Mastering the Eurostars Application: Secrets to Success

Eurostars is part of the European Partnership for Innovative SMEs and provides public funding to support innovative projects in various fields. This funding program, which is part of the Horizon Europe framework program, aims to promote cross-border collaborations and advance the development of new products, applications, and markets. To harness the potential of this financing opportunity, it is important to understand the grant, its funding criteria, the application process, and the evaluation procedures. In this article, we provide you with a detailed overview of Eurostars, decipher the funding criteria, inform you about financing, and provide tips for a successful application.

If you’d rather not put together your business plan and numbers alone, we support you in Strategy Consulting.

Understanding Eurostars: A Brief Overview

To understand the grant, it is important to recognize its role in supporting innovative SMEs that carry out international innovation projects. Eurostars emphasizes the importance of global markets and promotes the development of new applications of existing knowledge. By providing public funding, Eurostars projects aim to create innovative new products, applications, and markets.

The maximum funding amount for projects varies depending on the rules set by the participating national funding agencies (e.g., DLR in Germany). As Eurostars is embedded in the broader Horizon Europe framework program (2021-2027), the National Contact Points (NCPs) are the primary contact point between you as applicants and the national funding agencies.

The NCPs are also where lead applicants first present their project idea to receive a preliminary assessment of suitability for Eurostars. In addition to conceiving an innovative R&D project, Eurostars requires an understanding of the financial and human resources needed to carry out the project. nxt milestone is well-versed in financial planning, including within the various Horizon Europe programs, and can therefore advise you on creating the budget for your Eurostars application. Furthermore, Eurostars ensures the financial viability of projects through transparent evaluation of financial reports.

What is the Eurostars Funding Program?

Eurostars is an R&D financing option for innovative SMEs participating in the European Partnership for Innovative SMEs. Within Eurostars, the definition of an “innovative SME” refers to any SME that intends to conduct R&D activities. The grant supports SMEs conducting international innovation projects by providing public funding. Projects financed under Eurostars aim to develop innovative new products and applications, thereby transforming markets and promoting economic growth and competitiveness in Eurostars countries (e.g., in EU member states, countries associated with Horizon Europe, and other Eurostars countries such as Chile or South Africa). The financial assistance also ensures the financial viability of projects through transparent evaluation procedures.

Who Is It Intended For?

In general, Eurostars is a funding program for start-ups, SMEs, research institutions and universities, as well as large enterprises. However, this can vary at the country level, meaning different funding rates, grant amounts, and specific participation rules. At nxt milestone, we therefore strongly recommend a pre-check of your project idea and the country-specific composition of your consortium before submitting your application. A further mandatory step is the presentation of your project idea (and the initial consortium) to your NCP. This will then provide a recommendation based on whether the project is suitable for the program.

Participating Countries

All EU member states and countries associated with Horizon Europe, such as non-EU member states (e.g., Serbia) and countries beyond European borders (e.g., Israel), are eligible for Eurostars. The same applies to Eurostars-specific countries such as Canada, Chile, or South Korea. The consortium must consist of at least two independent institutions from two different Eurostars countries. The project duration is typically 24-36 months to ensure that potential users benefit from the results. Each country has its own types of organizations, such as research institutions and SMEs, that contribute to the international pool of project ideas. To apply, you can use the online application form to contact your NCPs before undergoing an evaluation by an independent evaluation panel.

Special Provisions for Certain Countries

Eurostars countries have their own specific funding rates. These may include a maximum funding amount, different funding rates depending on the type of organization, or even specific criteria, such as funding activities only up to a certain TRL. We recommend contacting us at nxt milestone to get a comprehensive overview of the financial opportunities available to your consortium under the program.

The Eurostars Eligibility Criteria

To ensure a successful application, it is important to understand the funding criteria. At the country level, particularly regarding financial aspects, criteria and rules may vary. However, there are 7 basic funding criteria for Eurostars that every project must meet:

• The consortium is coordinated by an innovative SME from a Eurostars country.
• The consortium consists of at least two independent companies from at least two Eurostars countries.
• The budget of SMEs from the participating countries (excluding subcontracting) is 50% or more of the total project budget.
• No single participant or single country has more than 70% of the total project budget.
• The project duration is at most 36 months.
• The project focuses exclusively on civilian applications (not military).

At nxt milestone, we can leverage our international project experience to pre-evaluate your project and guide you through the elements required for a strong Eurostars application.

Criteria for SMEs and Research Institutions

To benefit from the grant, SMEs must comply with certain funding criteria. This includes adhering to the maximum funding amount, which depends on the rules of the national funding agency. Furthermore, SMEs’ projects should focus on developing new products, applications, and innovative markets that align with the objectives of the European Partnership. It is important that SMEs play a leading role in promoting cross-border collaboration and innovation within the framework of the projects. Additionally, the examination of financial viability ensures transparency and compliance with funding agency criteria in financial reports. Systematic work and project activities are outlined together with the Gantt chart in the technical appendix, as well as the required SME declaration form.

