologies Programme in collaboration with Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), this year the 2nd call for this programme is now open!

The Digital Technologies Programme is designed to support research that will drive us towards a safer and more trustworthy development, adoption and use of digital technologies

The Digital Technologies Programme will primarily focus on the following high-level priority areas:

Source of Funding: Women TechEU

Women TechEU is a 2-year EU-funded project supporting women leading deep tech startup companies from Europe.

Our mission is to create a more gender-balanced entrepreneurship ecosystem. We believe that diversity drives innovation, and we are here to provide women in deep tech with more opportunities, resources, and support to thrive.

The project consortium is launching 4 calls for applications over the span of 2 years which, following a rigorous evaluation process, will result in a total of 160 beneficiaries. Each beneficiary will receive €75k grants (non-dilutive finance) as well as a personalised business development programme which includes mentoring, coaching and targeted training among other options.

Visit the below link to read further:

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COROB aims to develop a flexible, cooperative and intelligent multi-robotic solution for arc welding-based manufacturing processes (joining and additive manufacturing), to offer new operational capabilities that allow to increase the efficiency and improve the flexibility of industrial processes.

The purpose of the Open Call is to integrate and test innovative solutions within the COROB project’s framework. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of arc welding-based manufacturing processes by employing a cooperative multi-robot system powered by Inspection, Monitoring, Control, and AI techniques.

Visit the below website to read further on this opportunity. 

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Source of Funding: Malta Digital Innovation Authority

Overall Objectives of MARG

The MDIA Applied Research Grant (MARG) aims to support capacity-building efforts related to:

• Artificial Intelligence; and/or
• Digital Trust; and/or
• Knowledge, Data Representation and Analysis; and/or
• Technology for Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG); and/ or
• Quantum Computing; and
• Other Emerging Technologies.

Visit the below link to download guidelines, application form and view call deadline.

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This incentive seeks to assist SMEs through non-repayable grants to part-finance investment that will enhance their overall level of security and resilience in order to be in a better position to handle cyber threats and be proactive to meet future challenges. This will improve the capacity of the local organisations whilst increasing the level of investment made in cybersecurity locally.

Eligible Organisations

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Financing

This scheme is co-funded through the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) (50%) and National Funds (50%). Eligible projects will be part-financed up to 80% of the cost for investment in Malta, for a maximum grant of up to €60,000 per project. The allocated budget for this scheme is set at €2,000,000.

Visit the below link to read further.

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The Cyber Assess Scheme aims to bolster businesses’ security and resilience by offering specialised cybersecurity expertise and services. This initiative empowers businesses to proactively handle cyber threats, strengthen local enterprises, and reduce supply chain risks in the private sector. Tailored offerings furnish technical and business acumen, enhancing IT system security and effectively addressing information security threats.

This project is fully funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility fund which is part of the NextGenerationEU Programme.

Scope of Scheme

Our comprehensive services focus on assessing IT systems and infrastructure (excluding Software as a Services (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), SCADA, Operational Technology (OT), and personal devices), emphasizing Vulnerability Assessments, Penetration Testing, Security Architecture Reviews, Risk Assessment, and Audits & Reviews.

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The Cyber Assess Scheme will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to service availability. With a dedicated budget of up to €150,000, the scheme provides free of charge services to eligible enterprises. To ensure equitable distribution and effective utilization of resources, specific allocations have been established for each service category.

Continue reading on the below link.

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

X2.0 cohort 4 focuses on Smart Cities and Sustainability domains and seeks innovative and impact-driven deeptech startups! This time around we are looking for teams that aim to leverage the latest technology or scientific discoveries to enhance the quality of life for residents and urban environments all the while promoting sustainable practices and way of life.

This cohort focus encompasses a wide range of sub-topics and areas of focus which can be seen to overlap and interconnect like: urban mobility & clean transportation, urban planning and development, public safety and securiX2.0 cohort 4 focuses on Smart Cities and Sustainability domains and seeks innovative and impact-driven deeptech startups! This time around we are looking for teams that aim to leverage the latest technology or scientific discoveries to enhance the quality of life for residents and urban environments all the while promoting sustainable practices and way of life.

