TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award 2020

The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award is a joint initiative between the Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses (MEIB) and the University of Malta, supported by the Knowledge Transfer Office, Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation and the TAKEOFF Business Incubator. A total of €100,000 has been earmarked for distribution between start-ups and academics to enable the next phase towards the commercialisation of their business or research idea. Grants between €2,500 and €25,000 will be awarded to the selected projects.

The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award 2020 will fund two types of initiatives: University of Malta academic staff may apply for ‘Proof of Concept’ funds which will enable a step-change in taking an innovation developed through research at the University closer to being commercialised; entrepreneurs may apply for ‘Seed’ funds which will enable a step-change in taking their independent technology or knowledge-based start-up closer to the first customer or investment.

All applicants must attend the relevant online workshop being organised as part of the TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award application process. The workshops will provide an overview of the application process as well as tools for creating a competitive proposal. The final application form will only be accepted if applicants or their representatives register and attend the required TAKEOFF or Knowledge Transfer Office workshop. This will only be waived in extenuating circumstances. Should applicants be unable to attend alternative meetings must be held directly with the Knowledge Transfer Office for POC or TAKEOFF for SF. Both events will be held online and links will be shared with those who register for the respective workshops beforehand. To register for the event, please click here

Listen to what our past beneficiaries have to say about how the TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award has helped them
Seed Fund Beneficiaries
Get Hitched
LearnD
Huskie Craft Beer Company

Proof of Concept
Drift
Breast Cancer Biomarkers
FLASC

Not quite sure of the process? Listen to KTO Director, Dr. Ing. Anton Bartolo as he explains the TOSFA process.
Watch here to find out more

Timeline & Deadlines

  • Call for applications
  • Wednesday 6th May 2020
  • Mandatory Seed Fund and Proof of Concept online workshops
  • Monday 11th May 2020 at 14:00
  • Application deadline
  • Monday 25th May 2020 at 12:00 noon
  • Announcement of shortlisted applicants
  • Week of Wednesday 10th June 2020
  • Coaching for shortlisted applicants
  • From Monday 15th to Wednesday 24th June 2020
  • Live pitches to judges
  • Thursday 25th June
    Friday 26th June 2020
  • Mandatory MEIB Information Session on Financial Management
  • Week of 27th July 2020
  • Signing of Grant Agreements & disbursement of funds
  • September 2020 - TBC
  • Progress reports
  • Monday 23rd November 2020
    Monday 24th May 2021
  • Deadline for disbursement of funds
  • Friday 24th September 2021
  • Final Expenditure report
  • Thursday 30th September 2021

Material downloads

  • Guidelines
  • Application Form
  • Cashflow template
  • Judging Scorecard - Written Application
  • Judging Scorecard - Pitch
  • Proof of Concept Beneficiary Agreement
  • Seed Fund Grant Agreement
  • Seed Fund State Aid Declaration Form
  • Payment Plan
  • Progress Report Template
  • Purchases Ledger

Contact Details

Seed Funds

  • TAKEOFF Manager - Joseph Bartolo
  • joseph.a.bartolo@um.edu.mt

Proof of Concept Funds

  • Knowledge Transfer Office
  • knowledgetransfer@um.edu.mt

Management Committee

  • knowledgetransfer@um.edu.mt

Knowledge Transfer Office
Dar Ġużeppi Żahra
University of Malta
Msida MSD 2080
Malta

 

Events Location

TAKEOFF Business Incubator
Dar Ġużeppi Żahra
University of Malta
Msida MSD 2080
Malta
(Point 28 on the campus map)