Eurostars

Eurostars is an international funding programme for innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in research and development. It is jointly operated by EUREKA and the European Commission, with co-funding from national budgets of 37 participating countries and the European Union through Horizon Europe. The programme focuses on supporting collaborative international R&D projects aimed at developing marketable innovative products, processes, or services. Eurostars is open to all technological areas and markets, provided the projects have a civilian purpose. Eurostars offers substantial funding, with most countries providing up to 50% of project costs, typically ranging from €100,000 to €500,000 per project. A typical project with three SME partners could receive up to €1.5 million in subsidies. The programme has a high success rate of 29% compared to other funding schemes. To be eligible, projects must involve at least two independent partners from different Eurostars countries, with the main partner being an innovative SME. Projects should aim for rapid commercialization, with market introduction planned within two years of project completion. Eurostars has supported numerous successful projects across various sectors, contributing to job creation, economic development, and long-term transnational cooperation. The programme offers two application deadlines per year, providing ample opportunities for SMEs to secure funding for their innovative projects.