Eurostars, a European funding programme, supports R&D-performing SMEs with the development of marketable innovative products, processes and services. In order to be eligible for Eurostars, you have to work together with foreign partners from at least one of the other Eurostars countries*. This cooperation offers companies the chance to access new markets, learn from the knowledge and technologies available in another country and share the risks of development.

When can you apply for Eurostars?

The seventh call of the Eurostars-3 programme was open for applications from 12 July to 12 September 2024. Nothing is yet known about a possible eight call.

What projects are eligible for Eurostars?

A project must meet a number of criteria in order to be eligible:

• The project is led by an innovative SME from a Eurostars country;
• The consortium consists of at least 2 independent entities;
• The consortium consists of entities from at least 2 Eurostars countries;
• At least 50% of the project’s budget is carried by the SME;
• No participant or country is responsible for more than 70% of the project costs;
• The project lasts up to 36 months;
• The project has an exclusive focus on civil applications.

How to apply for Eurostars funding?

Applying for this grant consists of two steps: first, your proposal must be approved internationally by Eureka. Then you can apply for the national funding via your national funding body.

Step 1: Submit a proposal at Eureka – Your project and consortium should meet the criteria listed above. Then you can submit a fully completed project proposal as a consortium. It is important that you desscribe the project in a way that it suits the goals of Eureka. An application consists of several annexes; the documents required depend on the partner’s country. Eurostars is a highly competitive programme, si keep in mind that your project is described very well and is complete. Only in this way can you rank high and stand a chance of being awarded.

Step 2: Submit the national proposal – After being ranked high, you’ll be invited to submit a submission at your national funding body. After approval of the international application, you’ll have two to three weeks to submit the national proposal.

What is the grant contribution?

The programme offers a maximum of € 500.000,- per innovative project. Project partners can receive 40% or 50% of their total R&D-costs:

• SME’s: 50%
• Research organisations or universities: 50%
• Large company and other participants: 40%

What are the Eurostars countries?

Project partners in the following countries can participate: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia,  Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom.

Extensive experience

Hezelburcht has a high level of knowledge of European grant programmes and applies for European grants for various international organisations and consortia. Should you have any questions or like to receive more information about Eurostars? Please do not hesitate to contact us via 088 495 20 00 or info@hezelburcht.com.