Not Accepting Applications

R&D Funding For Innovative SMEs

Eurostars Call 10 is open. Get funding for international collaborative R&D projects across all technology areas. Led by SMEs, backed by national funding bodies and the EU.

0 Days to EU Deadline
MAR 5 Onboarding Closed
36 Max Months
2+ Partners Required
37 Countries
Any Sector

What Is Eurostars?

Eurostars is the EU-backed funding programme for international collaborative R&D led by innovative SMEs. It's part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs, co-funded by the EU and 37 national funding bodies.

Unlike most EU grants, Eurostars is bottom-up — there are no thematic restrictions. Any innovative SME with an international partner can apply, regardless of sector or technology area. Funding rates and amounts are managed by national funding bodies, so they vary by country.

What Gets Funded

  • New products & services
  • Process innovation
  • International R&D collaboration
  • Prototype development
  • Market validation
  • Technology demonstration

Is This Grant For You?

You Qualify If

  • You are an innovative SME in a Eurostars country
  • You have at least one international partner from another Eurostars country
  • Your project develops a new product, process, or service
  • SME partners cover at least 50% of the project budget

Not For You If

  • You are a large enterprise (over 250 employees)
  • Your project involves only one country
  • A single partner or country exceeds 70% of the budget
  • Your project is purely military in nature
Not Sure? Check Your Eligibility

Our Support Packages

Eligibility & Strategy

  • Eligibility assessment
  • National funding body guidance
  • Partner search support
  • Application strategy memo
  • Delivered in 5 business days
Fixed fee
Get Assessed

Post-Award

For successful applicants

  • Compliance monitoring
  • Progress & financial reporting
  • Audit preparation
  • National funding body liaison
Retainer or per-deliverable
Get Support

Important Dates

March 5, 2026 Last date to engage Fundwiser
March 19, 2026 Submission deadline (20:00 CET)
~June 2026 Independent evaluation results
~September 2026 National funding decisions

Frequently Asked

How much funding can we get?

Funding amounts and rates vary by country — they are managed by national funding bodies. Check with your national Eurostars office for specific rates.

Can large companies participate?

Large companies and research organisations can participate as partners, but the project must be led by an innovative SME and SME budget must be at least 50%.

What technology areas are covered?

Eurostars is bottom-up — there are no thematic restrictions. Any technology or market area is eligible.

Do we need to be a Eureka member?

At least one partner must receive public funding. Non-Eurostars country organisations can participate by self-funding.

How are proposals evaluated?

Remote expert evaluation, then top 200 proposals go to an Independent Evaluation Panel. Results expected by end of June 2026.

Can we include subcontracting?

Yes, but subcontracting costs are excluded from the 50% SME budget threshold calculation.

Onboarding Closed

We are no longer accepting new applications for this call. The EU submission deadline is still ahead — if you already have a consortium, book a call to discuss options.

Browse Open Grants

Deadline:
March 19, 2026

International R&D funding for innovative SMEs. Let's discuss your project.