Xjenza Malta Launches A New Transdisciplinary Research Programme To Fund Research And Innovation Projects In Malta

Malta is launching a new funding programme aimed at turning big ideas into real-world solutions for some of the country’s biggest challenges.

Xjenza Malta has officially unveiled its new Transdisciplinary Research Programme (TRP), a funding initiative designed to bring together researchers, businesses, public entities and civil society organisations to work on projects that can make a tangible difference to people’s lives.

Launched during an event at Esplora, the programme moves beyond traditional research models by focusing not just on generating knowledge, but on creating practical outcomes.

These could include new technologies, pilot projects, policy recommendations and scalable solutions that address issues affecting Malta and the wider European community.

The initiative takes inspiration from the European Union’s Horizon Europe missions and will support projects tackling areas such as climate change adaptation, smart and sustainable cities, cancer, soil health and the restoration of seas and waterways.

What makes the programme different is its requirement for collaboration.

Every project must involve four key players: a research institution, a private company, a public authority and a civil society organisation. The idea is to ensure that solutions are developed with input from those who will ultimately use, implement or benefit from them.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima highlighted Malta’s recent progress in innovation, noting that the country now scores 95% of the EU average in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2025 and ranks 12th among all member states.

Xjenza Malta CEO Silvio Scerri described the programme as an opportunity to transform local challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

“The challenges Malta faces are opportunities for innovation,” he said, adding that the programme aims to support projects that can boost economic growth, attract investment and improve quality of life.

With the new scheme, Malta is looking to strengthen the link between research and real-world impact, ensuring that innovative ideas don’t remain on paper but are translated into solutions that benefit society.

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