Eurostars – Up to €500,000 in EU Grants for German startups and SMEs
EU co-funded grant program for international R&D collaboration
Target group
Startups, SMEs and research institutions
Deadline
Twice per year
Location
European Union and associated countries
Table of contents
Are you eligible?
You can apply if you:
Are a research-performing SME headquartered in Germany or another Eurostars country
Have a project partner in at least one other Eurostars country
Are working on a market-oriented R&D project
Intend to launch your innovation within 2 years of project end
Have not yet started the project
Research institutions or large companies can participate but only in cooperation with an SME.
What is Eurostars?
Eurostars is a European grant program for cross-border innovation projects led by SMEs. It is co-funded by national innovation agencies and the EU Horizon Europe budget. Projects must focus on developing new products, services, or processes with high market potential. Each country has different funding amounts and funding rates.
Funding amount (Germany): Up to €500,000
Funding rate (Germany):
Up to 50% of eligible costs for SMEs
Up to 100% for research institutions (non-commercial)
Project duration: Max. 36 months
Project type: Market-oriented R&D with international cooperation
Expected outcome: Market launch within 24 months of completion
Important
The total budget for each country is split between the SMEs and research institutes that are in the consortium from the same country.
What are the terms and conditions?
The lead partner must be an R&D-performing SME
At least two independent partners from two different Eurostars countries are required
No single participant or country may bear more than 70% of the project costs
Projects must not be started before the application is submitted
Each country funds its own participants based on national rules
In Germany, Eurostars is managed by the DLR Projektträger on behalf of the BMWK.
When is the deadline?
There are usually two submission calls per year.
How does the application work?
Create a project consortium with at least one international partner
Submit your full proposal via the Eureka application portal
Submit your national application to DLR Projektträger
Evaluation by international reviewers and national agencies
If approved, project funding is managed by each country’s agency
In Germany, funds are disbursed via Zuwendungsbescheid from the BMWK
You need support?
Would you like to learn more about how we can increase your companies chances of success with this funding program?
FAQs
What our clients often ask before they get started.
Who is eligible in Germany?
In Germany, national funding is primarily aimed at R&D-performing SMEs. Universities and research institutes are eligible for funding (up to 100%) only if they cooperate with at least one German SME. Large companies may participate but do not receive national funding.
How much funding can I receive?
Up to €500,000 per project partner in Germany. Most SMEs receive €300,000–400,000, depending on project scope.
What types of projects are funded?
International R&D projects aiming to develop new products, services, or processes with market launch potential.
Can I apply without an international partner?
No. You need at least one partner from another Eurostars country to be eligible.
What are the funding rates for Eurostars?
The funding rates differ country by country. For example in Germany the funding rate for SMEs is 50%, whereby in Poland it is 80%.
Still have questions?
