Supporting Innovation from Research to Commercialisation
The Go-To-Market (GTM) Loan Assistance Programme is a blended finance initiative developed through a collaboration between the Malta Development Bank (MDB) and Xjenza Malta. The programme is designed to support innovative SMEs and start-ups that are approaching commercialisation and require financing to bring their product or service to market.
The GTM Programme operates as a sub-scheme under the MDB’s SME Guarantee Scheme (SGS), combining the SGS guarantee mechanism with grant support provided by Xjenza Malta. Through this structure, the programme seeks to address key market barriers often faced by innovative enterprises, including limited collateral, lack of credit history, high perceived risk, and the funding gap between research and market entry.
The initiative supports Malta’s wider strategic objectives relating to research, innovation, technology commercialisation, and the development of a knowledge-based economy.
How the Scheme Works
The GTM Programme is implemented through participating commercial banks under the framework of the MDB’s SME Guarantee Scheme. Eligible projects benefit from the SGS guarantee coverage together with additional grant support from Xjenza Malta.
The programme offers support through three complementary measures:
- Interest rate subsidy
Xjenza Malta provides a grant covering up to 80% of the interest paid during the first four years of the SGS-backed loan, subject to a maximum interest rate of 4%. This support reduces financing costs during the early commercialisation phase and improves affordability for innovative enterprises. - Up-front contribution support
Under the SGS framework, borrowers are required to provide an up-front contribution towards the project cost. Through the GTM Programme, a grant may cover up to 50% of the required contribution, easing initial financing pressures while ensuring that beneficiaries maintain meaningful participation in the project. - Collateral support
Where collateral is requested by the participating commercial bank, the programme may provide grant-based collateral support of up to €50,000. This measure is intended to reduce collateral constraints and improve access to financing for innovative ventures.
Eligible Projects and Applicants
The programme is intended for SMEs and start-ups established in Malta that are developing innovative products or services and are approaching market deployment. Applicants must possess a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of between 8 and 9, meaning that the technology has already been tested and proven within an operational environment.
Eligible applicants must also satisfy the requirements of the SME Guarantee Scheme and must operate within sectors permitted under the SGS framework.
Projects may include:
- Commercialisation of innovative technologies or services
- Market penetration and product deployment
- Investment-related working capital
- Capital expenditure linked to innovation commercialisation
Key Parameters
- Maximum eligible loan size: €500,000
- Combined grant support capped at €100,000 or 20% of the loan amount per undertaking
- SGS guarantee coverage of up to 80%
- Open-call basis, subject to availability of funds
- Implemented in collaboration with participating commercial banks
Strategic Collaboration
The GTM Programme brings together the expertise of the Malta Development Bank and Xjenza Malta. This collaboration provides technical insight, project validation, and visibility on the commercial potential of supported innovations.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the commercialisation ecosystem in Malta by helping innovative enterprises transition from research and development into sustainable commercial activity.
How to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to discuss their project with Xjenza Malta and the MDB before formally applying for financing through a participating commercial bank. Applications under the GTM Programme are assessed jointly within the framework of the SGS and the Xjenza Malta programme’s eligibility requirements.
Further information on the SME Guarantee Scheme is available here:
