Deadline: October 17, 2025
The Feasibility Study scheme assists enterprises in Malta with financing research costs to determine the viability and sustainability of proposed business ideas.
Focus Areas: Health and Well-being, Sustainable Use of Resources for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Smart Manufacturing, Marine & Maritime Technology, Aviation and Aerospace, Future Digital Technologies.
The Feasibility Study grant scheme aims to help enterprises by financially supporting the research phase needed to evaluate innovative business ideas. The scheme is part of Malta’s effort to increase gross research and development expenditure and stimulate research and innovation capacities by fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship aligned with Malta’s Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021-2027. The scheme is open to micro, small, medium, and small mid-cap enterprises engaged in economic activities in Malta or Gozo.
The grant falls under the policy objective of promoting entrepreneurship and smart economic transformation across Europe, focusing on enhancing research and innovation capacities and uptake of advanced technologies. The scheme is demand-driven with an initial budget of €2,000,000 and offers grants up to €100,000 per undertaking with aid intensity varying by enterprise size. Projects must be completed within six months from the grant agreement date, with possible justified extensions.
Eligible projects must involve a feasibility study covering an executive summary, market research, cost estimation, financial and economic assessments, risk profile, and next steps toward commercialization. The study must address at least one of the designated smart specialization areas. Eligible expenditures include study-related costs approved in the grant agreement; several exclusions apply, including ongoing projects funded by other EU programs, certain sectors like tobacco manufacturing, and projects with internal capability for the activities proposed.
Applications undergo a two-stage process starting with a concept note, followed by submission of a full application for successful candidates. The assessment involves a project selection committee, including financial viability checks for larger grants. Monitoring and reporting requirements are integral, with beneficiaries obliged to maintain detailed records, cooperate with audits, and comply with public fund procurement principles.
Grantees must ensure the integration of sustainability and respect the “do no significant harm” environmental principle. Publicity measures acknowledging EU support are mandatory. The scheme emphasizes equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and compliance with state aid regulations.
For more information, visit FONDI.eu.
