The Ministry for Economy, European Funds and Lands (MEFL), Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), and the University of Malta have launched the TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award (TOSFA) in a bid to support entrepreneurs and researchers in taking their ventures from concept to commercialisation. The programme is run together with the support of the University’s Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO), TAKEOFF Business Incubator, and Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation (CEBI).
For the first time, the TOSFA scheme features the involvement of MDIA in the support of research projects in the area of Artificial Intelligence. Funding amounting to €150,000 will be allocated through a competitive call open to researchers and entrepreneurs working in all areas of innovation. Researchers at the University of Malta will be eligible to apply for Proof of Concept funds which facilitates in bringing their research closer to commercialisation. Seed Funding is available for entrepreneurs to move their venture closer to securing their first customer or investment.
Applicants are invited to attend the relevant mandatory online orientation session which will provide further information about TOSFA and offer advice on how to prepare and complete the written applications.
The Proof of Concept workshop will be held online on Thursday 11 May 2023 at 10:00 while the Seed Fund Workshops will be held online on Thursday 11 May 2023 at 14:00. Should applicants be unable to attend, alternative meetings must be held directly with the Knowledge Transfer Office for POC or TAKEOFF for SF.
The final application form will only be accepted if applicants or their representatives register and attend the respective TOSFA workshop. Links to either workshop will be shared with applicants upon registration.
The deadline for submission of written applications is Monday 22 May 2023 at 12:00 (noon).
