MDIA Chairman and Economy Minister launch €125,000 AI Research Fund

Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) Chairman Joshua Ellul and Economy Minister Silvio Schembri launched a €125,000 fund for artificial intelligence (AI) research projects.

The fund is aimed towards research projects through which AI can be applied to create new systems, which can then be employed by the public and private sector to improve efficiency, transparency, and interaction with citizens.

The maximum amount which can be allocated to a single project is €25,000.

“The MDIA is dedicated to keeping Malta at the forefront of AI-based regulation to protect market integrity and consumer protection in line with EU direction, however the MDIA also seeks to ensure that AI is not stifled through regulation,” Mr Ellul said.

“In an effort for Malta to increase its AI-based research outputs, the MDIA is today launching an AI-focused research grant scheme,” he continued.

The Artificial Intelligence Research Fund is set to work in tandem with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as it impacts several of its objectives as well as a number of actions set out in the same strategy.

“Through this scheme we are continuing to further enhance the funds available, so that our country continues to be a pioneer in the digital field,” the Economy Minister said.

“It is common knowledge that reliance on technology is a phenomenon that is being experienced all over the world, therefore, as a government, we are providing the necessary tools to continue to incentivize innovation in this regard,” Mr Schembri continued.

Those applying for the Artificial Intelligence Research Fund must be educational institutions focusing on research who may also join a private entity for collaboration between academia and industry.