Exploring Research Grant

Support for conducting feasibility studies in relation to research and development activities

Malta Enterprise have relaunched the Exploring Research Grant Scheme (hereinafter, the ‘Scheme’) intended to support businesses to undertake feasibility studies which may form the basis for future planned research and development projects (hereinafter, ‘R & D’ projects).

The scope of the feasibility study would be to evaluate the potential of an R&D project, establish its technical, operational and commercial risks, and identify the resources required to carry it through and their availability and accessibility. The study would also enable the beneficiary to review relevant current scientific or technical knowledge and to conduct searches for suitable research partners and existing Intellectual Property that could support the R&D project.

An undertaking must meet the following main criteria in order to benefit from the Scheme:

i. Be registered as a limited liability company, partnership or cooperative;

ii. If established for less than five years or if it employs less than five full time employees, to submit a business plan together with the application; and

iii. Must not have dues, in relation to VAT, Income Tax and Social Security, exceeding Eur1,000, unless there is an existing repayment agreement; for dues less than Eur1,000, applicant should be able to justify position and commit to regularise dues, where applicable.

The Scheme supports the implementation of a feasibility study with a cash grant of up to Eur100,000, capped at 50%, 60% and 70% of eligible costs for large, medium-sized and small undertakings respectively.

Eligible costs incurred for carrying out the feasibility study shall be the following:

i. Wage costs of researchers, technical personnel and other staff, to the extent and for the duration of their direct involvement in carrying out the study;

ii. Costs of contractual research, technical knowledge and patents, as well as consultancy costs for services used exclusively for the study; and

iii. Additional overheads and other operating expenses, incurred directly as a result of the study.

Applications must be submitted prior to the commencement of the feasibility study and supported studies must be implemented and finalised within 52 weeks from commencement date.

How can we help?

Deloitte Malta is ready to assist in answering your queries, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us for any further guidance you may require.

In addition, Deloitte Malta is able to assist with the preparation of the required applications and any supporting documentation, as well as document submission and any required follow-ups.