Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
The Prototype to Minimum Viable Product (P2M) Programme supports Maltese registered SMEs and start-ups in transforming prototypes into market-ready Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) by providing funding of up to €30,000 to help achieve early market validation, pilot customers, and first sales within a six-month implementation period.
The programme focuses on supporting the development of Minimum Viable Products, achieving early market traction, validating solutions in real market conditions, strengthening commercial readiness, enhancing market positioning, targeting investors, and supporting scientific and commercial research methodologies. It also prioritizes projects that demonstrate a credible and time-bound pathway toward customer adoption, pilot implementation, or commercial purchase.
The P2M Programme provides financial assistance through several funding components designed to help businesses move beyond the prototype stage. The Base Grant offers up to €16,000 and is disbursed in two stages, with an initial payment at project commencement and a retention payment upon successful completion of the project and achievement of the MVP. An additional Performance-Based Top-Up of up to €5,000 is available for applicants that achieve agreed key performance indicators, including evidence of market validation or traction.
Newly established research-performing companies may also benefit from a Start-up Top-Up of up to €5,000, provided that the company was incorporated within one year prior to application submission and meets the ownership requirements established under the programme. Applicants may further apply for a Market Discovery Voucher of up to €4,000 to strengthen market positioning, investor targeting, and commercial readiness, subject to the availability of funds and applicable terms and conditions.
To be eligible, applicants must be Maltese registered entities operating in Malta at the time of application submission. Proposals must clearly demonstrate both a scientific and commercial basis and include the research methodology that will be implemented throughout the project. Applications are expected to present a realistic and measurable pathway toward achieving an MVP that is ready for adoption, piloting, or purchase by clients.
The programme also outlines strict compliance requirements for applicants. Entities that are non-compliant with obligations under other active projects funded by Xjenza Malta may be deemed ineligible. This includes failure to meet grant agreement obligations, approved timelines, or other contractual commitments. Furthermore, applications involving entities with controlling shareholders connected to organisations previously declared non-compliant or defaulting under agreements with Xjenza Malta may automatically be considered inadmissible.
For more information, visit Xjenza Malta.
