The EIT Regional Innovation Booster (EIT RIB) Malta Edition is a flagship internationalisation and innovation support initiative jointly launched by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and Xjenza Malta. The programme is designed to strengthen Malta’s innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential Maltese startups and SMEs in accelerating their commercial growth and expanding into international markets.
The programme combines mentoring, market access support, investor exposure, and financial assistance to help innovative ventures transition from local growth to international scaling. Through a structured three-stage approach, participating startups gain access to European innovation ecosystems, industry experts, partners, and commercialisation opportunities.
The EIT RIB Malta Edition is exclusively open to Maltese startups and SMEs with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 or higher, demonstrating mature and market-ready innovative solutions with strong scaling potential.
Selected ventures may receive up to €90,000 in financial support across the programme stages, subject to successful progression and fulfilment of programme deliverables. The programme support is fully funded and is not issued under State Aid rules.
Stage 0 – Application Phase
The programme begins with an application phase where eligible startups and SMEs submit their proposals and indicate their preferred internationalisation direction. Applications are evaluated through a transparent and merit-based process aligned with Horizon Europe principles.
Stage 1 – Market Entry Strategy and Readiness
Up to 12 selected applicants progress to Stage 1, which is focused on strengthening internationalisation readiness through bootcamps, mentoring, and geography-specific guidance. Participants start developing a Market Landing Roadmap to support their benchmarking and expansion into international markets.
Stage 2 – Market Tapping and Commercial Execution
Up to 6 startups advance to Stage 2, where the focus shifts toward active market engagement and commercial validation. Participants receive tailored support from local market experts, access matchmaking opportunities, and may receive grants of up to €50,000 to support eligible internationalisation and commercialisation activities.
Stage 3 – International Exposure and Investor Scouting
The final stage supports up to 4 startups in accelerating international growth through direct investor engagement and international exposure activities. Selected ventures may receive up to €40,000 in additional support, with top-performing startups potentially gaining access to an additional international market.
Eligibility
The programme is open to Maltese registered SMEs and startups that:
- Hold an operating base in Malta
- Hold a solution or product of a TRL of 7 or higher.
- Employ a minimum of 1-2 Full-time equivalent employees at the time of application submission
- Demonstrate clear commercialisation and scaling potential.
- Intend to expand internationally.
Applications are welcomed from startups and SMEs operating across a number of strategic thematic areas, including climate innovation, digital technologies, healthcare, food and agritech, energy and renewables, urban mobility, raw materials, and culture and creativity.
Additional Opportunities
Participating startups may also gain access to additional support services, thematic opportunities, and international activities offered through the wider EIT Community network and Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs).
Further information regarding application deadlines, eligibility conditions, evaluation criteria, and programme documentation is available through the official programme website, which is accessible through the following link: Regional Innovation Booster – EIT Regional Innovation Scheme. The same link should be utilised by interested applicants to submit their application.
The deadline is 15 July 2026 at 23:59 CET. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further information please contact Ms. Mariah Vella at mariah.vella.5@gov.mt or Mr. Kyle Bonnici at Kyle.Bonnici.4@gov.mt
