Xjenza Malta’s Thematic R&I programme aims to foster sector-specific support, engage the Maltese research and innovation community, and focus the efforts of researchers and entrepreneurs on addressing national interests. Following the themes of Digital Technology, The Obesity Research Programme, and The Cancer Research Programme, the R&I unit has now published a call for a new theme under this fund for 2026: Water Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture
The new theme is focused on 3 priorities for agricultural water management and their sub-areas in Malta:
Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture
1.1 Agricultural Water Monitoring and Assessment
1.2 Irrigation Efficiency and Water-Use Optimisation
1.3 Modelling and Data Systems for Agricultural Water Management
Water Replenishment and Conservation
2.1 Rainwater Harvesting Potential
2.2 Catchment Planning and Allocation
2.3 Water Storage and Retention Solutions
Climate Resilience and Risk Management
3.1 Climate Risk Assessment
3.2 Water Demand Forecasting
3.3 Climate Adaptation and Resilience
3.4 National Planning and Modelling
Consortium: Maltese Research & Knowledge based organisation and a Farmer or Farmers’ Cooperative, with optional inclusion of a Maltese Registered SME or startup
Funding: EUR 100,000 per project
TRL: 3 to 7
Duration: 24 months.
This consortium enables agricultural partners to contribute their practical experience, knowledge of agricultural conditions and understanding of the challenges being addressed. Depending on the nature of the project, their role may include contributing to the identification and definition of the research challenge, supporting research activities under agricultural conditions, providing access to relevant sites or resources, and participating in the testing and validation of project results.
Please note, this page is a general summary. For all the necessary details about eligibility conditions, always refer to the national rules by Xjenza Malta (subject to the approval of the State Aid Monitoring Board).
Please fill in and send the following by the internal deadlines
TO: funding.rssd@um.edu.mt to review and support with your proposal documentation
CC: preaward.rgfm@um.edu.mt for financial planning and budget approval
If you have any further questions or require support, get in touch with your Research Support Services Manager (RSSM).
9 December 2026 For UM as Coordinator
15 December 2026 For UM as Partner
Finalise your Proposal - All Documents Ready by 8 January 2027
Submit to Xjenza Malta by 15 January 2027, 23:59 CET
Adhering to deadlines is essential and makes it possible for us to both support you, and make sure your application is eligible on behalf of UM. Any applications received after the internal deadline are not guaranteed a full review, nor support for processing and signatures.
The PI of any application on behalf of UM should finalise and submit the following documents by deadline 15 January 2027, 23:59 CET.
The submission should be addressed to rtdi.xjenzamalta@gov.mt, including mariah.vella.5@gov.mt, giulia.aquilina@gov.mt, and nicholas-caruana.pedersen.1@gov.mt for Xjenza Malta, and funding.rssd@um.edu.mt for UM.
Register and join an online info session by Xjenza Malta on 16 October 2026.