The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award will be launched on the 12th April 2019. 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 €20,000 will be awarded to the selected projects. The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award is a joint initiative between the University of Malta and the Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses (MEIB) supported by the University’s Knowledge Transfer Office, the TAKEOFF Business Incubator and the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation.

The TAKEOFF Seed Fund Award 2019 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 potential applicants for the Seed Fund must attend the scheduled workshop session hosted by TAKEOFF, which will provide skills and tools for creating a competitive proposal. The final application form will only be accepted if applicants or their representatives register and attend the TAKEOFF workshop. This will only be waived in extenuating circumstances. All potential applicants for the Proof of Concept Fund must attend the workshop being organised by the Knowledge Transfer Office. If unable to attend, the potential applicant must set up another meeting directly with the Knowledge Transfer Office. Both events will be held at the TAKEOFF Events room, Level 2, TAKEOFF, Dar Guzeppi Zahra, University of Malta (point 28 on the campus map) To register for the event, please click here