Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1133773
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 JUNE 2019 17 COMMERCIAL THE Malta Council for Sci- ence and Technology, in col- laboration with the European Commission Representation in Malta, presented the launch of the enhanced European In- novation Council (EIC) pilot, the flagship programme of the European Commission sup- porting innovation and radi- cal new commercial-driven ideas in the European Union. First introduced in 2018 un- der Horizon 2020, the Euro- pean Union's programme for research and innovation, the EIC pilot provides funding, advice and networking oppor- tunities for those at cutting edge of innovation. The event, attended by over 100 partici- pants, presented the objec- tives of the EIC and practical information related to the submission and evaluation of proposals. Building upon the previous iteration of the pilot programme, the pilot intro- duces novelties in funding and support for innovations and innovators. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chairman, of the Malta Council for Science and Technology opened the event expressing his full gratitude to the Commission in support- ing highly innovative compa- nies in Europe. He said that "we are proud to have been a driving force in providing key advice to the government on science and technology policy, as well as successfully implement- ing national and EU-led Re- search and Innovation pro- grammes. Our remit is wide ranging, varying from sectors as diverse as managing the national Research & Innova- tion fund, to developing the Space Research fund, as well as administering the Horizon 2020 programme in Malta and Esplora." Honourable Sil- vio Schembri, Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Ser- vices, Digital Economy and Innovation stressed that "the Maltese Government is com- mitted to creating favourable conditions for innovation and technology through the recent strategic policy implementa- tion of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Technology." European Commission representative Wolfgang Burtscher, Deputy Director- General, of DG introduced the novelties of the Enhanced EIC Pilot. The EIC Pathfinder Pilot, of- fering grants of up to €4 mil- lion, promotes collaborative, inter-disciplinary research and innovation on science- inspired and radically new future technologies whilst the EIC Accelerator Pilot builds on the previous SME Instrument Phase II pro- viding high-potential SMEs with potential to develop and commercialise new products, services and business models with the potential to drive economic growth and shape new markets in Europe and worldwide. Two previous successful re- cipients of the EIC pilot, Mark Mallia from InboundMuse and Bernard Grima from Lo- qus Group discussed their experience of the programme via a panel discussion whilst James Foden and Ana-Maria Magri Pantea deliberated on the innovation landscape in Malta as well as guidelines for developing a successful EIC proposal. European Commis- sion officials Frédérique Pé- ron-Lührs and Natascha Lai further highlighted the EIC work programme as well as practical information on sub- mission and evaluation of EIC proposals. The afternoon session con- cluded with the general over- view of Horizon 2020 and the role of the National Contact Points at MCST, whilst the Europe Enterprise Network in Malta introduced the role of the network and support giv- en to SMEs in internationaliz- ing and innovating at a global scale. Persons interested in learn- ing more about the EIC Pilot may contact the Malta Coun- cil for Science and Technology by contacting Steven Frigerio steven.frigerio@gov.mt 15 BANK of Valletta has signed an agreement with Kun- sill Studenti Junior College (KSJC), pledging its support towards this students' council. KSJC is an independent or- ganisation that represents Junior College students on a national and international level, voices students' con- cerns, safeguards their rights and promotes educational and cultural activities amongst students. "We are delighted to be cor- porate sponsors of KSJC. At Bank of Valletta we believe strongly in the importance of youths in our community and through such agreements, we strengthen our relationships with students throughout their different life stages," said Vanessa Borg from BOV PR & Marketing Departments. "We look forward to work- ing hand in hand with this student body, assisting them to familiarise themselves with the world of financial services and supporting them through- out their education journey. Our first project together was in fact the participation of these students in this year's BOV Club campaign, which will be launched in the coming weeks." Jaden Dimech, KSJC Presi- dent and Elisa Gauci, KSJC Financial Officer signed the agreement on behalf of the students' council. "We are extremely happy that we signed this agreement with Malta's leading Bank, through which we can guar- antee interesting initiatives and opportunities for all Jun- ior College students to benefit from", emphasised Dimech. Gauci thanked Bank of Val- letta for its support and said that KSJC is eager to collabo- rate with BOV and is already looking into different possi- bilities to take this partnership further. Bank of Valletta supports Kunsill Studenti Junior College THE cleansing collection by CHANEL is designed for all, no matter their skin type and makeup preferences. By offer- ing incomparable sensations of freshness or comfort, this collection transforms makeup removal into a true moment of pleasure. In 2019, CHANEL launches L'EAU MICELLAIRE, composed of 96% natural-ori- gin ingredients. For hydrating and protective action enriched with a prebi- otic molecule that protects and balances the skin's natural eco- system, L'EAU MICELLAIRE respects the skin barrier and the pH of the epidermis. Alco- hol-free, the formula combines two marine active ingredients: depolluting blue microalgae and a skin-strengthening ma- rine salicornia extract. Endowed with a natural an- ti-pollution mechanism, blue microalgae have the power to protect cells from micro-stress caused by pollution. As for ma- rine salicornia extract, owing to its ability to self-regulate water levels, it delivers dual fortifying and hydrating ac- tion, reinforced by moisturis- ing agents. For ultimate comfort, the ap- plication step is fresh and deli- cate. Skin is clean and comfort- able, the complexion even and luminous. HOW TO USE Dispense four pumps of L'EAU MICELLAIRE onto a cotton pad. Smooth onto face, neck and lips. Repeat these steps until the cotton comes away clean. Use another cot- ton pad on eyelids and lashes. If needed, hold the moistened cotton pad over the lashes for a few seconds, then sweep down- wards from the base of the lashes. Wipe lips with a damp cotton pad. A daily no-rinse ritual to perform morning and evening. Chanel is distributed by Al- fred Gera & Sons Ltd Chanel l'Eau Micellaire anti-pollution cleansing water Funding opportunities for innovative ideas and innovators