Eurostars
The European funding program Eurostars promotes European cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in joint, cooperative research and development projects. The innovation funding is open to all technologies and aims to develop new and innovative products, processes and services. Project partners can determine the content themselves.
Eurostars at a glance
29%
of applications are approved.
45%
of the participating companies open up new markets.
68%
of the participating companies secure new market shares.
Who can apply for Eurostars funding?
Eligible to apply are innovative small and medium-sized enterprises that meet the criteria of the European SME definition.
Only international project collaborations consisting of at least two independent project partners from at least two European countries are funded. Research institutions and universities as well as large companies are also eligible to apply.
Contact our experts and arrange your free initial consultation on European funding Eurostars. We will evaluate your project or idea and bring you together with international cooperation partners.
We would like to explicitly point out that we support international companies and also take care of the international application process in the respective country of origin.
The countries themselves are responsible for funding. In Germany, for example, Eurostars is administered by the BMBF. The project sponsor is the DLR. In Germany, moreover, no large companies are eligible to apply. Research institutions are only eligible to apply if they cooperate with at least one German SME. The consortium leader of the R&D cooperation should also be an SME. A further requirement is that at least 50% of the costs must be covered by an SME, with a maximum of 70%. The project duration is also limited to 3 years.
How much is the funding?
The Eurostars funding is a non-repayable grant. Depending on the country of origin of the participating companies, the funding can vary. The amount of funding for each participating country can be found in detail on the EUREKA website.
The funding quotas for participants from Germany are listed here as an example.
| Applicant | Funding rate | Requirements |
| SMEs | 50% | |
| Universities / research institutions invoicing according to AZA | 100% | Participation of a German SME with significant R&D contribution |
| Universities / research institutions that bill on a cost basis | 65% | Participation of a German SME with significant R&D contribution |
| Universities / research institutions without SME participation | Self-financing declaration | |
| Large companies | Self-financing declaration |
For German project partners, funding is capped at 500,000 euros in total. Eligible costs are those incurred up to the creation of a prototype (TRL 6) in research and development activities.
Eurostars Consulting & Contact
Our services at a glance
Free project evaluation
We check your project for the requirements of the funding program and find the appropriate funding – Get in touch for your free funding check!
Search & find cooperation partners
You have an idea and are looking for suitable (international) cooperation partners? Benefit from our network – we will bring you together.
Full Service:
We take care of the full application process for your Eurostars funding and that of all project partners. From project initiation, through application, to the call for funds, your project is fully supported. We also take care of the general conditions with the cooperation partners for you.
This is how you can reach us:
Start planning your project now and contact our funding experts and consultants:
Phone: +49 681 976 898 10
email: [email protected]
Further information
- EIC Accelerator – up to 2.5 Mio.€ European innovation funding for single projects
- Innovation consulting – find out about your opportunities.
- Funding advice – overview of our services