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
Eurostars is a European R&D funding program supporting innovative SMEs through international collaboration.
As a public grant, it is part of the broader category of non-dilutive funding, enabling companies to finance innovation without giving up equity.
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 for Eurostars funding in Germany?
In Germany, Eurostars funding is primarily available to R&D-performing SMEs. Universities and research institutes may participate and receive funding only if they cooperate with at least one German SME. Large companies can participate in projects but do not receive national funding in Germany.
How much funding does Eurostars provide in Germany?
In Germany, Eurostars provides funding of up to €500,000 per project partner. Most SMEs receive between €300,000 and €400,000, depending on project scope and eligible costs.
What types of projects are funded under Eurostars?
Eurostars funds international R&D projects that aim to develop new products, services, or processes with clear market application and commercialization potential.
Is an international project partner required for Eurostars?
Yes. To be eligible for Eurostars, projects must include at least one partner from another participating Eurostars country in addition to the national applicant.
What are the funding rates under Eurostars?
Funding rates under Eurostars vary by country. For example, SMEs in Germany typically receive a funding rate of 50%, while in other countries such as Poland funding rates can reach up to 80%.
Still have questions?
