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EUREKA Eurostars

EUREKA Eurostars is a European funding programme aimed at R&D-performing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to collaborate on innovative international projects. It helps companies collaborate across borders to develop new products, processes, or services with strong market potential.

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Eureka Eurostars

What is the EUREKA Eurostars programme?


EUREKA Eurostars is a European funding programme designed to support innovative SMEs involved in international R&D projects. Projects must involve partners from at least two Eurostars countries, be led by an R&D-performing SME, and aim for commercialisation within two years of completion.

EUREKA does not fund projects but evaluates the collaborative project plan and labels it as a EUREKA-approved project.

Enterprise Ireland and some other national agencies (e.g., IDA or Údarás) fund up to 60% of R&D project costs in grants for successful SMEs.

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Who should apply for Eurostars funding?


To be eligible, your project and consortium must meet the following criteria:

  • At least two independent partners from two different Eurostars countries.
  • The main project leader must be an R&D-performing SME.
  • The project must be civilian in purpose, market-driven and innovative.
  • The project can only last up to 36 months, with market introduction occurring within 2 years after project completion.

All technology areas are eligible, as long as the project is innovative and has market potential.

What kinds of projects get funded?


The Eurostars programme is a versatile tool that can be used to drive innovation, solve technical challenges, and enhance a company’s RD&I capabilities. For example:

  • The development of new products, processes, or services for European and global markets.
  • The resolution of technical challenges.
  • Research and innovation that is non-routine.
  • Represent a ‘step-up’ for the company in terms of the level of RD&I capability.

You don’t need to have a history of R&D projects, just a clear ambition to innovate with international partners.

You must define a project and find partners to apply for Eurostars funding. You then need to contact the National Project Coordinator in Ireland, who will guide you through the application process, guidelines, and funding opportunities.

A typical Eurostars project has 3-4 participants from 2-3 different countries, with an average project duration of 29 months and €1.4 million in average project costs.

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Preparing a Eurostars application


All applicants are strongly encouraged to get in touch with their national agencies (e.g., Enterprise Ireland, IDA or Údarás). If you’re happy that you qualify, then there are two following steps:

  1. Application to EUREKA approval

You’ll need to build or join an eligible international consortium and develop a Eurostars application. With your consortium in place, you can make your application directly to EUREKA via the on-line portal before the call deadline. EUREKA will organise an independent, international evaluation of your proposal.

  1. National application for funding

If your proposal receives a positive evaluation, EUREKA will award it a label and recommend it for support at national level.

Irish organisations can then find funding through Enterprise Ireland’s R&D Fund and/or the International Research Fund, or through another agency’s funding pots.

How can we help?


Myriad has an enviable track record with R&D grant applications. Using our grant application services can give you a significant competitive advantage over other grant applicants.

Our grant bid writers have secured over €300m for our clients in the last three years. We are also very proud to have secured some of the highest-scoring applications in Europe, with five of our projects scoring 15/15.

About Myriad
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  • #1 European grants team - We employ leading bid writers who write compelling applications.
  • Templates & tools - Our templates make it easy to collaborate & prepare a winning bid.
  • 70% Success rates - Dramatically improve your chances of success.
  • A complete service - On receipt of your offer letter, we help you with all administrative requirements to ensure prompt receipt of grant funds.
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Our results

  • €300 Million+ in Grants secured in just 3 years.
  • DTIF: 17 wins.
  • Horizon Europe EIC: 32 wins.
  • Other EU Grants: 9 wins.
  • #1 Ranking: Achieved three times in European grant funding applications.
  • #2 Ranking: Earned four times in European grant funding applications.
  • Top 5 Ranking: Achieved four times in Europe.
  • Perfect Score: Scored 15/15 in 3 EU funding applications.

Frequently Asked Questions


The success rate for Eurostars applications is 30%.

Preparation of a Eurostars application can take up to 300 hours of work.

You will need the right combination of people to cover the application’s key aspects: the project’s implementation, market and commercialisation, and innovation. You will need to work closely with your partners.

Three independent experts first assess Eurostars applications. These experts are matched to applications by their technological expertise, familiarity with the market applications, and SME experience.

In the second evaluation stage, the Independent Evaluation Panel (IEP) scores and ranks all eligible applications. A chairperson leads the IEP, and the panel includes internationally recognised experts in the field. The IEP members cover a variety of professional sectors and are chosen according to the profiles of the applications and the technical requirements at the time.

The whole process to be approved for funding takes around 22 weeks.

One week after the deadline, you’ll find out if you’re eligible. Seven weeks after the deadline, the first stage of review from the three remote experts. Thirteen weeks after the deadline, you’ll find out if you rank high enough to be considered for funding. Finally, sixteen weeks after the deadline, an official letter confirms if you will receive funding from Ireland.

If your project is approved for funding, the main participant must provide a copy of the final Consortium Agreement to the EUREKA Association within six weeks.

Three independent experts first assess Eurostars applications. These experts are matched to applications by their technological expertise, familiarity with the market applications, and SME experience.

In the second evaluation stage, the Independent Evaluation Panel (IEP) scores and ranks all eligible applications. A chairperson leads the IEP, and the panel includes internationally recognised experts in the field. The IEP members cover a variety of professional sectors and are chosen according to the profiles of the applications and the technical requirements at the time.

An SME that dedicates at least 10% of its turnover or 10% of its full-time staff to research and development activities.

Over 30 countries, primarily in Europe, including the EU, EFTA, and associated countries. Participation may vary depending on the Eurostars call.

Typically, there are two calls per year (spring and autumn). Dates are announced on the EUREKA and national funding agency websites.

Applications are submitted through the Eurostars online portal and include:

  • A detailed project proposal.
  • Budget breakdown.
  • Partner profiles.
  • Letters of intent.

Yes, a signed consortium agreement is required before the start of the project to clarify roles, responsibilities, and IP rights among partners.

Beneficiaries must provide regular progress reports, including technical and financial updates, depending on their national funding body's rules.

Yes. Revisions can be made, and the proposal can be resubmitted in a future call. Consider incorporating feedback from previous evaluations.

National Contact Points (NCPs) and the EUREKA Secretariat can offer guidance, webinars, and pre-submission checks.

Myriad offers support to eligible companies looking to make an application to Eurostars.

The project proposal must comply with national rules and regulations:

  • Research & Development Fund grant rates reach a maximum of 60% of eligible project costs depending on company size and the nature of the project.
  • Enterprise Ireland HPSU clients do not normally qualify for the Research & Development Fund.
  • Client companies of other national agencies such as Údarás na Gaeltachta or IDA Ireland can be funded via relevant agency programmes. Grant rates vary.
  • Researchers in RPOs are eligible for 100% funding up to maximum of €250,000 to cover eligible expenditure.
  • Researchers in RPOs only become eligible for funding if a company based in Ireland is participating in the consortium.

Need help applying for Eurostars funding?

Speak to one of our senior grant writers to see if your project is likely to win funding.

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