Eurostars Funding Programme for Innovative SMEs
European funding for innovative SMEs
- Welcome
- EU funding program
- Eurostars
Summary
What is the Eurostars funding programme?
Eurostars is a European funding program for innovative SMEs wishing to develop products, processes or services with international partners.
Co-financed by the European Union under Horizon Europe and by participating countries, Eurostars supports collaborative R&D projects with commercialization potential.
The program is open to all technology sectors, without thematic priority.
Objectives and criteria
Supporting international R&D projects led by innovative SMEs, without sectoral priority.
The selection is based on excellence, commercial impact and quality of implementation.
Technological fields
Examples of eligible sectors
Eurostars supports innovation across all sectors, without thematic priority. Projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Health and biotechnology
- Digital technology and artificial intelligence
- Advanced industry and materials
- Energy and the environment
- Agrifood
Evaluation criteria
Applications are evaluated according to three criteria:
- Excellence: innovation and technical feasibility
- Impact: Commercial potential and market access
- Implementation: consortium, planning and budget
International cooperation
Added value of international cooperation
Eurostars encourages international partnerships that bring together complementary skills to develop competitive innovations.
- Complementary expertise
- Sharing skills and resources
- Access to new markets
- Added value of each partner
Commercial impact
Impact and marketing
Eurostars projects must present credible prospects for commercialization and value creation.
- Clearly identified target market
- Demonstrated competitive advantage
- Realistic marketing strategy
- Economic and societal benefits
What projects does Eurostars finance?
Eurostars supports international R&D projects aimed at developing innovative products, processes or services for the market.
Eurostars can support innovations such as:
- Connected medical devices.
- Innovative recycling processes.
- Energy optimization solutions using artificial intelligence.
- Technologies for more sustainable agriculture.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Eurostars finances international collaborative R&D and innovation projects, coordinated by an innovative SME.
The seven eligibility criteria:
- The consortium is coordinated by an innovative SME from a Eurostars country.
- It brings together at least two independent organizations.
- The partners come from at least two Eurostars countries, including at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe associated country.
- SMEs in Eurostars countries represent at least 50% of the total budget, excluding subcontracting.
- No single partner or country accounts for more than 70% of the % budget.
- The project lasts a maximum of 36 months.
- The applications are exclusively civilian.
Large companies, universities and research organizations can also participate. Their funding depends on national rules.
What funding is needed for an Eurostars project?
Eurostars funding is allocated by national bodies. Grant rates, ceilings, and eligible expenditure vary depending on the country and type of partner.
Example for France:
- SMEs: up to 40% of project costs
- Large companies: up to 30 %, subject to conditions
- Universities and research organizations: up to 40 %
Eligible expenses may include personnel costs, equipment and subcontracting, in accordance with applicable national rules.
The partners must verify their ability to finance the portion of expenses not covered by aid.
How to apply for Eurostars
The next Eurostars call opens on December 17, 2026, with a deadline set for March 4, 2027 at 2 p.m. (Brussels time).
Preparing an application involves four steps:
- Verify the eligibility of the project and partners.
- Form the consortium and structure the R&D project.
- Prepare the file, the budget and the required appendices.
- Submit the proposal in English on the Eureka platform.
The required documents include commitment and signature forms, SME declarations and, depending on the country, additional financial documents.
How to succeed in your Eurostars application?
A competitive Eurostars bid must demonstrate the quality of the innovation, the complementarity of the consortium and the credibility of its commercial strategy.
Areas of concern identified by Marketkaps:
- Demonstrate a real advancement compared to the state of the art.
- Justify the added value of international cooperation.
- Support the commercial potential with credible market data.
- Present a work plan and budget that are consistent with the technical objectives.
Anticipating the search for partners and involving potential clients early can also strengthen the quality of the case.
Eurostars support by Marketkaps
Marketkaps supports innovative SMEs in setting up Eurostars projects and preparing competitive applications for European funding.
→ Diagnosis and strategy
- Eurostars eligibility analysis
- Evaluation of innovation potential
- Funding and application strategy
→ Consortium and structuring
- Seeking European partners
- Constitution of the international consortium
- Technical and financial structuring of the project
→ Drafting and submission
- Eurostars dossier preparation
- Drafting the proposal
- Budget consistency check and submission
FAQ - Frequently asked questions by businesses
Can a start-up apply to Eurostars?
Yes. An innovative startup can participate in Eurostars and coordinate a consortium if it meets the eligibility criteria. Its financial capacity to carry out the project will also be assessed.
Should an SME dedicate 10% of its resources to R&D?
No. Eurostars' current criteria do not include a general threshold of 10,130 TEUs for revenue or R&D staff. However, the project must demonstrate a genuine research and innovation dimension.
What TRL level is required to apply to Eurostars?
Eurostars projects typically start at TRL 4 (technology validated in the laboratory) and aim for TRL 6–7 by the end of the project. Technology maturity requirements and eligible activities must also be verified with national bodies.
Can a partner established outside of Eurostars countries participate?
Yes, subject to compliance with the consortium's eligibility criteria. Partners established outside Eurostars countries must self-finance their participation.
Can a rejected Eurostars project be resubmitted?
Yes. A new application can be submitted after a rejection. Analysis of the evaluation report helps identify necessary improvements regarding innovation, the consortium, commercial impact, or budget.
What are the chances of obtaining Eurostars funding?
According to Eureka, approximately 20% of submitted applications are funded. The quality of the proposal and compliance with national funding requirements are key factors.
Ready to launch your Eurostars project?
Marketkaps supports you every step of the way, from initial assessment to final submission, to maximize your chances of obtaining Eurostars financing.
Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions or to discuss your innovation project.