How does Eurostars work?
Eurostars is part of the European Partnership for Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The partnership is co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe
Eurostars is primarily aimed at innovative small and medium-sized companies that are part of international project. It is possible to apply for funding for the development of market-oriented processes, products and services. Through international cooperation and European partnership, Eurostars provides access to new knowledge, collaborations and opportunities to test new markets.
Eurostars is an SME-driven programme and collaboration between 36 countries. In order to apply for Eurostars, the project must consist of at least two participating countries and the project coordinator must be an SME.
Different countries have different funding and application rules. These rules only apply to project parties from that country. Swedish parties must follow Vinnova's rules for funding and support levels. There are also a number of international formal eligibility requirements that apply to everyone. The participants in a Eurostars project need to check that each participant meets their national eligibility requirements and that all parties meet the common requirements before they apply.
On average, it usually opens two offers per year. The consortium submits its project application jointly through Eurostar's website. After a project submits its proposal, proposal goes through an international assessment process. Please note that Vinnova is not involved in the assessment process of the projects. However, all national financiers are involved and do the financial control, and therefore Swedish participants may hear from Vinnova if additional information is required.
If the project is approved for funding it is the respective country's national financier who pays out funds to that country's participants. For Swedish parties, Vinnova is the financier. If project is approved, Vinnova will contact Swedish participants to submit a supplementary proposal.