The Digital Innovation Programme by Xjenza Malta (formerly Digital Technologies Programme) supports projects driving the safe, trustworthy development and adoption of digital technologies.
The 3rd call for this programme is now open.
Funding: EUR 200,000 per project
Duration: 24 months
Additional sub-grant: EUR 25,000 in case of enrollment in the Technology Assessment Recognition Framework (TARF) managed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) Sandbox.
Eligibility
TARF/MDIA Sandbox: The applicant must complete and sign the MDIA Recognition Suitability Self-Assessment form (TARF Level 0).
Both sole applicants and consortia are eligible to apply. In the case of a consortium, 1 of the partners should be designated as the Lead Partner and appoint a Principal Investigator.
Topics
Following the thematic programmes by Xjenza Malta, the Digital Innovation Programme for 2026 is for both early stage research and applied research (TRL 1-7), and also aims to support capacity building.
Applications must reflect both a priority area and a sub-area as listed below:
Artificial Intelligence
Generative AI
Agentic AI
Multimodal AI
Explainable AI
Intelligent and Safe Human Environments
Autonomous Vehicles
Responsible and Ethical AI
Domain-specific language models
Digital Trust
Digital Identity
Cybersecurity
Cyber Resilience
Quantum Communication
Dependable Computing
Regulatory Science
Knowledge and Data Representation and Analysis
Data Analytics
Domain-Specific Data Analysis
Knowledge Graphs
Technology for Peace, Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance
Sustainable Cloud
AI for Sustainability
Social-Technical Ecosystems
Edge Computing
Peace Tech
GPU Powered Infrastructure (NeoClouds)
Other Emerging Technologies
Quantum Computers
Neuromorphic Computing
Applications related to Personalised Medicine
Augmented-Connected Workforce
Digital Twins
Innovative Computing for the Humanities
High Performance Computing
Regulatory Compliance and Governance
EU AI Act
EU Cyber Security Act
EU Cyber Resilience Act
EU Data Governance Act
EU Data Act
European Digital Identity Regulation (eIDAS 2)
Cultural and Linguistic Technologies
Al and long-term archival of cultural heritage data
Tools to support for the Maltese language
Creation and use of language models with a focus on the Maltese language
This page is a summary of the available options under this call, along with internal deadlines for University of Malta. For full eligibility criteria, and a description of each priority and its relevant sub topic, please consult the guidelines for applications by organisations, including the University of Malta.
Please fill in and send the following by the internal deadlines TO:funding.rssd@um.edu.mt to review and support with your proposal documentation CC:preaward.rgfm@um.edu.mt for financial planning and budget approval
for your draft as Coordinator for your draft as Partner to Finalise Proposal - All Documents Ready Submit to the Funding Body by
Adhering to deadlines is essential not only to inform the University about your intended submission but also to allow us to support you and to get your application signed in time (when applicable).
Email Subject Line: Digital Innovation Programme Submission 2026 Call
Max Email with Attachments: 20MB (use cloud storage for larger files)
The application form in MS Word (.docx) format.
The same application in a PDF Format with signature.
The Detailed budget breakdown form (.xlsx).
The Detailed budget breakdown form in PDF Format (.pdf).
Signed and Filled-out MDIA Recognition Suitability Self-Assessment Form
Curricula Vitae of principle investigator/s from local and partner institution/s.
Letters of Intent or related correspondence to confirm a commitment for external researcher (where applicable) to collaborate on the Project.
An IP agreement signed by all Project Partners in the consortia
Dissemination and Externalisation Plan (generally a single page document)
RKDO Declaration: The declarations applicable to the non-state aid route for University of Malta (where State Aid is not applicable). Further more, if the application is for a consortia between University of Malta and a private entity, the private entity must provide a signed declaration Form for State Aid.
Signed Additional Declarations found within the application
