New funding opportunities for digital innovation and AI

Digitalise Your SME Grant Scheme – now with AI top-up

Are you ready to bring Artificial Intelligence into your business? Starting 1 July 2026, the Digitalise Your SME grant scheme is offering an AI top-up. This new addition provides additional funding on top of the existing digitalisation grant for projects that incorporate AI-driven solutions. With up to €107,000 in additional non-repayable funding available, SMEs can now invest in AI as part of their digitalisation journey, bringing total potential support to €235,400.

The scheme operates under the De Minimis aid framework, offering an aid intensity of 50% of eligible costs for investments in Malta and 60% for those in Gozo. Call 2 is open on a rolling basis, with the first cut-off date on 31 July 2026. Subsequent cut-off dates will occur approximately every 15 days, depending on availability of funds.

Are you looking to advance research in digital technologies? The Digital Innovation Programme 2026 from Xjenza Malta offers a new funding opportunity to support projects that drive the safer and more trustworthy development, adoption, and use of digital technologies. Open to SMEs and large enterprises, the programme supports both early-stage and applied research activities, focusing on areas like Artificial Intelligence, Digital Trust, and Emerging Technologies.

Successful applicants can receive up to €200,000 per project, with an additional €25,000 sub-grant available for projects enrolling in the TARF/MDIA Regulatory Sandbox. Supported projects may run for up to 24 months. If state aid is applicable, applicants can apply under one of the following frameworks:

The call for proposals is open, with applications closing on 1 July 2026.