Funding for Internationally Collaborating Innovative SMEs

The Eurostars programme, jointly managed by EUREKA and the European Commission, is one of Europe’s most SME-friendly funding schemes for collaborative R&D. It is designed to support R&D-performing SMEs and their partners in developing innovative, market-ready products, services, or processes through international collaboration. The next funding opportunity—Eurostars 3, Call 9—opens on 4 July 2025 and will close on 4 September 2025 at 14:00 CEST.

This call is part of the Horizon Europe Partnership on Innovative SMEs and is aimed at small consortia of organisations from different participating countries. Its objective is clear: to support innovative SMEs in executing transnational R&D projects with high market potential and commercial ambition.

Key Dates and Timeline

Eurostars Call 9 provides a two-month application window, with a streamlined evaluation and decision-making process.

Important dates include:

  • Call opens: 4th July 2025
  • Deadline for submission: 4th September 2025 at 14:00 (CEST)
  • Evaluation results: Expected by end of November or early December 2025
  • Project start dates: Typically within 6 months of submission, subject to national processes

Applicants are advised to begin early and consult their national funding bodies to align with country-specific rules and requirements.

Who Can Apply?

Eurostars is open to SMEs leading international R&D collaborations, with a particular focus on innovation and commercialisation. Projects must be led by an R&D-performing SME and involve partners from at least two participating Eurostars countries.

Minimum eligibility criteria:

  • The project consortium must include at least two independent entities from two different Eurostars countries (UK is included).
  • The lead applicant must be an innovative SME from a Eurostars country.
  • SMEs must carry at least 50% of the total project costs (excluding subcontracting).
  • No participant or country can contribute more than 70% of the total budget.
  • Projects must have a maximum duration of 36 months.
  • Results should be targeted for civil applications only.

Eurostars currently includes 37 countries, including EU member states, the UK, Norway, Turkey, Israel, Switzerland, and several others. The programme’s flexibility allows SMEs to partner with universities, large companies, and research centres, if the SME remains the project lead.

Funding Rules and Budget

Funding through Eurostars is provided on a decentralised basis, meaning that each participating country funds its own organisations according to national rules. This means that grant rates, eligible costs, and submission procedures can vary significantly between countries.

Typical funding characteristics:

  • SMEs can receive between 40–80% of eligible costs, depending on national rules (60% in the UK).
  • Universities and research institutes are often eligible for funding, but this varies (not eligible in the UK).
  • Maximum grant sizes also vary; some countries cap funding per partner or per project (€600,000 total cost maximum for UK SMEs).

Applicants must contact their national funding agency to confirm their eligibility and understand any specific requirements before submitting.

Application and Evaluation Process

The Eurostars application process is fully online via the Eureka Project Management Platform. The system opens on 4th July 2025, and proposals must be submitted by 4th September 2025 at 14:00 CEST.

The submission and evaluation process includes:

  • Online application: Including technical annex, budget, partner declarations, and Gantt chart.
  • Eligibility checks: Ensuring all criteria are met, conducted immediately after the deadline.
  • Technical assessment: Carried out by two independent international experts.
  • Centralised evaluation: Projects are ranked by an Independent Evaluation Panel.
  • Ethics review: Conducted for projects involving sensitive data, human subjects, or ethical risks.
  • Funding decisions: Made by national funding bodies, typically 6–8 weeks after the ranking list is finalised.

A clear strength of Eurostars is its centralised evaluation with decentralised funding, enabling high-quality cross-border projects while preserving national control over budgets.

Why Apply: Key Benefits of Eurostars

Eurostars stands out for its accessibility, flexibility, and proven impact on SME growth. It is particularly attractive for SMEs that are too small for direct EU programmes like EIC Accelerator or Horizon Europe collaborative calls, yet still need substantial support to scale innovation internationally.

Top reasons to apply:

  • High success rate: ~29%, significantly higher than most EU R&D schemes.
  • Bottom-up approach: No fixed themes – applicants define their own project scope.
  • Quick feedback: Results delivered within 3 months of submission.
  • Flexible funding: Each partner receives funds through its own national agency.
  • Strong impact: On average, participating SMEs increase their turnover by 15% and enter new international markets.
  • Small consortia allowed: Ideal for agile, focused R&D collaborations (2–4 partners).

Preparing a Competitive Application

To boost your chances of success, preparation is key. Applicants are encouraged to attend webinars and national information sessions, some of which will take place in early July 2025.

Tips for success:

  • Engage your national contact point early to confirm eligibility.
  • Build a balanced, complementary consortium with clear roles and shared risk.
  • Ensure your project has a clear route to market, including a commercialisation plan.
  • Emphasise your project’s technical excellence, commercial potential, and societal impact.
  • Allow time for internal review, document collection, and Gantt chart planning.
  • Use professional support services where necessary, several consultancies across Europe specialise in Eurostars bid writing.

Next Steps: What Should You Do Now?

If you’re considering applying to Eurostars Call 9, here’s what you should do next:

  • Check eligibility with your national funding body
  • Identify potential partners in other Eurostars countries
  • Mark your calendar for the 4th July 2025 opening
  • Start drafting your proposal early
  • Attend a webinar for application tips and evaluation insights
  • Register on the Eurostars portal: www.myeurekaproject.org

For a free consultation to discuss your project in more detail, contact RedKnight today.

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