Eurostars March 2027: Everything SMEs Need to Know About the Upcoming Eureka Eurostars Deadline
Eurostars Call 12 – March 2027: Everything SMEs Need to Know About Funding, Eligibility and Deadlines
The next Eureka Eurostars programme deadline is 4 March 2027 — and for innovative SMEs planning international R&D projects, now is the time to start preparing.
Eurostars Call 12 will open on 17 December 2026, offering SMEs the opportunity to secure funding for collaborative R&D and innovation projects with international partners. Here is everything you need to know about Eurostars Call 12, from eligibility and funding conditions to key dates and application requirements.
At Evolution Europe, we have achieved a high success rate across Eureka Eurostars calls. Here is everything you need to know to build a competitive proposal for March 2027.
What Is the Eureka Eurostars Programme?
The Eureka Eurostars programme supports international, collaborative R&D and innovation projects led by innovative SMEs. Part of the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs, co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe, Eurostars helps companies collaborate with international partners to develop innovative products, processes and services with commercial potential.
Unlike funding programmes restricted to specific industries, Eurostars is open to projects across all technology fields, provided they focus exclusively on civilian applications.
Programme at a glance:
- 37 countries listed for Call 12 — including EU Member States, the UK, Switzerland, Canada, Singapore and South Korea, among others.
- Minimum 2 independent partners from at least 2 Eurostars countries.
- SME-led projects — an innovative SME must lead the international consortium.
- At least 50% of project costs must be allocated to SMEs from Eurostars countries, excluding subcontracting.
- Up to 36 months maximum project duration.
- All technology fields — open to international R&D and innovation projects focused on civilian applications.
- Funding varies by country — grant rates and maximum amounts depend on the relevant National Funding Body.
Eurostars Call 12 – March 2027 Key Dates
The 12th Eurostars call opens on 17 December 2026 and closes on 4 March 2027 at 14:00 CET (Brussels time).
| Milestone | Date |
| Call opens | 17 December 2026 |
| Application deadline | 4 March 2027, 14:00 CET |
| Eligibility check | Within one week of the deadline |
| Legal and financial viability check | Mid-April 2027 |
| Expert evaluation | Mid-April 2027 |
| Independent Evaluation Panel and ranking | End of May 2027 |
| Funding decision communication | Mid-June 2027 |
| National funding agreements | Targeted within 5-7 months after the deadline |
💡 Applications must be submitted through the Eureka Project Management Platform before the deadline.
Who Can Apply? Eurostars Call 12 Eligibility Requirements
The Eurostars programme is designed for innovative SMEs working with international partners. To be eligible, projects must meet seven international criteria:
Consortium requirements:
- SME leadership: The project must be led by an innovative SME from a Eurostars country.
- Consortium size: The consortium must include at least two independent entities.
- International collaboration: the consortium must include organisations from at least two Eurostars countries, with at least one organisation from an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
- SME budget participation: SMEs from Eurostars countries must collectively account for at least 50% of the total project cost, excluding subcontracting.
- Budget distribution: No single participant or country can account for more than 70% of the project budget.
Project requirements:
- Duration: Maximum 36 months.
- Application focus: Exclusively civilian applications.
Technology scope: Eurostars is open to R&D and innovation projects across all technology fields.
Country alert: Companies must also comply with any additional eligibility requirements established by their national or regional funding bodies.
How Much Funding Is Available Through Eurostars?
Eurostars funding rates and maximum grant amounts vary by country and organisation type. Funding is managed through National Funding Bodies, which determine eligible organisations, project activities and funding conditions.
Applicants should therefore check the specific funding conditions applicable to each consortium partner before preparing their project budget. For more information, consult the official Eurostars Call 12 country-specific funding conditions or contact your National Funding Body.
What Makes a Competitive Eurostars Application?
Eurostars proposals are evaluated by independent experts against three main criteria:
1. Excellence
Evaluators assess the degree of innovation, technical challenges, creation of new applied knowledge, technical feasibility and associated risks.
2. Impact
Projects must demonstrate market potential, competitive advantage, a realistic commercialisation strategy and expected economic, environmental or societal impact.
3. Quality and Efficiency of Implementation
Evaluators consider the quality of the consortium, added value of international collaboration, project planning, management and budget structure.
The lesson from recent calls: evaluators are looking for coherence across all three pillars. A competitive Eurostars proposal must combine technological innovation with a credible commercialisation strategy and a well-structured international consortium.
How to Prepare for Eurostars Call 12
With the deadline set for 4 March 2027, early preparation is essential, particularly for projects involving multiple international partners.
Key steps include:
- Check eligibility: Confirm that your company, project and consortium meet both international and national requirements.
- Build your consortium: Identify complementary partners and clearly define their roles and contributions.
- Develop your proposal: Present the technical innovation, project objectives, work plan, budget and commercialisation strategy.
- Prepare your documentation: Complete the required application forms and supporting documents.
- Submit your application: Apply in English through the Eureka Project Management Platform before the deadline.
Applicants are advised to contact their National Funding Body to confirm funding availability and any additional national submission requirements.
Eurostars Call 12: Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Eurostars Call 12 deadline?
The deadline is 4 March 2027 at 14:00 CET. Applications open on 17 December 2026.
2. Can startups apply for Eurostars funding?
Yes. Eligible innovative startups can participate. The consortium must be led by an innovative SME from a Eurostars country and fulfil all applicable eligibility requirements.
3. How many partners are required for Eurostars?
A minimum of two independent entities from two different Eurostars countries is required, including at least one organisation from an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
4. Can universities and research organisations participate?
Yes. Universities and research organisations can participate as consortium partners, although their eligibility to receive funding depends on national or regional rules.
5. When will Eurostars Call 12 results be announced?
Eureka expects to communicate funding decisions by mid-June 2027, following the evaluation and selection process.
Start Preparing Your Eurostars Call 12 Application
The 4 March 2027 Eurostars deadline is an opportunity for innovative SMEs to advance their R&D projects through international collaboration. However, preparing a competitive proposal requires careful planning, from building the right consortium and defining project objectives to meeting funding requirements and developing a convincing commercialisation strategy.
Our funding experts are well equipped to support SMEs throughout the application process and help develop a winning proposal. We have already helped numerous innovative companies secure funding through the Eureka Eurostars programme.
Explore our Success Stories to discover how we have supported their projects.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with our experts to assess your project’s potential and start preparing for Eurostars Call 12.
