Eurostars is a funding instrument of the Eureka Network supporting international collaborative R&D and innovation projects led by innovative SMEs. It enables SMEs and their partners (large companies, universities, research organisations and other entities) to access public funding for market-oriented R&D projects across all technological fields.

The programme funds international collaborative projects aimed at developing innovative products, processes or services with strong commercialisation potential. The consortium must be SME-led and include at least two independent entities from at least two Eurostars countries. Projects must focus exclusively on civil applications and have a maximum duration of 36 months. Applications are submitted in a single stage via the Eurostars platform.

Objective: To support innovative SMEs in developing market-driven R&D and innovation projects through international collaboration, accelerating commercialisation and competitiveness.

International eligibility criteria:

• Consortium led by an innovative SME from a Eurostars country

• At least two independent entities from at least two Eurostars countries (with at least one from an EU or Horizon Europe Associated Country)

• SMEs from Eurostars countries must account for ≥50% of total project budget (excluding subcontracting)

• No single participant or country may account for more than 70% of the project budget

• Maximum project duration: 36 months

• Exclusive focus on civil applications

For Spain (CDTI national funding conditions):

• Only Spanish SMEs (small or medium-sized) with tax residence or permanent establishment in Spain are eligible for funding

• Public entities (except public mercantile companies), undertakings in difficulty and entities subject to recovery orders are excluded

• SMEs must have deposited at least the latest financial year accounts in the official registry

• A Spanish SME may receive funding for only one application per call

• Eligible activities: industrial research or experimental development

• Maximum funding per Spanish participant: €400,000

• Subcontracting limits:

  • Up to 25% of eligible costs (up to 50% if subcontracting Spanish public research organisations - OPIs)

• Activities related to communication, commercialisation, market entry, industrial-scale trials and IP registration are not eligible

Large companies, universities and research organisations from Spain may participate but are not eligible for funding and must self-fund.

In case of interest, please click on "m'interessa" and we will contact you.