The Ministry for the Economy, Investment and Small Business and the University of Malta have launched the 2016 edition of the Take Off Seed Fund Award. The sum of €100,000 will be allocated through the award to entrepreneurs and researchers to help move their innovative ideas and technologies a step closer towards commercial products and services.
As in previous editions, the award will fund two types of initiatives. Entrepreneurs will apply for seed funds which will enable them to get their independent technology or knowledge-based start-up closer to the first customer or investment.
University of Malta academic staff will apply for ‘proof of concept’ funds which will enable a step-change in taking an innovation developed through research at the University closer to being commercialised.
Go Beyond Biz will also be offering award applicants the chance to win an award for the project with the most cross-border potential. The winning team will benefit from consultation hours with social media and digital advertising serial entrepreneur Mathieu Fivaz.
The 2015 edition attracted 50 applications and resulted in eight awards ranging from €6,000 to €20,000.
The deadline for submission of written applications is Monday, May 30.
www.takeoff.org.mt
Sigma invests in new equipment
Sigma Coatings (Malta) Ltd has just inaugurated a new plant and equipment, part of a major investment in its production facilities.
Sigma Coatings has been producing paint in Malta since 1983 and now produces paints under licence to one of the world’s paint and coatings leader, PPG.
www.sigmacoatings.com
Citadel offers accessible health insurance
Citadel Insurance is now offering private medical insurance, formerly offered through its subsidiary, as part of its product range.
The health insurance products, underwritten by Citadel, are for those who might be particularly vulnerable to the financial impact of illness but who typically find health insurance cost-prohibitive. The plans leave customers entirely free to choose the specialist, hospital or clinic of their choice, and they can also select the level of benefits as well as include cover for outpatients treatment and preventive check-ups.
www.citadelplc.com
Jugs Malta moves to new offices
Jugs Malta has moved to a new office building named The Hub in Marsa. The premises allows the company to bring its team together with their warehouses and will provide room to accommodate the company’s growth.
The company which started off as a two-man show in 2000 today employs a team of 13 plus an additional team of 50 part-timers.
Jugs Malta specialises in producing exclusive, innovative and tailored activities and events, including audiovisual equipment together with the professional technical support to go with it.
Jugs is also one of the founding partners behind the highly-successful Business Leaders Malta conferences.