MCAST Expo 2025: Nine New R&I Projects Backed By Government Funding

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, addressed the “Research and Innovation Expo 2025” at MCAST, an event celebrating the ideas, creativity, and collaboration shaping Malta’s applied research ecosystem. The occasion also marked the official announcement of nine new R&I projects, for which the Government has increased funding by over €265,000, ensuring all proposals can be financed.

This investment forms part of the MCAST Research Fellowship Scheme, launched in 2024 to strengthen the institute’s role as a leading centre for applied research that links vocational education with industry needs. Last year, four projects were funded with an investment of €106,570. This year, that number has more than doubled, with nine projects spanning areas such as environmental science, technology, education, culture, and digital innovation.

In his speech, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised the programme’s importance in achieving the national vision for innovation and sustainable development. “Today, we see not only the pulse of research at MCAST but also our commitment to invest in people and talent. The topping-up of funding to support all nine projects sends a clear message: we want to support research that delivers real solutions for our country. This is research that transforms ideas into impact—for our communities, our economy, and our future.”

He concluded by praising the work of the MCAST Applied Research and Innovation Centre, thanking the researchers and educators leading the projects, each of whom combines academic knowledge with practical applications to address national challenges.

MCAST Principal Stephen Vella highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Government and the institute in creating tangible opportunities for young researchers. “The fact that nine projects are funded today demonstrates how MCAST is growing as a centre for applied research. The Fellowship Scheme helps our staff and researchers collaborate with industry to create solutions that make a real difference. All of this is made possible through the Government’s serious and sustained commitment to research and the potential of our country.”

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