Support for international research and development
Eurostars is an international funding programme for collaborative research and development (R&D) projects led by innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The programme supports the creation of innovative products, processes, and services for commercialisation, enabling businesses to
- work with international partners on R&D
- reduce the risk of their R&D
- develop new business relationships
- access international markets
Project partners are free to generate innovation in any technological areas and address any market areas. However, the project must have an exclusive focus on civil applications.
Eurostars funding
The amount of funding your business receives when you participate in a project is managed by a national funding body. This is Innovate UK for UK applications.
Funding rules vary from country to country and the national funding body decides
- which organisations can receive funding
- which project activities can be funded
- funding rates
Innovate UK has set the total budget for this Eurostars call as £2.5 million. UK SMEs can get up to 60% of their project costs as a grant. The maximum is €360,000 per project. If more than one UK SME joins, they share this amount.
Innovate UK does not fund large companies, universities and research organisations under this call. They can join projects but must fund their own participation.
Who can apply
National rules and procedures apply, as well as the general Eurostars eligibility and conditions.
General eligibility
Eurostars projects must be led by an SME or start-up from a Eurostars country or region, and the project consortium must also include at least one other independent organisation from another Eurostars country. Partners in the consortium can include any type of organisation. Projects must meet all seven general criteria to be eligible for Eurostars funding.
UK eligibility
Additional rules exist for UK applications
- Innovate UK only funds one live Eurostars project at a time. You must submit your end-of-project report before applying for the next call if you want funding.
- Your business must be registered and active at Companies House for at least 12 months before the deadline. Dormant companies cannot get funding.
- All UK project work and costs must take place in the UK. Labour costs must use PAYE. Overheads are capped at 20% of labour costs. You cannot claim contributions in kind. Subcontracts are limited to 20% of your eligible costs.
- UK-led projects must be managed by an SME that carries out R&D. You cannot subcontract project management.
- UK micro-entities need at least three full-time employees by the deadline.
See UK-specific Eurostars information. Other partners in the project must meet their own national rules.
How to apply
Calls for projects in the Eurostars programme are usually organised twice a year
Detailed guidelines on making an application, and the evaluation process, are available in the Eurostars resource library.
If you’re planning to apply, contact Innovate UK beforehand to discuss your project idea, check eligibility and funding options.
First published 16 February 2026
