Deadline: 30-Mar-2026
Xjenza Malta and Poland’s National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) have launched a joint Call for Research and Innovation projects to support collaborative, cross-border R&I initiatives. The call offers up to €150,000 for Malta-based consortia working with eligible Polish partners across priority thematic areas including digital technologies, health, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Overview of the Joint Call
Xjenza Malta, through the Access2GlobalResearch (A2GR) Scheme, and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) of Poland, through the INNOGLOBO programme, are jointly funding collaborative research and innovation projects.
The call is designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Malta and Poland by supporting high-quality, impact-driven research and innovation activities aligned with national and European priorities.
Purpose and Strategic Objectives
The initiative aims to promote international research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation capacity across Malta and Poland.
It supports projects that address shared societal and economic challenges, leverage complementary expertise, and contribute to technological advancement and sustainable development in both countries.
Eligible Thematic Areas
Project proposals must fall within one or more of the eligible thematic areas.
These include Marine and Maritime Technologies, Digital Technologies, Health and Well-being, Sustainable Use of Resources, Smart Manufacturing, Aerospace, Aviation and Space, and Cultural Heritage.
Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate thematic alignment and explain the relevance of their research or innovation activity to the selected priority area.
Funding Amount and Consortium Requirements
Funding of up to €150,000 is available for Malta-based consortia under this joint call.
Each consortium must include at least one eligible Malta-based entity and at least one eligible Poland-based entity.
Both partners must meet their respective national eligibility and funding requirements, as funding is provided separately by Xjenza Malta and NCBR.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Malta-Based Applicants
Eligible Malta-based entities include private and public organisations as well as Research and Knowledge Dissemination Organisations with an operating base in Malta.
Applicants must comply with the National Rules for Participation and carefully review the A2GR State Aid and Non-State Aid Rules for Participation.
Poland-Based Applicants
Eligible Polish entities must meet the requirements set by NCBR under the INNOGLOBO programme.
Poland-based applicants are required to follow national rules and submission procedures as outlined by NCBR.
How the Joint Application Process Works
This is a coordinated call with parallel national submissions.
Malta-based applicants must complete and submit the National Application Form, duly signed and accompanied by all required annexes, using the templates available on the Xjenza Malta Resources Page.
Poland-based applicants must submit their application through the NCBR Submission Portal in line with NCBR’s national call documentation.
Both submissions must describe the same joint project and clearly define the roles, responsibilities, and contributions of each partner.
Key Requirements for a Competitive Proposal
Proposals should clearly demonstrate strong collaboration between Maltese and Polish partners.
Projects are expected to show innovation potential, technical feasibility, and relevance to national and bilateral priorities.
Clear work plans, realistic budgets, and well-defined outputs and impacts are essential for successful applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting applications that are misaligned between the Maltese and Polish partners can lead to disqualification.
Failure to comply with national eligibility rules, including State Aid requirements, is a frequent reason for rejection.
Incomplete application forms or missing annexes may result in proposals not being evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum funding available under this call?
Up to €150,000 is available for Malta-based consortia, with Polish partners funded separately by NCBR.
Is a Polish partner mandatory?
Yes. Each consortium must include at least one eligible Malta-based entity and one eligible Poland-based entity.
Which thematic areas are supported?
Eligible areas include marine and maritime technologies, digital technologies, health and well-being, sustainable resources, smart manufacturing, aerospace and space, and cultural heritage.
How do Malta-based applicants submit their application?
Malta-based applicants must submit a signed National Application Form with all required annexes using the templates provided by Xjenza Malta.
How do Polish partners apply?
Poland-based applicants must submit their application through the NCBR Submission Portal in accordance with INNOGLOBO programme rules.
Are private organisations eligible?
Yes. Both private and public organisations, as well as research and knowledge dissemination organisations, are eligible if they meet national requirements.
Is this a single submission or two separate submissions?
It is a coordinated process requiring separate national submissions by Maltese and Polish partners for the same joint project.
Conclusion
The Xjenza Malta–NCBR Joint Research and Innovation Call provides a valuable opportunity for Maltese and Polish organisations to collaborate on high-impact research and innovation projects.
By combining expertise across borders and aligning with strategic thematic areas, the call supports meaningful international partnerships and advances innovation in both countries.
For more information, visit Xjenza Malta.