AI Applied Research Grant

The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) is currently open for applications for the AI Applied Research Grant. This grant aims to facilitate the adoption of advanced technology solutions in both the public and private sectors. Its primary goal is to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and citizen involvement.

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Eligibility

• To qualify for this grant, applicants must be local research institutions, regardless of whether they engage in economic activities.
• If a research institute does not have majority public ownership (over 50%), they must provide evidence of collaboration with an entity that does (e.g., government ministries or agencies).
•  The MDIA reserves the right to reject applications if they suspect the proposed project closely resembles a previously approved one.
• Furthermore, projects must have a motivating impact, and work on activities seeking assistance can only commence after the aid has been granted.
• Applicants must also ensure compliance with relevant EU and national regulations, including meeting fiscal and social security obligations.
•  A detailed plan outlining the intended use of funds is mandatory, and any alterations to the approved plan must be reported to the MDIA.
• Replacing individual components of existing equipment without expanding the Applicant’s capacity is not considered eligible.

Intangible assets can be included in the investment costs if they meet specific conditions:

• They must be exclusively used in the receiving establishment.
•  They must be subject to amortization.
• They must be acquired under standard market conditions from unrelated third parties.
•  They must be part of the assets of the receiving Applicant and must remain associated with the project for at least three years after its completion.
• All supplies and services must be procured from external sources unrelated to the Beneficiary.
• The Applicant must possess all necessary permits.
• Approved projects must be located and operational in Malta.
• Any modifications to approved activities and actions require advance approval from the MDIA.
• The Applicant should not have been approved or granted any public funding, nor seek such funding through other national or EU-funded initiatives related to the activities for which assistance is sought through this Grant, including Cohesion Policy schemes or any other EU instruments or forms of public funding administered through National Funds.
• Each Applicant can receive only one grant under this scheme.
• Applicants approved for a grant may not be eligible for additional funding.
• The Applicant must ensure compliance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1407/2013 of 18 December 2013 regarding the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid, as amended, if applicable.

Benefits

• Grants will be distributed quarterly, subject to available funds. Eligible applications that score at least 75% on the selection criteria (second-level evaluation) will be ranked, and funds will be allocated to successful applicants based on this ranking order.
• It is encouraged for applicants to showcase collaboration between academia and industry, as such partnerships can enhance the project’s value.
• If the total eligible costs are €40,000 or less, approved applicants will receive the full requested amount, contingent on meeting eligibility and exclusion criteria, and after MDIA evaluation and approval.
• If the total eligible costs exceed €40,000, approved candidates will receive a grant of €40,000, which is the maximum amount per project for this Grant.
• Each project benefiting from the Grant can run for a maximum of one (1) year from the date of signing the Grant Agreement.
• Applicants may request an extension of up to six (6) months. The MDIA Project Selection Committee will have the authority to grant such extensions, with evaluations done on a case-by-case basis.

Application Process

Click here to apply

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