Digital Vouchers Programme 2026: MDIA-Recognised Technical Experts
The Data Readiness and Build Vouchers each fund up to €20,000 of data work, and both require an independent assessment by an MDIA-recognised Technical Expert in the Data domain. Neural AI's experts can prepare that assessment for your application.
€20,000
Data Readiness Voucher
€20,000
Build Voucher
100%
Max Aid Intensity
12 mo
Project Duration
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About the Digital Vouchers Programme
Xjenza Malta launched the Digital Vouchers Programme 2026 on 13 July 2026 in collaboration with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). It offers four vouchers. Two of them, the Data Readiness Voucher and the Build Voucher, are aimed at organisations that want to make their data usable, reusable and ready for AI.
Each of these two vouchers is worth up to €20,000. Every funded project must include an independent assessment report written by an MDIA-recognised Technical Expert in the Data domain or sub-domain. The report is a required deliverable under the voucher framework, so you will need to engage an expert as part of your plan.
Neural AI's Kurt Abela and Matthew Galea are MDIA-recognised Technical Experts in the Data domain. We can prepare the assessment report for your voucher project, or, on a separate project, carry out the data engineering work the voucher funds.
Quick Facts
Official Documents
The guidelines (Option A and Option B), the application form and the recording of the 10 August 2026 information session are on the Xjenza Malta programme page. Check there for the latest call dates.
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Data Readiness and Build Vouchers
Both vouchers fund work on datasets so they can be reused, whether internally, by partners, or as open data. Both require an independent assessment by an MDIA-recognised Technical Expert.
Up to €20,000
Data Readiness Voucher
Prepares existing datasets for reuse.
- Data cleaning and de-duplication
- Digitisation of paper or legacy records
- Data labelling and annotation
- Mapping data to recognised standards and schemas
- Independent assessment by an MDIA-recognised Technical Expert
Up to €20,000
Build Voucher
Improves and publishes datasets so others can use them.
- Improving dataset quality and documentation
- Publishing datasets as open data
- API-based access to datasets, where applicable
- Generating synthetic data
- Independent assessment by an MDIA-recognised Technical Expert
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Why You Need an MDIA-Recognised Expert
The voucher framework requires each Data Readiness and Build project to include an independent assessment report. Only Technical Experts recognised by the MDIA in the Data domain or sub-domain can prepare it.
The assessment gives Xjenza Malta an independent view of the data work: what state the datasets were in, what was done to them, and whether the result is fit for reuse against the standards the project set out to meet.
Bring the expert in early. Scoping the assessment at the planning stage makes the application clearer and avoids surprises at the end of the project.
MDIA-Recognised Technical Expert
Kurt Abela
Technical Director, Neural AI
MDIA-recognised Technical Expert in the Data domain. Leads Neural AI's data engineering, machine learning and AI delivery work.
MDIA-Recognised Technical Expert
Matthew Galea
Managing Director, Neural AI
MDIA-recognised Technical Expert in the Data domain. Works with Maltese organisations on data strategy, AI adoption and funded projects.
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Two Ways Neural AI Can Help
On any one voucher project we take one of these two roles, never both.
Role A
Independent Technical Expert Assessment
You (or another provider) carry out the data work. Kurt or Matthew acts as your MDIA-recognised Technical Expert and prepares the independent assessment report the voucher requires.
- • Early review of your project scope and datasets
- • Assessment against the standards and outcomes in your application
- • Written independent assessment report for submission
Role B
Data Readiness & Build Delivery
Neural AI's engineering team does the funded work. A separate MDIA-recognised expert from outside Neural AI prepares the assessment.
- • Data cleaning, digitisation and labelling pipelines
- • Mapping to recognised standards and schemas
- • Dataset publishing, data pipelines and API access
- • Synthetic data generation
A note on independence
The assessment has to be independent of the work it assesses. If Neural AI delivers your data work, we will not also assess it. If we are your Technical Expert, we will not deliver the work. Tell us early which role you need and we'll confirm there's no conflict.
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The Other Two Vouchers
Up to €1,000 · 12 months
Regulatory Assessment Voucher
Helps you work out whether your system qualifies as AI and which digital compliance requirements apply, including under the EU AI Act.
Up to €25,000 · 24 months
TARF/MDIA Sandbox Voucher
Supports entities that want to enrol in the MDIA's Technology Assessment Recognition Framework (TARF) sandbox.
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Working With Us as Your Technical Expert
Intro Call
We learn about your datasets, your voucher and who is doing the data work, and confirm there is no conflict of interest.
Scope the Assessment
We agree what the assessment will cover so it lines up with the outcomes in your application.
Review the Work
We review the datasets and the work done on them against the agreed standards.
Assessment Report
We deliver the independent assessment report for you to submit under the voucher framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Funding Schemes
Xjenza Digital Innovation Programme
Up to €225,000 for AI research projects, with AI as Priority Area 1.
Digitalise Your SME
Non-repayable grants up to €235,400 with the MDIA-administered AI top-up.
Business Reports for SMEs
€4,000 lump sum for an AI-focused business review from a registered provider.
Need a Technical Expert for your voucher?
Talk to Kurt or Matthew about your Data Readiness or Build Voucher project. We'll confirm the right role for us and scope the assessment.