This cohort focus encompasses a wide range of sub-topics and areas of focus which can be seen to overlap and interconnect like: urban mobility & clean transportation, urban planning and development, public safety and security, energy efficiency, circular economy, resource efficiency, water and air quality, waste management, climate change mitigation, environmental monitoring, resilience and disaster preparedness.ty, energy efficiency, circular economy, resource efficiency, water and air quality, waste management, climate change mitigation, environmental monitoring, resilience and disaster preparedness.

Why to participate / Benefits

Innovation Vouchers to cover

• Needs-based growth and scaling services in the max. amount of €20,000
• 1-on-1 mentorship with experts from the field of need in the min. amount of €5,000
• Access large-scale startup and investor-oriented events, exhibitions, and fairs in the amount of €5,000

Other Program Benefits

• Corporate Matchmaking and procurement
• Private Fundraising assistance
• Custom EU funding and public procurement ecosystem and overview
• Talent Matchmaking & Job promotion
• Promotion & Visibility

Continue reading further on the below link.

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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: 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: SynergistEIC (EU-funded Project)

SynergistEIC is an EU-funded project that started in January 2023 with an overall budget of €1,986M to help European deep tech startups, scaleups and SMEs from the GreenTech sector to scale in the EU and globally. Throughout its 2-year duration SynergistEIC will hold 2 Open Calls selecting and supporting 30 companies, providing them with a combination of financial support, advisory services, and connections with the broader innovation ecosystem.

Up to € 50,000 per startup will be distributed in Open Call 1. The first Open Call will provide grants to 15 startups (5 EIC-applicants and 10 non-EIC applicant companies) along with a 6-months tailored support which includes a 3-month acceleration programme to increase scalability, as well as series of workshops on EU funding and procurement topics, and networking opportunities with EU innovation ecosystem players.

Who can apply?

SynergistEIC welcomes applications from deeptech startups developing innovative solutions addressing ClimateTech, CleanTech, Circular economy and AgriFood challenges with a preference on certain technological focus (notably using AI, Machine learning and language processing, Big Data, Advanced Computing, Bioengineering, Next Generation Internet, Blockchain, IoT).

Application deadline: 14th of June 2023, 17:00 CET!
Companies can apply on the F6S platform SynergistEIC Open Call 1.

What do companies get? 

15 GreenTech companies will be selected in the first SynergistEIC Open Call to receive up to €50k grant to refine their technology, engage with users, and improve commercial metrics. Also, they will be enrolled in a 6-month tailored support programme addressing the startup’s needs and challenges.

What are the other programme benefits that the companies get:

• Connections to peer-companies, investors, national and European innovation ecosystem actors.
• Boost scalability and business performance.
• Increase of market coverage or market readiness of developed products. .
• Raise companies’ awareness of EU funding and procurement opportunities.
• Wide promotion & visibility.

How does it work?

The Open Call process is composed of different phases:

• Phase 1: Application submission 
• Phase 2: Admissibility & eligibility check
• Phase 3: Proposals evaluation

• Phase 4: Tailored Growth programme begins with selected companies.

The evaluation will be performed by external evaluators (external experts with expertise and experience corresponding to the open call topic). Detailed information on the evaluation process could be also found in the Guide for applicants available on the SynergistEIC webpage. 

Selection criteria: 

• Companies that have applied or are interested in applying for EIC Accelerator
• Seal of Excellence (SoE) holders (for EIC-applicants) or 
• Minimum TRL4 level companies that have received funding up to 500k Euro (for non-EIC applicants)
• Female Entrepreneurs and / or with women in high management positions (C-level)
• Companies coming from the EU member states or Associated Countries with preference given to companies from Widening Countries. 

Additional information: 

Detailed information would be provided to candidate applicants on a dedicated SynergistEIC Open Call Info Webinar which will take place on 17 May 2023, 15:00 - 16:00 CET. Register here.

Answers to the most common questions related to the SynergistEIC Open Call 1 are provided in the FAQ section of our website, as well. 

Applicants are also welcome to ask their questions also by contacting us via email at info@synergisteic.eu 

Official press release and flyer:

SynergistEIC_Press release.pdf

SynergistEIC_Press release.pdf

Flyer SynergistEIC.pdf

Flyer SynergistEIC.pdf

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