Eurostars 3

How does Eurostars work?

Eurostars is part of the European Partnership for Innovative Small and Medium-sized 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 Partnerships, Eurostars provides access to new knowledge, collaborations and opportunities to test new markets.

Eurostars is an SME-driven programme and collaboration between 36 countries. To be able to apply for Eurostars, the project needs to consist of at least two participating countries and the project coordinator must be an SME.

See all Eurostars countries

Different countries have different funding and application rules. These rules only apply to project partners from that country. Swedish partners must follow Vinnova's rules for funding and support levels. There are also a number of international formal eligibility requirements that apply to everyone. Participants in a Eurostars project need to check that each participant meets their national eligibility requirements and that all partners meet the common requirements before applying.

Read the common requirements

On average, two offers are opened per year. The consortium submits its project application jointly through the Eurostar website. After a project has submitted 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 funders are involved and carry out the financial control, and therefore Swedish participants may hear from Vinnova if additional information is required.

If the project is approved for funding, the respective country's national funder will pay out funds to that country's participants. For Swedish partners, Vinnova is the funder. If project is approved, Vinnova will contact Swedish participants to submit a supplementary proposal.

Information on how to apply

Information about the international assessment process

Vinnova works for gender-equal social development and an inclusive innovation ecosystem. Therefore, we follow up and assess whether both women and men are equally participating in the grant, participating in and having influence over the project. We also want to increase participation from actors who have not applied for international funding before.

Another aspect is that applicant needs to analyze and decide whether there are sex and/or gender aspects that are relevant in relation to the project's problem area, solutions and utilization. This question is mandatory for all applicant and forms the basis for assessment.

Applicant should also have a prepared and publicly published gender equality action plan (GEP) in accordance with Horisont Europas regulations.

Eurostars is primarily aimed at innovative small and medium-sized enterprises. They can collaborate with academia, research organisations and the public sector. However, large companies can also participate. The project must be coordinated by the small or medium-sized enterprise.

Read the EU definition of small and large enterprises on the Eurostar website

In addition to following Vinnova's general terms and conditions for funding, the Swedish project partners must also meet the following term:

• Companies must have submitted at least 2 annual reports to the Swedish Companies Registration Office.
• The company must be registered as a Swedish limited liability company.
• Companies must have a place of business in Sweden.
• Activities in the project shall be conducted at the Swedish operating location and project costs shall be borne by the operating location.
• Companies must be registered as employers with the Swedish Tax Agency.

We also assess the financial status
Before we decide on funding we also conduct a comprehensive assessment of the organizational and financial status of those receiving funding.
We use information we receive from credit reports, currently from Dun & Bradstreet.

In order for us to grant funding, this applies:

• Organizations must not be insolvent, undergoing liquidation or corporate restructuring. They must also not have unpaid debts with the Swedish Enforcement Authority.
• Limited liability companies must not have used up half or more of their share capital.

Vinnova only checks the most recently registered annual report when assessment national criteria.

The financial control of the projects begins immediately after closure.

It is not possible to update and supplement afterwards.

With a small or medium-sized company on the Swedish side of a Eurostars project, the maximum amount for all parties in the proposal is a total of 5 million SEK.

If the project does not involve a Swedish small or medium-sized company, the maximum amount that can be applied for on the Swedish side is a total of 2 million SEK.

Applicant small and medium-sized companies must show in their most recently registered annual report (of at least two) that net turnover or equity corresponds to at least half of the amount applied for.

If an organization has specified too high a requested funding, it will be automatically adjusted to the correct level.

Your international proposal is made in Euro. The exchange rate between Euro and SEK is determined on the day the call for proposals opens and can be found here - Swedish krona (SEK) (europa.eu).

Please note the maximum funding levels mentioned above and the grant levels below.

Small and medium-sized enterprises according to the EU definition can apply for funding for 50 percent of their costs.
Large companies can apply for funding for 30 percent of their costs.
Universities, university colleges, research institutes or the public sector apply for funding for 70 percent of their costs.
Please note that support levels may vary for funders in other countries.

You can apply for funding for market-oriented research and innovation projects in all areas of technology. Your project must lead to the market introduction of a product, service or process no later than two years after the completion of project. Life science Project may make exceptions for clinical studies. The projects can last a maximum of three years and must be a collaboration between at least two Eurostars countries.

1. Make sure you are eligible for funding

Start by reading through Eurostar's national and international rules for participation

2. Contact partners

Identify and contact international partners.

Contact Enterprise Europe Network for support and guidance

They are well established in 67 countries with 3000 colleagues. Together with 600 partner organizations/partners, they help companies find international business contacts and partners in new markets.

3. Contact the support office

Contact the support office for help with how to best apply funding. The support office provides free help and guidance. You can also contact one of the national contact persons for Eurostars at Vinnova.

Support office for small and medium-sized enterprises wishing to apply for EU funding

4. Send proposal to EUREKA

Submit your proposal to the EUREKA Eurostars portal.

Read how to apply to Eureka here

5. Wait for assessment

All applications are subject to an international evaluation process that takes place in two stages.

Read more about the steps on Eureka's own website

6. Decision

If Om EUREKAs's secretariat approves your proposal, we will contact you to seek funding for the Swedish parties with us.

The Eurostars website also has a list of guides for those who are about to apply. There you will find answers to all your questions.

Eurostars list of guides Eureka