Xjenza Malta is reinforcing its commitment to strengthening Malta's research and innovation ecosystem through new thematic funding opportunities-totaling €1.7 million in investment-that address national priorities and emerging sectoral needs, the Ministry for Justice, Research and Innovation said in a statement.
This was announced on Monday by the Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, during an event that brought together representatives from government, research, industry, and innovation. The event highlighted how targeted funding for research and innovation can address national challenges and market needs, while demonstrating the value of inter-ministerial and cross-sectoral collaboration in the co-creation and implementation of funding opportunities.
Grima spoke about the fundamental role of research and innovation in Malta's future competitiveness and the government's commitment to continued investment in this sector.
"We cannot overstate the importance of a collaborative approach if we are to build a stronger research and innovation ecosystem in Malta. However, while we must continue to create opportunities for researchers and scientists to develop their ideas, we also need to establish pathways that allow these ideas to transcend the research itself and deliver significant impact," Grima said.
The programme focuses on three key thematic research and innovation funding initiatives. The first concerns the Third Cancer Research Programme, developed in collaboration with the Cancer Research Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM). During Monday's session, the latest Call for Cancer Research was presented, highlighting the programme's evolution and impact, including success stories from previous initiatives.
"With the launch of this third funding cycle, CRIHM is building upon the nearly €3 million already invested in ten cancer research projects, thereby strengthening Malta's capacity to translate scientific discovery into better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment,' Chairman of CRIHM Christian Scerri said.
A second initiative focused on the Digital Vouchers Programme, developed in collaboration with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). The event marked the continuation of a successful three-year collaboration between Xjenza Malta and the MDIA and introduced the new Digital Innovation Programme and the Digital Vouchers Programme.
"At the MDIA, our goal is to create the conditions for trustworthy digital innovation to flourish. This programme reflects our commitment to supporting research, talent, and emerging technologies that can offer tangible benefits for Malta," MDIA CEO Kenneth Brincat said.
The event also launched the Water Innovation Research Programme for Sustainable Agriculture, developed in collaboration with Agricultural Resources Malta (RAM). The initiative aims to support research and innovation addressing water-related challenges in Malta's agricultural sector and to foster collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
"Research holds the greatest value when it reaches the people who can put it to use. Through joint initiatives, workshops, training programmes, and stakeholder engagement activities, we can help ensure that farmers, agricultural operators, and other stakeholders are equipped," Chief Officer of the Water Resources Unit at RAM Manuel Sapiano said.
Chief Executive of Xjenza Malta Silvio Scerri emphasised the importance of securing funding for research and innovation and ensuring it remains closely aligned with Malta's national priorities.
"Through our Thematic Programmes, Xjenza Malta is committed to supporting research and innovation that address Malta's real priorities and challenges. By strengthening collaboration between government, the research community, and industry, we can help drive innovative solutions that create long-term economic and social value," Scerri said.
Through these initiatives, Xjenza Malta continues to foster collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, public entities, and policymakers, while supporting the development of innovative solutions that can contribute to sustainable economic and social growth, the Ministry said.