Key deadlines and updates in Eurostars
Eurostars calls for proposals: 10 Sep 2026
Call opening: Next Eurostars call for projects opens officially on 9 Jul
Evaluation results expected Dec 2026
Grant Agreement signature typically 5-7 months after submission deadline
EUREKA EUROSTARS PROGRAMME
International funding for R&D-driven SMEs
Eurostars is a joint funding programme supporting innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing new products, processes and services for international markets. It is part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs under Horizon Europe and is co-funded by the European Union and participating countries.
Eurostars
Eurostars is a joint funding programme supporting innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing new products, processes and services for international markets. It is part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs under Horizon Europe and is co-funded by the European Union and participating countries.
Eurostars is specifically designed for R&D-performing SMEs that lead international collaborative projects with strong commercialisation potential. Eurostars supports collaborative research and innovation projects led by innovative SMEs. The programme aims to strengthen international cooperation among SMEs, accelerate market-oriented innovation, increase competitiveness of innovative SMEs, and support cross-border R&D collaboration. Funded projects must be led by an R&D-performing SME and involve at least one additional partner from another Eurostars country. The programme is bottom-up – meaning it has no predefined thematic topics. The focus is on market-driven innovation. Commercialisation is expected within two years of project completion
What does the Eurostars support?
Projects are typically close to market, with a strong focus on commercialisation within a few years after project completion. Eurostars funds applied research and development projects that:
Develop new products, services or processes
Demonstrate strong commercial potential
Address clear market needs
Involve cross-border collaboration
How the application process works
- Contacting national or regional funding body
- Open and complete electronic application form in the portal
- Uploading of relevant annexes to the online application form
- Submission of complete application form before deadline
- Evaluation process consisting of
1) Eligibility check
2) Legal & financial viability check
3) Expert evaluation
4) Independent Evaluation Panel
5) Ethics review - Grant Agreement Preparation for selected projects
Who is eligible?
Eligibility and funding rates for Eurostars funding are defined at national level within each participating country. Grant agreements are managed by national funding agencies. The consortium must include at least two independent entities from two different Eurostars countries.
Funding type
Grant: National funding rules apply, and thus rules vary between different Eurostars Member States.
Eligible entities:
R&D-performing SMEs (as project leaders)
SMEs, mid-sized companies and large enterprises (as partners)
Universities and research organisations (as partners)
What evaluators really look for
This is where many Eurostars funding proposals fail. Evaluators assess funding proposals based on the following criteria:
Innovation: Technological advancement and competitive advantage.
Market potential: Clear commercial opportunity and business model.
Consortium quality: Complementary expertise and strong SME leadership.
Implementation: Realistic project plan and risk management.
Strong project ideas lose points when:
- Commercialisation plan is weak
- International added value is limited
- SME leadership role is insufficient
- There is an overly research-driven focus without market validation
Why Spinverse?
We support SMEs and their partners in structuring competitive Eurostars funding proposals and managing funded cross-border innovation projects. Our experts combine SME strategy, funding expertise and experience in international project coordination. We help you translate your innovation concept into a structured and competitive Eurostars funding proposal.
We support organisations through:
Eurostars eligibility assessment, consortium building and partner alignment
Proposal structuring and writing, market and commercialisation narrative development
Budget preparation aligned with national rules
Project management and reporting support
Key planning timeline
Early planning and strong consortium alignment significantly improve competitiveness. We strongly recommend getting started 3-4 months before deadline.
3-4 months before deadline
- Funding eligibility analysis and contacting national funding bodies
- Project scoping and consortium formation and activation
3-2 months before deadline
- Proposal drafting and internal reviews
- Budget finalisation and risk mitigation
Final months
- Final submission and evaluator alignment
Talk to our expert
Get in touch to discuss whether Eurostars programme is the right funding programme for your project and how Spinverse can support your proposal preparation.
