Fuelling Innovation: €4 Million Investment In 17 Cutting-Edge Research Projects
17 projects across seven different research areas have benefited from approximately €4 million in funding through the national FUSION programme, as well as from various internationalisation programmes. These investments clearly demonstrate the Government’s commitment to the fields of research and innovation.
Funding is expected to continue to grow over the coming years, with the FUSION programme’s budget increasing from €5 million to €6.3 million in 2025. The budget for internationalisation schemes will rise from €1.6 million to €2.2 million.
This announcement was made this morning by Minister Clifton Grima and Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti during the second edition of the Research and Innovation EXPO, an event that highlights innovative research projects funded by Malta’s Science and Technology Agency, Xjenza Malta.
The EXPO provides a platform for researchers to present their work, while encouraging the exchange of ideas, collaboration and celebrating the extraordinary results achieved to date.
The EXPO also includes detailed presentations on research processes, prototype exhibitions and dynamic discussions with project coordinators, academics and other partners from the private industry and public sector. The discussions were aligned with the National Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation 2023-2027, Malta’s Smart Specialisation Strategy 2021-2027, and the Malta Space Strategy, all of which address priority areas for investment in innovation and future growth.
Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, explained how the EXPO showcased the tangible results of investments in this field through advanced solutions, prototypes and demonstrations developed through Xjenza Malta projects.
“These projects clearly demonstrate the ongoing work and commitment of the Government to support an innovative, knowledge-based economy,” said Minister Grima.
For his part, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, emphasised the importance of this event in highlighting Malta’s efforts in research and innovation.
“This event not only gives visibility to the projects supported by Xjenza Malta, but also reflects our commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures curiosity and creativity at all levels,” said Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti.
Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti also announced that four beneficiaries will be awarded grants from the Cancer Research Fund to begin work on their projects.
Professor Christian Scerri, Chairperson of the Foundation for Cancer Research and Innovation, highlighted the importance of funding in this field. “With nearly €1.2 million allocated to four innovative projects, we are showing our commitment to advancing cancer research. Collaboration between public and private stakeholders will be crucial in achieving concrete and transformative results,” said Professor Scerri.