2. About Us
The Research and Innovation Unit manages three
national funding portfolios: FUSION, Thematic
Programmes and the Research Networking Scheme.
In 2025, the budgetary allocation for the R&I unit
has increased to €9M.
The R&I Unit manages schemes that fund projects
across all levels of RDI i.e., networking, basic
research, applied research as well as
commercialisation.
3. Technology Readiness Level
Funding schemes within the R&I Unit span across both early stage and applied research, thus targeting
research between TRL 1 – TRL 8.
5. The R&I Unit – Programmes & TRLs
Programmes not categorised by TRLs:
• Technology Extension Support Program (TESP)
• Research Networking Scheme
• Thematic Programmes
6. To support innovative projects through
specific, top-down initiatives through
collaboration with other Maltese Public
Entities and Authorities.
Two programmes were launched In 2024 in
collaboration with MDIA and the Cancer R&I
Foundation.
Objectives
• To develop a cohesive R&I landscape in Malta
• To create dedicated, sector-specific support
• To engage with the Maltese R&I community
• To concentrate the efforts of Maltese
researchers and entrepreneurs into
addressing topics of national interest
R&I Thematic
Programmes
7. Digital Technologies Programme (DTP) –
collaboration with the Malta Digital Innovation
Authority (MDIA)
R&I Thematic
Programmes
2025
CANCER RESEARCH PROGRAM - collaboration with the Cancer Research & Innovation Hub Malta
(CRIHM)
Priority areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Trust
- Knowledge and Data Representation and Analysis
- Technology for Sustainability and ESG
- Quantum Computing and Other Emerging
Technologies
Priority areas:
- Molecular Research and Diagnostic Innovations
- Community-Based Cancer Research
- Therapeutic Development and Clinical Strategies
- Psychosocial Support and Patient-Centred
Approaches
OBESITY RESEARCH PROGRAMME – collaboration
with the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing
(MHAA)
Priority areas:
- Food Labelling
- Food Provision
- Food Promotion
2024 call: 4 Projects
Awarded – 1 per priority
area.
2025 call: 7 Projects
Awarded – 1 per priority
area. Designated
according to evaluation
rank.
March
End
April
March
8. ≥2026
R&I Thematic
Programmes
Climate Change Ministry for the Environment, Energy & Regeneration of the grand Harbour
(MEER)
Social Science/Poverty - Ministry for social policy and children's rights (MSPCR)
Energy and Water – Energy & Water Agency
(EWA)
Sustainability in Tourism Development – Malta Tourism Agency
(MTA)
Construction and Demolition Waste – Environment & Resources Authority
(ERA)
9. 2
Research
Networking
Support
Networking Scheme
Opportunities for collaborative
initiatives with at least one foreign
entity
Support of up to €8,000 for short term
placements, workshops, development
proposals, etc.
Open Access Journal
Support (open call)
Supports beneficiaries of Xjenza Malta
Research grants to publish their
research in an open access journal with
up to €4,000.
3/4 of 2025
10. Vouchers Programme
This will provide the financial and
operational plan of a start-up whilst acting
as a blueprint from time of launch to
several years in the future.
Duration: 12 Months
Validity of Voucher : 1 year.
Levels of IPR:
• National Level
• EU Level
• International level
This will provide the right opportunities through which the technology/product/service can be showcased to potential
investors.
Aims to prepare the beneficiary with the right tools when meeting potential investors.
Duration: 12 Months
Validity of Voucher: 1 year.
Business Plan
Intellectual
Property
Registration (IPR)
Types of IPR:
• Trademark
• Copyright
• Industrial Design
• Trade Secrets
• Patent
Validity of Voucher: 3.5 years
Duration: 36 Months
Market Discovery
11. Space initiatives
ESA Plan for European Cooperating States (PECS) :
An investment by the Maltese Government by means of a programme intended to provide
Maltese public, private and academic institutions with an opportunity to submit proposals
for various calls.
• Research and Preparatory Activities
• Flight and Ground segment related research and development activities
• Space science activities
• Space (downstream) Applications
• Education activities
ESA PECS Activity Types:
Contact Space Executive Dr Michael Quinton for more information: michael.quinton@gov.mt
#3:Please note that “Technology” is defined as the application of knowledge and tools
to solve problems, enhance capabilities, or improve efficiency across various fields.
#4:The following infographic summarises the initiatives hosted by the R&I Unit; Starting with the most basic schemes RNS and REP
Contrary to REP are the Thematic Programmes
Under the umbrella of FUSION Programme (national programme for R&I for novel tech development) there is the TDP (largest pot of funding) and GTM.
TDP Lite is an expedited variant of TDP for applicants who don’t have a collaborator and want a faster process (1-1.5 YRS)
GTM loan assistance is still in the pipeline to be launched this year (2025)
#8:Possible thematic programmes for the next coming years.
#9:The call will be later in the year
Open Access will have a later deadline making it an open call
No more opportunity to apply in conjunction