Malta’s €30 Million Initiative Paves the Way for Enhanced Integration into Europe’s Thriving Startup Scene

Malta to Receive €30 Million Boost for Startups Through EIT Regional Innovation Booster

Maltese startups are set to benefit from a significant €30 million injection, as the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the Government of Malta have inked a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the EIT Regional Innovation Booster (EIT RIB) pilot in 2026.

The agreement, unveiled at the EIT Innovation Awards in Budapest, paves the way for a tailored three-stage support program aimed at assisting early-stage Maltese ventures in scaling up, expanding internationally, and attracting investment.

“We are pleased that Malta has joined the EIT Regional Innovation Booster pilot. This acknowledgment of the EIT’s innovation ecosystem’s value in accelerating the growth of high-potential startups is crucial. It offers Maltese innovators a platform to expand globally and benefit from the support of the entire EIT Community, ensuring the scalability and impact of innovative solutions,” stated Martin Kern, Director of the EIT.

Rising Innovation Hub

Malta has enhanced its reputation as a burgeoning innovation hub, retaining the 4th spot in Europe for innovative startups, as per the 2024 Startup Nations Standard report. The country’s publicly-backed initiative, the Startup Finance Scheme, has greenlit 66 projects since 2020, mobilizing approximately €30 million and generating over 145 high-quality jobs, with average startup salaries averaging €45k.

Simultaneously, private investment is gaining momentum, with entities like Qamar Ventures, a Malta-based fund, planning to inject €10 million into media, technology, entertainment, and SportsTech ventures. Collaborating with other firms such as Ubunto Ventures and VentureMax Group, these investments are helping connect founders with capital, expertise, and networks.

Beyond funding, efforts to build the ecosystem, including events like the EU-Startups Summit and the Startup Festival Malta, have drawn thousands of participants worldwide. These platforms offer founders, investors, and policymakers opportunities to network, collaborate, and explore avenues for growth.

The new €30 million boost accessible through the EIT RIB could play a crucial role in this landscape.

Given Malta’s combination of public funding schemes, increasing private capital, and a robust ecosystem, the EIT-backed injection could help early-stage ventures evolve into scalable enterprises, better connect with global markets, and leverage both local and EU-wide support networks.

Empowering Innovation

“This new Xjenza Malta initiative holds significant importance for Malta, providing guidance, funding, and expert advice to transform ideas into commercially viable ventures ready for internationalization. Ultimately, it aims to assist Maltese innovators in transitioning from lab concepts to commercial success,” remarked Silvio Scerri, CEO at Xjenza Malta, the national agency overseeing research, innovation, and science communication.

Established as an EU entity under the Horizon Europe framework, the EIT has significantly expanded its presence in Malta since 2021.

Over the past three years, it has allocated over €3.4 million across seven Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), with one-third directly supporting local SMEs. The EIT has backed 31 new ventures in Malta, introducing three innovations to the market while offering entrepreneurial and DeepTech training to 759 Maltese participants.

Moreover, eleven Maltese partners are actively engaged in EIT KICs, giving Malta the highest per capita participation rate among all countries involved in the program.

In 2024, the launch of the EIT Community Hub Malta created a centralized gateway for funding, skills development, and pan-European collaboration for Maltese entrepreneurs, universities, and institutions. Participation rates in EIT programs are now estimated to be twice as high as Malta’s involvement in Horizon Europe, underscoring the tailored value EIT brings to the local context.

The EIT plans to allocate a minimum of €30 million for the entire EIT RIB pilot phase until 2028.

Strengthening Innovation Ecosystem

The EIT RIB, a flagship initiative targeting “modest and moderate” innovator countries, now includes Malta, following Poland’s entry in May 2025. The Maltese edition will integrate with existing national innovation schemes, offering customized mentorship, funding, and internationalization support for startups and scaleups.

The MoU highlights Malta’s growing significance in Europe’s innovation ecosystem, with the new program poised to enhance local capabilities and connect them with pan-European opportunities.

Driving Global Impact

An exemplar of EIT’s expanding influence in Malta is Greenroads, a startup leveraging AI and real-time data to enhance urban mobility and road safety. Supported by Climate KIC and EIT Urban Mobility, Greenroads received initial mentoring and funding that enabled it to expand its technology beyond Malta.

The company’s participation in the EIT Urban Mobility RAPTOR pilot in Ghent, Belgium, showcases how local concepts can evolve into globally relevant solutions with the right support system.

The overarching goal is clear: empower Maltese startups to transcend borders, integrate into the European innovation community, and deliver substantial economic and societal benefits locally and internationally.

With the MoU signed and the pilot set to launch in 2026, Malta is positioning itself as a prominent player in Europe’s innovation landscape.