What is Eurostars and how much funding can I get?

Eurostars is an EU-backed R&D funding programme for innovative SMEs. Typical grants cover 40–80% of eligible R&D costs, up to €500,000 per project (caps vary by National Funding Body).

When is the next Eurostars deadline?

The next deadline is March 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM CET. Applications opened on January 16, 2026. There are typically two calls per year (March and September).

Who can apply for Eurostars funding?

The lead applicant must be an innovative SME (under 250 employees, under €50M revenue) registered in a Eurostars country. You need a consortium of at least 2 independent entities from at least 2 Eurostars countries.

How long does the Eurostars application process take?

A strong application takes 4–8 weeks to prepare. Results typically arrive 4–6 months after submission. Total time from application to receiving funds is approximately 6+ months.

Is Eurostars funding dilutive?

No. Eurostars provides non-dilutive grant funding — no equity is given up, no board seats, and no investor expectations. You retain full ownership of your company.

What are the most common mistakes in Eurostars applications?

The five most common mistakes are: not contacting National Funding Bodies early, weak commercialization plans, unbalanced consortiums, missing the innovation threshold, and underestimating preparation time.

What are the Portuguese funding rates for Eurostars?

Portugal (ANI): Up to 80% for SMEs and small mid-caps. Lisboa NUT II has a max co-funding rate of 40%. Universities and research organisations can receive up to 85%, subject to state-aid conditions.

Can a pre-revenue startup apply for Eurostars?

Pre-revenue startups can apply but need to demonstrate co-funding capacity (20–60% of project costs). If you have no co-funding capacity, Eurostars may not be the best fit.

Eurostars Funding Guide for European Founders

Telescope pointing through skylight with golden light representing startup funding ambition

The Funding Programme Most European Founders Don't Know About

Most founders think EU funding means Brussels bureaucracy. Eurostars is different: 48 hours to register, one application portal, two calls per year, results in 4–6 months, and it covers 40–80% of your R&D costs.

The programme has been running since 2008. Over 7,000 projects funded. More than €3 billion invested in R&D across Europe and partner countries.

Key Numbers

Detail	Value
Next Deadline	March 19, 2026, 2:00 PM CET
Applications Open	January 16, 2026
Typical Grant Rate	40–50% of eligible costs
Maximum per Project	Up to €500,000 (varies by country)
Project Duration	Maximum 36 months
Calls per Year	2 (typically March and September)

Who Can Apply?

The Lead Applicant Must Be an "Innovative SME"

Under 250 employees, under €50M revenue or €43M balance sheet
Registered in a Eurostars country
"Innovative": Assessed through R&D investment and activities

You Need International Partners

At least 2 independent entities in the consortium
From at least 2 Eurostars countries
At least one partner from an EU or Horizon Europe Associated Country
SME budget share must be 50%+ of total
No single participant/country can exceed 70% of budget

How Much Funding Can You Get?

Country	Max Funding Rate	Max Amount	Notes
Portugal	Up to 80%	Varies	40% max for Lisbon region
Spain	Varies	€400,000
France	Up to 40%	Varies
Germany	Up to 50%	Varies
UK	Up to 60%	£360,000	SMEs only
Netherlands	Up to 50%	€500,000

Portugal-Specific Details

National Funding Body: Agência Nacional de Inovação (ANI). Up to 80% for most regions, maximum 40% for Lisbon (NUT II). Projects must align with national RIS3 priorities.

Tip: The Lisbon restriction catches people off guard. A company in Porto or Braga gets double the funding rate of one headquartered in Lisbon.

The Application Process

Contact Your National Funding Body First — Many countries require pre-registration. For Portugal, contact ANI.
Form Your Consortium — Find international partners via the Eureka Network.
Prepare Your Application — Project description, consortium details, budget, commercialization plan (4–8 weeks).
Submit Before the Deadline — March 19, 2026, 2:00 PM CET. Submit at least 24 hours early.
Post-Submission National Requirements — Additional documentation within 5–14 days.
Evaluation and Results — Independent experts assess Excellence, Impact, and Implementation. Results in 4–6 months.

Timeline for March 2026 Call

Date	Milestone
January 16, 2026	Call opens
January 22, 2026	Webinar for applicants
March 19, 2026	Application deadline 2:00 PM CET
Q3 2026	Evaluation results (estimated)
Q4 2026	Grant agreements and project start

Five Mistakes That Kill Eurostars Applications

Not Contacting National Funding Bodies Early — Missing national requirements means automatic disqualification.
Weak Commercialization Plans — Show the market, customers, revenue model, and timeline to first sale.
Unbalanced Consortiums — If one partner approaches 70% of budget or SME share falls below 50%, you are ineligible.
Missing the Innovation Threshold — "Building a better version of X" is not innovation. Demonstrate state of the art advancement.
Underestimating Preparation Time — A strong application takes 4–8 weeks. If you cannot make March 19, target September 2026.

Is Eurostars Right for Your Startup?

Good fit if: You have a genuine R&D project, can find international partners, can co-fund 20–60% of costs, your project completes in 36 months, and you have a clear commercialization path.

Not the best fit if: You need funding quickly (6+ months to receive money), you are pre-revenue with no co-funding capacity, or your innovation is incremental improvement.

The Bottom Line

€500,000 in non-dilutive R&D funding. No equity given up. No board seats. The March 19 deadline is firm — if you are ready, start now. If not, mark September 2026.

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Eurostars Funding: A Practical Guide for European Founders