Building on the success of its first two launches, the Digital Innovation Programme (formerly known as the Digital Technologies Programme) is now opening its third call for applications.
The Digital Innovation Programme is designed to support research that will drive us towards a safer and more trustworthy development, adoption and use of digital technologies
Stemming from the Thematic Programmes portfolio, the Digital Innovation Programme 2026 will primarily focus on the following priority areas and their respective sub-areas:
| Priority Area | Sub-Areas |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | 1. Generative AI 2. Agentic AI 3. Multimodal AI, 4. Explainable AI, 5. Intelligent and Safe Human Environments, 6. Autonomous Vehicles, 7. Responsible and Ethical AI |
| Digital Trust | 1. Digital Identity, 2. Cybersecurity, 3. Cyber Resilience, 4. Quantum Communication, 5. Dependable Computing, 6. Regulatory Science |
| Knowledge and Data Representation and Analysis | 1. Data Analytics, 2. Domain-Specific Data Analysis, 3. Knowledge Graphs |
| Technology for Peace, Sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) | 1. Sustainable Cloud, 2. AI for Sustainability, 3. Social-Technical Ecosystems, 4. Edge Computing, 5. Peace Tech 6. GPU Powered Infrastructure (NeoClouds) |
| Other Emerging Technologies | 1. Quantum Computers, 2. Neuromorphic Computing, 3. Applications related to Personalised Medicine, 4. Augmented-Connected Workforce, 5. Digital Twins, 6. Innovative Computing for the Humanities |
| Regulatory Compliance and Governance | 1. EU AI Act, 2. EU Cyber Security Act, 3. EU Cyber Resilience Act, 4. EU Data Governance Act, 5. EU Data Act, 6. European Digital Identity Regulation (eIDAS 2) |
| Cultural and Linguistic Technologies | 1. Al and long-term archival of cultural heritage data, 2. Tools to support for the Maltese language, 3. Creation and use of language models with a focus on the Maltese language. |
Programme Parameters
| Maximum Possible Grant | € 200,000 |
|---|---|
| Additional Sub-Grant in case of TARF/MDIA Sanbox Enrolment | €25,000 |
| Project Duration | 24 Months (2 years) |
| Eligibility | Maltese Registered Legal Entities from Public, Private and Academic Origin or through a consortium |
| Application Submission | Electronically to ri.xjenza@gov.mt, keeping David Camilleri (david.camilleri.4@gov.mt) and Kevin Magro (kevin.magro@gov.mt) in copy |
| Deadline | 1 July 2026 |
If state aid is applicable, applicants are to apply under the de minimis regulation or the GBER.
INFORMATION SESSION ABOUT THIS CALL:
An online information event on the Digital Innovation Programme will be held on Tuesday, 12 May to provide an overview on this call, which is another Thematic Programme for 2026.
Date: 12 May 2026
Time: 13.00
Venue: Remotely, via Teams. A link will be sent to you on the day of the event.
Click here to access the Registration Form
More information on this funding opportunity, the eligibility criteria, the rules of participation and the application form, can be found in the attachments below:
Click here for the Digital Innovation Programme 2026 Application Form
Click here for the Digital Innovation Programme 2026 Rules for Participation (Option A1)
Click here for the Digital Innovation Programme 2026 Rules for Participation (Option A2)
Click here for the Digital Innovation Programme 2026 Rules for Participation (Option B)
