Xjenza Malta, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People’s Republic of China, has launched the SINO-MALTA Fund 2026 Joint Call for R&I Proposals.
The SINO-MALTA Fund aims to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation between Malta and China by supporting joint R&I activities, technology transfer, researcher mobility, and collaboration between industries, universities and research institutions.
For the SINO-MALTA Fund 2026 Joint Call, the eligible research areas are:
- SMART Manufacturing
- Additive Manufacturing
- Flexible Automation
- Renewable Energy and Storage
- Resource Efficiency and Valorisation
- Marine Resources
- Turning Waste into Resource
Funding & Project Details for the SINO-MALTA 2026 Call
- Funding: Up to €200,000 for the Malta-based consortium
- Project Duration: Up to 24 months
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRL): 1–5
Who Can Apply?
Each consortium must include:
- At least one eligible Malta-based Private Entity (Public entities and Research and Knowledge Dissemination Organisations (RKDOs) are also eligible to apply as lead or partner, provided that at least one eligible Malta-based private entity is involved).
- At least one eligible China-based entity.
Projects should be balanced in terms of workload and funding distribution between the two partners.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible, applicants must be a Malta-based entity with an operating base in Malta, in accordance with the SINO-MALTA Fund guidelines.
Private Entities must comply with the State Aid National Rules for Participation while Public Entities and Research and Knowledge Dissemination Organisations must adhere to the Non-State Aid National Rules for Participation.
Applicants must complete and submit the Application Form, duly signed and supported by the required Annexes. The relevant documentation is available on the Xjenza Malta Resource Page.
Malta-based applicants must submit the Application Form and required Annexes to international.xjenzamalta@gov.mt, keeping Mr Nathan Aquilina in copy, by 21 December 2026.
China-based entities must follow their respective submission process as outlined by MOST. For Chinese partners, the online submission of application forms closes at 16:00 (Beijing time) on 30 November 2026. Chinese recommending entities must then verify and confirm each recommended project through the National Science and Technology Management Information System and upload a signed, officially sealed recommendation letter by 16:00 (Beijing time) on 7 December 2026. Chinese partners are advised to check with the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (MOST) for full details of the requirements applicable to them.
Online Information Session
Xjenza Malta will be hosting an online information session on 18 November 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM CET. This session is dedicated to interested Malta-based entities and will cover key details about the call, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Interested participants can register here: Click here to Register.
Partner Search
Still looking for a partner? Register to the Plumtri Portal to find potential partners and register your interest.
More Information
Correspondence from Malta-based entities should be directed to:
📧 international.xjenzamalta@gov.mt
Cc: Nathan Aquilina | nathan.aquilina.3@gov.mt
☎️ +356 23602183
Correspondence from China-based entities should be directed to:
For Technical Affairs
☎️ 010-58882999
For International Affairs
