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6 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 OCTOBER 2025 Xjenza Malta and ESA announce €1.6 million in new funding opportunities for Malta's growing space sector XJENZA Malta, in collaboration with the European Space Agen- cy (ESA), successfully hosted the ESA PECS Info Day for the third ESA PECS Call at Villa Bighi. The event brought together stakeholders from the private sector, academia, and public in- stitutions interested in conduct- ing research and development in the field of space. Participants were guided on how to apply for tenders under the European Space Agency's Plan for Euro- pean Cooperating States (PECS) platform. During the session, it was an- nounced that a new call for proposals will open in the last quarter of 2025. A total of €1.6 million has been allocated to fund initiatives selected through this scheme. Eligible applicants include private companies (from start-ups to large enterprises), universities and higher edu- cation institutions, and public sector entities. The funding will support projects focused on up- stream and downstream space research, as well as tertiary edu- cation initiatives. James Catania, Director of the Space Programmes and En- gagements Unit at Xjenza Mal- ta, stated : "This annual contri- bution of €1.6 million reflects Malta's political commitment to building a future-facing space sector that delivers economic opportunity, skills development, and international visibility. Through these calls, we are lay- ing the foundation for a sustain- able space ecosystem—one that welcomes both local talent and foreign investment, while firmly positioning Malta as a competi- tive player in the European space landscape." The Info Day forms part of Mal- ta's broader national strategy to strengthen its space capabilities. Through its official collabora- tion with ESA, the Government of Malta has committed nearly €4 million over two years, un- derlining its ambition to embed space activity as a contributor to the national economy. This ambition is further reflect- ed in the recent launch of Space Park Malta, which will serve as the country's central hub for space testing, development, and international cooperation. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with ESA offi- cials, including one-on-one ses- sions to review early-stage pro- ject ideas and gain insight into ESA's evaluation processes and collaborative pathways. Space agencies from Northern Ireland and Romania also participated in the event, exploring oppor- tunities to form consortia with Maltese stakeholders. In addition to the general call for proposals, Xjenza Malta an- nounced a new dedicated edu- cation and outreach initiative— ESA PECS EXPRO—scheduled for Q1 2026. This initiative will promote space-related educa- tional activities in primary and secondary schools, training for public sector professionals, pub- lic exhibitions, arts and space collaborations, and workshops delivered by international ex- perts. The PECS Info Day marked another important milestone in Malta's growing space strategy, reinforcing the country's com- mitment to align with European frameworks and build a compet- itive, credible, and collaborative national space ecosystem. A celebration of Malta's dairy heritage under the patronage of the President of Malta THE Malta Food Agen- cy launched the publication, IL-Ħalib: Storja, Xjenza u Kul- tura, during an event held at San Anton Palace under the distin- guished patronage of Her Excel- lency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta. The book, which delves into the historical, scientific, and cultural journey of milk in Malta, was of- ficially unveiled in the presence of distinguished guests, research- ers, and representatives from the agricultural and food sectors. In her address, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono commended the Malta Food Agency and the team of authors for their extensive and engaging research, noting that the publication captures the rich heritage and evolving story of a product that has nourished generations and shaped local tra- ditions. The President also expressed her gratitude to the Malta Food Agency for its initiative to donate all proceeds from the sale of the book to the Malta Community Chest Fund, an act she described as a meaningful gesture that ties the nourishment of body and mind to the nourishment of community. Speaking during the launch, Brian Vella, CEO of the Malta Food Agency, thanked all con- tributors, researchers, and col- laborators who made the project possible. He emphasized the importance of preserving Mal- ta's agricultural heritage, stating that this book is more than just a historical record as it is a tribute to the people, the practices, and the traditions that shaped our re- lationship with food. By sharing these stories, we ensure that the knowledge and pride of our past are passed from one generation to the next. IL-Ħalib: Storja, Xjenza u Kul- tura is available for purchase from the Malta Food Agency's Customer Care Office, with all proceeds in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. The publication forms part of the Agency's ongoing efforts to document and celebrate Malta's rich agricultural and culinary legacy, promoting both sustain- ability and cultural appreciation within the food sector.