The Digitalise Your SME grant scheme supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting digital technologies that drive operational efficiency, growth, and long-term competitiveness. It offers financing of up to €120,000 (the ‘general threshold’) for qualifying digital investments, including hardware, software, and digital solutions. An additional 7% flat-rate contribution is provided towards indirect costs.

Under Call 2, more support is also available for projects implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, which may qualify for an additional €100,000 (the increased ‘AI threshold’) in eligible AI expenditure, with up to 25% allocated to eligible staff costs. A further 7% flat-rate contribution applies to this amount, increasing the maximum AI-related support to €107,000. This brings the total potential funding available under the grant scheme to €235,400.

I am interested in this grant scheme

What can you invest in?

Under the general threshold, this scheme allows eligible enterprises to procure digital solutions, such as:

Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom software
Hardware (such as laptops, docking station, port replicator, monitors, tablets)
Analytical tools (including necessary hardware and software)
Cyber security systems
Cloud computing
Internet of Things (IoT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Big data analysis
Quantum technology
Routers, switches, and Wi-Fi related equipment
Other hardware, software, or digital solutions
Installation, including any training costs

The increased AI threshold supports eligible enterprises to:

a) Part-finance staff costs directly related to the development and implementation of an AI solution (e.g. AI development and configuration activities, technical implementation and deployment, system testing and validation, and technical specialists contributing directly to the project).

b) Part-finance investments in:

Acquisition of AI solution/models (custom-built AI solutions, COTS AI systems, among others).

Procurement of hardware and/or cloud solutions required for the implementation of the AI solution.

AI-related components and supporting measures linked to the development of the AI solution (cybersecurity, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), among others).

External services required for the setup of AI modules, cloud environments, and compliance-related activities associated with the EU AI Act to enhance their capacity to comply with upcoming requirements.

User training related to the approved AI solution, provided by the same supplier(s).

Funding details

Maximum funding of €128,400 is available under the general threshold per project. This includes an additional 7% flat-rate contribution applied to finance any indirect costs, including consultancy fees.
Part-financing covers eligible expenditure up to 50% of the cost for investments in Malta and up to 60% in Gozo. An additional 10% aid for projects including specific technologies.
The minimum grant value is €25,000, making investment size an important consideration.
Projects incorporating AI may qualify for an increased AI funding threshold of up to €107,000, applicable exclusively to eligible AI-related expenditure. This also includes an additional 7% flat-rate contribution for indirect costs. Up to 25% of the AI top-up may be allocated to eligible staff costs.
Including the AI top-up, maximum funding is €235,400 per investment.
Subject to de minimis aid limit (€300,000 over 3 years).

Application deadline

Cut off dates are currently available from now until December 2026 subject to availability of funds.

How can we help?

Our team is ready to assist you in understanding how this scheme can best benefit your business and guide you through the application process. We can also help you identify the right digital solutions and ensure a smooth implementation.

In addition, our Digital Solutions team can support in the solution design and implementation process.

Next steps

Reach out to learn more about how EU funds can transform your business or to start your application process. We can also support with project compliance and reporting, implementation, as well as in claiming reimbursement with the Managing Authority.