left to right: Dr Ing. Stephen Abela and Dr. Ing. Paul Refalo represent University project Floating Soldi, Dr Ing. Anton Bartolo - KTO Director, Janson Bongailas - Sr Manager, Malta Marittima, Patrizia Patti - seed fund beneficiary - Delphinus Project, Alfred J Vella - Rector UM, Dr Daniel Aquilina - Malta Marittima Chairman, Prof. Ing. Saviour Zammit - Pro-rector UM, Dr Robert Vassallo Agius - IMTA Mussels, Franco Schembri - Head, Malta Marittima
MarSA, the Maritime Seed Award, set up jointly by Malta Marittima and the University of Malta, has enabled three teams of entrepreneurs and researches to receive €32,500 in funding. An awards ceremony took place at the University TAKEOFF Business Incubator and was attended by University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Dr Daniel Aquilina, Chairman of the Malta Marittima Agency, Prof. Russell Smith, Director of the University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation, and Dr Ing. Anton Bartolo, Director of the University Knowledge Transfer Office.
The Proof of Concept category is open to University researchers seeking funds to commercialise innovative technologies. The successful applicants were: Floating SolDi, to develop a small and portable floating desalination unit for fresh water production; and IMTA Mussels; an investigation into whether the sea water surrounding near-shore fish farms can support the growth of mussels. The Delphinus Project was successful in the Seed Fund category that is open to entrepreneurs working on the development of innovative products and services. The project aims to set up eco-friendly boat tours which will enhance user education on the marine environment.
Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, commented that the variety of project themes received for this competitive call show how broad the Maritime Field is and how MarSa is impacting areas as diverse as aquaculture, tourism and water technology. He stressed that through initiatives such as MarSa and the recently created University Maritime Platform, the University is giving this field the importance it is due in an archetypal Maritime Nation like Malta.
For further details on how to apply visit www.takeoff.org.mt
