Eurostars

The EUREKA's Eurostars Programme is the first European funding and support programme to be specifically dedicated to SMEs.

Eurostars will stimulate SME's to lead international collaborative research and innovation projects by easing access to support and funding. Providing funding and support for market-oriented research and development specifically with the active participation of R&D-performing SMEs [The Eurostars definition of research performing SMEs is a company that invests 10% or more of turnover or full-time equivalent to research activities].

In proposing Eurostars the Eureka network seeks to overcome one of the barriers to the implementation of high-quality SME-led transnational R&D projects, the lack of guaranteed public-sector funding.  Eurostars takes a ‘bottom-up' approach to project generation. Projects can address any technological area and should be aimed at the development of a new product, process or service. Eurostars will run from 2007 until 2013.

In the UK only R&D-performing SME's are eligible for funding from the EUREKA's Eurostars Programme, there are specific accountancy rules for micro companies and soles traders.  See the eligibility checklist for information.

From 2008 the Technology Strategy Board will provide minimum funding of  £3 million over the next three years*.

Year 1 - £750k           Year 2 - £1m              Year 3 - £1.25m.

* There is ongoing consultation about increasing the UK funding levels for EUREKA Eurostars projects

The Eurostars Programme is open to all sectors for funding applications on a continuous basis, with two or more cut-off dates each year. 

The next cut off date is Friday November 21st 2008.

There will be a following cut off in February 2009.

Once a project receives the go-ahead, Eurostars funding is implemented locally to provide a single payment combining both national and central EU funding.

To find out more contact
Graham M Mobbs
European Operations Manager
Technology Strategy Board
graham.mobbs@tsb.gov.uk