Deadline Date: July 01, 2026
The Digital Innovation Programme 2026 has been launched to support research and innovation projects that promote the safer, more trustworthy development, adoption, and use of digital technologies in Malta.
The programme focuses on several priority areas including Artificial Intelligence, Digital Trust, Knowledge and Data Representation and Analysis, Technology for Peace and Sustainability, Other Emerging Technologies, Regulatory Compliance and Governance, and Cultural and Linguistic Technologies. Sub-areas under these themes include generative AI, agentic AI, multimodal AI, explainable AI, autonomous vehicles, responsible and ethical AI, digital identity, cybersecurity, cyber resilience, quantum communication, dependable computing, regulatory science, data analytics, knowledge graphs, sustainable cloud infrastructures, AI for sustainability, edge computing, peace tech, GPU powered infrastructure, quantum computing, high performance computing, neuromorphic computing, digital twins, personalised medicine applications, augmented-connected workforce solutions, innovative computing for the humanities, EU digital regulations compliance, and technologies supporting the Maltese language and cultural heritage data preservation.
The Digital Innovation Programme is part of the R&I Thematic Programmes supported through national funds managed by Xjenza Malta in collaboration with Malta Digital Innovation Authority. The initiative was developed following consultations and a Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities to establish a dedicated digital thematic programme for Malta’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The programme is intended to fund projects ranging from early-stage to applied research activities covering Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 to 7. It aims to strengthen research capacity and encourage innovative digital solutions that align with national priorities and emerging technological trends.
Eligible applicants include Maltese registered legal entities from the public sector, private sector, academic institutions, or consortiums formed between these entities. Projects may receive a maximum grant of up to €200,000, with an additional sub-grant of €25,000 available for projects enrolled in the TARF or MDIA Sandbox initiatives. Supported projects can run for a duration of up to 24 months.
The broader objective of the R&I Thematic Programmes is to strengthen Malta’s research and innovation landscape through dedicated sector-specific support and enhanced collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, public entities, and regulatory authorities. The programme seeks to create a cohesive ecosystem that enables innovators to develop ideas within environments tailored to their technological and sectoral needs.
The initiative also aims to encourage stronger engagement with Malta’s research and innovation community while directing the efforts of researchers and entrepreneurs toward areas of national interest. Through collaboration with Maltese public authorities possessing deep technical expertise, the programme is designed to provide researchers with access to both sector-specific knowledge and wider research and innovation networks.
For more information, visit Xjenza Malta.
