Funding for cross-border research and development projects. Access to private investment. Support in tapping into international markets. And much more: Eureka offers a wide range of European and international programmes for the diverse needs of companies, research institutions, and universities.
Detailed information on Eureka’s programmes is also available on the international Eureka website.
Eureka network projects: flexible cooperation beyond borders
Eureka network projects are highly flexible: at least two independent partners from at least two Eureka countries can join forces and submit a joint project proposal via the Eureka network’s online platform. Cross-border research and development projects must be market-oriented and serve civilian purposes.
Eureka network projects can be started on the basis of two different calls for proposals:
- Periodic calls for proposals: Eureka offers bilateral and multilateral calls for proposals that are limited in time. Two or more Eureka countries publish joint calls for proposals. These can be open to all technologies or may have a specific thematic focus. The project partners receive their funding from national funding agencies – for example BMFTR, BMWE, etc. in Germany).
- Open call for proposal: For Eureka network projects, there is a permanently open call for proposals without any thematic restrictions. Joint project proposals can be submitted at any time. To finance their participation, German institutions can draw on all regional or national funding programs (e.g., ZIM, KMU innovativ, etc.). Currently, there is no dedicated funding program in Germany for projects under the open call for proposals
Eurostars: funding programme for innovative SMEs
Eurostars is a programme specifically aimed at innovative SMEs. A total of 37 countries from Europe and beyond are participating. Eurostars supports bilateral and multilateral projects led by SMEs, which also determine the content. If necessary, SMEs can also involve research institutions, universities, or large companies in cross-border projects.
The programme is open to all topics. It supports projects in all technologies, provided they serve civilian purposes and aim to develop an innovative product, process, or service. Funding for Eurostars projects comes from national funds and is provided in accordance with the funding rules of the respective country. German institutions receive funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
Eurostars is part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs. The partnership is co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe.
Eureka Clusters: Access to industry-driven partnerships
Eureka Clusters are public-private partnerships driven by industry. They focus on technology areas that are particularly important for Europe’s competitiveness.
The Eureka Clusters regularly publish thematic calls for proposals for cross-border research and development projects. Companies of all sizes and scientific institutions can participate in these projects in collaboration with partners from other countries. Germany participates in selected Eureka Cluster calls for proposals. Therefore, find out early on whether funding or alternative financing options are available.
There are currently five Eureka Clusters:
Globalstars: Connect with partners outside the Eureka network
The Globalstars programme enables the Eureka to launch joint calls for proposals with countries that are not yet part of the network. In addition to the “non-Eureka country” at least two, but usually several Eureka countries participate in a Globalstars call for proposals. Examples from recent years include calls for proposals with Japan, Uruguay, and Taiwan.
The following applies to Globalstars projects: At least two institutions must be represented in a consortium, one from a Eureka country and one from the third country. Cross-border research and development projects must be market-oriented and serve civilian purposes.
Germany participates selectively in calls for proposals under the Globalstars programme. Therefore, please check in each individual case whether funding is available for your participation in a Globalstars project.
Innowwide: Access to international markets for innovative SMEs
Innowwide supports SMEs and start-ups from all sectors in tapping into a selected international target market with their innovations. To this end, the programme funds bilateral projects with a fixed amount of EUR 60,000 for a period of six months. Annual calls for proposals are launched.
In an Innowwide project, a European SME or start-up works with at least one local partner from a freely selectable international target country. The latter is involved in the project as a subcontractor. Innowwide supports joint activities to test the feasibility of market entry. These include studies and analyses of market potential, competition, intellectual property protection, and technical and legal framework conditions.
Innowwide is part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs. The partnership is co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe.
Investment Readiness: Networking and access to private investment
Eureka’s Investment Readiness Programme provides targeted support to SMEs in networking with multinational companies and private investors. It offers various formats for this purpose, such as corporate challenges and international missions.
The Investment Readiness Programme is part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs. The partnership is co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe.
Please send requests for information and consultation to InnovativeSMEs@dlr.de.
Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator: Easy access to the EIC for SMEs
] The Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator is a special programme for SMEs and start-ups that have been or are currently successfully participating in Eurostars projects since 2021. It offers accelerated access to the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator.
For more information on the EIC Accelerator, please visit the website of the National Contact Point (NCP) EIC Accelerator.
Please send requests for information and advice on the Fast Track programme to InnovativeSMEs@dlr.de.