Is EUREKA Eurostars Right for You?

A Launchpad for Ambitious Innovators

If you are a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with big ambitions and a bold innovation project on the horizon, the upcoming Eurostars Call 9, opening on 4 July 2025, is a window of opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Whether you are advancing new biotech solutions, scaling deep tech applications, or building the next frontier of AI, EUREKA Eurostars is technology-open funding programme that supports international R&D collaboration for projects with partners across the EU and beyond—with a single step application process.

Understanding the EUREKA Eurostars

At its core, Eurostars is about cross-border collaboration for market-driven R&D. Co-funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe and 37 participating countries, the funding programme specifically targets innovative SMEs aiming to fast-track the commercialisation of new technologies or services.

What makes EUREKA Eurostars unique is its decentralised funding model: while proposals are evaluated centrally, funding is provided by national agencies, such as CDTI in Spain or BPI France in France—based on local rules and budgets.

This upcoming call—the ninth in the current cycle—opens on 4 July with a deadline on 4 September 2025, offering applicants the chance to secure significant non-dilutive public funding for their innovation projects. On average, you can apply for up to €500.000 in grant at a 50% funding rate, though the max. grant and co-funding rates vary slightly from country to country.

Eurostars typically launches 2 calls per year, most often in March and September.

Is Eurostars Right for You?

The Eurostars programme is not for everyone—but it is a perfect fit for SMEs that are actively innovating and have a clear path to market for their product or service.

To apply, you need an international consortium composed of at least two independent organisations based in different Eurostars countries. One of the partners must be an R&D-performing SME from the EU or a Horizon Europe–associated country, while Universities, RTOs and in some countries even large companies are invited to participate as partners.

Projects must serve a civilian purpose and should aim for market entry within two years of project completion. That is because Eurostars is not designed not for early-stage or blue-sky research, but for high-potential innovations that are just a few steps away from being commercialised. Eligible projects typically start at TRL 3–7 and may reach up to TRL 8 by the end.

What Makes a Strong Proposal?

Over the years, successful EUREKA Eurostars projects have consistently shared a few key traits. A clear technological innovation with strong market potential is essential, but so is a well-structured consortium with complementary skills across partners and countries. Reviewers want to see projects that are ambitious yet realistic—especially in terms of innovation and market potential.

A complete Eurostars application includes a Gantt chart, financial information about each participant (except Universities) and a consortium agreement. The application is submitted centrally through the Eureka platform, but coordination with your national funding body is key throughout the process.

Proposals are evaluated centrally by a panel of independent experts. All eligible proposals are ranked, and only the top 200 are recommended for funding. Final funding decisions, however, depend on the availability of national budgets—so outcomes can vary from country to country.

National Differences Matter

Although EUREKA Eurostars operates under a unified application portal, funding rules differ from country to country. For example, in Spain, the CDTI typically offers up to 60% funding for SMEs, with a ceiling of around €400,000 per project. In other countries, the co-funding rates and funding caps vary.

A Realistic Timeline

The Eurostars process is is relatively fast compared to many other European funding programmes. Following the 4 September 2025 deadline, funding decisions are typically made within 4–5 months. ,

Once national funding agreements are finalised, projects can begin shortly thereafter—meaning your innovation could be up and running by early 2026.

To ensure a smooth application process, aim to finalise your consortium by early June and begin drafting your proposal by mid-month. Registration, document gathering, and internal reviews take time—particularly when working with multiple partners across borders and languages.

Why It Is Worth It

For innovative SMEs looking to validate their technology in a cross-border setting, or for research-driven companies seeking a structured path to commercialisation, EUREKA Eurostars stands out as one of the few programmes that truly meets you where you are.

Secure Eurostars Funding with Nordic Innovators

In a funding landscape often marked by long timelines and complex consortia, Eurostars offers something refreshingly agile. A single application, a fast evaluation, and the flexibility to work with national agencies you already know. 

So—if you're an SME with an innovative idea and a trusted partner abroad—now is the time to act.

At Nordic Innovators, we offer two flexible collaboration models to support your Eurostars application: 
Full-service: We lead the entire process: drafting your proposal, building the budget, managing admin tasks, and submitting your application.

Tailor-made hourly based services: Ideal if you prefer to write most of the proposal yourself but need expert guidance on specific sections.  

With an impressive track record on Eurostars in every technology area, we provide the expertise needed to turn a great idea into a winning proposal, hassle-free for you.

Get in touch with us to know more! Turn your innovation idea into reality this year!

Check the official launch announcement