Malta Enterprise is expected to open a life sciences park in San Gwann with the view of setting up a specific research cluster.
During a visit to the premises of Abertax Quality Limited at the Corradino Industrial Estate in Paola yesterday, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi pointed out that in the recent reshuffle the R&D sector was placed under the direct responsibility of the Office of the Prime Minister.
“A strategy unit is being set up and in the coming days I will be announcing some developments in the field of R&D. Even Budget 2010 includes a number of measures in this regard.”
Dr Gonzi, who was accompanied by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, said that last year the government supported 398 companies, which together benefited from grants, co-financed by the EU, amounting to €24.8 million.
Abertax has a number of innovative patented products for use with different types of battery systems and devices.
The company has invested heavily in its professional workforce and has recently set up a state-of-the-art tool room, thanks to the European Regional Development Fund’s (ERDF) Innovation Action Grant Scheme, which is locally managed by Malta Enterprise.
This project will enable Abertax to carry out further work in the field of research and development (R&D).
In all, the company invested €693,150 in this project. The grant consisted of a subsidy of €228,946, 85 per cent of which was granted by the EU and 15 per cent by the Maltese government.
The Prime Minister commended the way the company applies concepts developed by means of R&D into high-quality products, as well as its collaboration with the university as a model that helps researchers share their findings and their knowledge in the commercial sector.
Apart from Abertax, another 18 companies benefited from ERDF grants for R&D purposes. The University of Malta is benefiting from €46.9 million in funds that are co-financed by the EU. The funds are being invested in a number of projects, including a particular one to upgrade research facilities such as rapid prototyping infrastructure.