Research institutions seeking Eurostars grant funding must meet the funding criteria established by national funding bodies to ensure a transparent evaluation process for project applications. Projects are expected to produce new applications based on existing knowledge, products, and markets, with active participation from research institutions. Maximum funding amounts are determined by the rules of the respective national funding bodies to ensure financial feasibility. Furthermore, these projects aim to create innovative products, applications, and markets that align with the objectives of the European Partnership. The technical appendix should describe the systematic work, activities, and Gantt chart of the project to facilitate transparent evaluation of applications.

Funding Information

Eurostars funding provides resources for international R&D cooperation projects. The project consortium should involve at least two participants from different countries, and the minimum project duration is 24 months. Potential users include various types of organizations such as SMEs and research institutions. Application for funds is made via an online application form with a submission deadline in early September 2025. This is followed by an independent evaluation by a panel, whose results are communicated by Eurostars within five to seven months after the submission deadline expires. Successful applicants receive grants via Horizon Europe.

Amount and Duration

With a maximum funding amount of €500,000 per innovative project, Eurostars provides ample resources for strategic initiatives. The project duration of up to 36 months enables systematic and thorough research and development activities. Funding rates depend on the national funding agencies of the participating countries, with no single participant or country responsible for more than 70% of the budget. Eligibility criteria require SME declaration and thorough examination of financial viability. To ensure fair distribution, Eurostars employs an independent evaluation panel for transparent assessments. This approach ensures that the best applicants receive the necessary support for their projects.

Terms and Regulations

Eurostars supports innovative SMEs within the European Partnership for Innovative SMEs and enables the allocation of project costs across participating countries. Public funding from the European Union covers all project costs, involving international partners and various types of organizations. It provides funding for various project types, including applications for innovation projects and projects with a leadership role. Furthermore, the funding rules align with the regulations of the respective national and regional funding agencies, making it crucial for research institutions to understand the funding conditions and regulations before applying.

A Successful Eurostars Application

For a successful application, it is critical to understand the guidelines. The composition of the project consortium, the potential users of the product or service, and the project duration are essential factors. Furthermore, knowledge of the independent evaluation panel, the online application form, and the Horizon Europe program can provide a competitive advantage. It is also important to know the types of organizations eligible for funding, as well as the specific financing conditions the program provides.

How Can a Company Apply for Eurostars Funding?

To apply for Eurostars funding, a company must form a consortium with at least one other organization from a different Eurostars member country. You must then submit a project proposal that meets the Eurostars funding criteria and aligns with your innovation priorities.

Required Documentation

To submit a successful application under the program, it is important to carefully prepare the required documents. This includes a well-developed project proposal with clear objectives, methods, and expected results. Additionally, a realistic budget plan with justified expenditures is essential. Understanding and effectively implementing the consortium agreement is critical for seamless collaboration between partners and success in your application. These documentation requirements play a crucial role in securing funding and support from the independent evaluation panel.

Steps in the Application Process

Before you begin the application process, you should thoroughly inform yourself about the Eurostars program, the funding criteria, and the application requirements. It is critical to find a suitable partner for the project and work together with them. Developing a compelling project proposal that aligns with Eurostars’ objectives and meets application requirements is of great importance. You must also create a realistic budget and timeline that reflect the project’s objectives and resources. Finally, it is essential to submit your application before the deadline and inquire with Eurostars about the current status of your application.

To maximize your chances of a successful Eurostars application, you should read the guidelines and criteria thoroughly. Ensure that your project aligns with the program’s objectives, work with partners whose skills complement yours, and provide precise information about the innovation, market potential, and impact of your project.

Nxt milestone can support you throughout the entire application process, including project management after the award.

Evaluation and Results: What Happens Next?

After you submit your Eurostars application, it goes through an evaluation process. An expert panel will assess your proposal based on various criteria such as innovation, market potential, and technical feasibility. The evaluation process can take up to 5 months.

Once the evaluation is complete, you receive the results. If your application is successful, you will be informed about the amount and duration of the funding. You will also receive detailed feedback on your proposal, which can be useful for future applications. The consortium will then sign a financial aid agreement, formalizing its commitment to the project.

Key components of a successful Eurostars application include a coherent project idea, a strong consortium with cooperative expertise, a clearly defined work plan, and a compelling business plan that demonstrates economic potential.

If your application is not successful, do not be discouraged. You can reapply at the next Eurostars call for proposals after reviewing the evaluators’ feedback. Remember that Eurostars aims to support innovative projects, and even if you are not successful this time, it does not mean your idea lacks potential. Additionally, Eurostars may not be the only funding program suitable for your project idea. For research and development projects in Berlin, one example is Pro FIT.

Are you familiar with the EIC Pathfinder, EIC Accelerator, and other funding programs? Contact nxt milestone for a thorough review of funding options.

Conclusion

To successfully apply for Eurostars funding, it is critical to understand the program and its funding criteria in detail. Make sure you gather all required documents and carefully follow the steps of the application process. The evaluation process is crucial to the outcome, so it is important to be well-prepared.

Focus on submitting a compelling project proposal and highlighting the key components that make your project innovative, feasible, and impactful. Examples of successful Eurostars projects can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own application. Be sure to avoid common mistakes and seek professional help when needed. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of securing Eurostars funding for your innovative project.

Book your free initial consultation now.