For the third year running, Malta Marittima and the University of Malta have launched the Maritime Seed Award (MarSA) with the support of the University’s Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO), TAKEOFF Business Incubator, and Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation (CEBI). Funding amounting to EUR 140,000 will be allocated through a competitive call open to researchers and entrepreneurs working in the Maritime area.
Two types of funds are being offered, namely, Proof of Concept funds to support University of Malta researchers to take their research closer to commercialisation, and Seed Funds to enable entrepreneurs to move their venture closer to securing their first customer or investment. The call for applications for up to EUR 20,000 is currently open until Monday 17 June 2019.
Dr Daniel Aquilina, Malta Marittima Chairman, maintained that ‘the injection of MarSA funds has provided researchers and entrepreneurs with a further opportunity to develop their research and ideas, taking them a step closer to commercialisation. This is an essential aid to enhance the maritime economy which is to be supported given the archetypal insularity of our country.’
Prof. Alfred J. Vella, University of Malta Rector, noted that ‘the University is pleased to support the Maritime Seed Award, as it gives rise to a variety of project themes in diverse areas pertaining to innovation and entrepreneurship in the Maritime field. All researchers or entrepreneurs interested in this field are encouraged to utilise this fund to be able to develop and implement their idea for the good of the nation.’
Two workshops are being organised to give potential applicants further information about MarSA and to offer tips on how to prepare for and complete the written applications. University researchers are invited to attend the Proof of Concept workshop on Tuesday 4th June while a workshop for entrepreneurs (Seed Funds) will be held on Wednesday 29th May. Workshops for this year’s cycle are mandatory, and applications will only be accepted if applicants or critical team members register and attend the respective MarSA workshop.
Further details on the scheme and to register for the workshop are available online.
