New Call Open: Eurostars-3 2025 – International Projects Led by Innovative SMEs

The EUROSTARS programme, driven by EUREKA with co-funding from the European Commission, has launched its second call for 2025 to support international R&D projects led by innovative SMEs. This programme is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises with a strong R&D focus that wish to collaborate with partners from other participating countries to develop innovative solutions with a clear market orientation.

Deadline for Applications
The application period is open until 4 September 2025 at 14:00 CET.

Objective of the Call
To foster international R&D collaboration between SMEs and other entities in order to accelerate the market introduction of new technologies, products, or innovative services.

Eligible Beneficiaries
Projects must be submitted as a consortium formed by:

Innovative SMEs based in Catalonia or Spain, leading the project and carrying out R&D activities.
Other eligible entities, such as universities, technology centres, or hospitals, may participate as subcontractors.

Project Requirements
To be eligible for this call, projects must meet the following criteria:

Be led by an innovative SME from a EUROSTARS member country.
Include at least two independent entities.
Involve at least two organisations from different EUROSTARS countries, with a minimum of one organisation based in a country associated with the EU or Horizon Europe.
The budget of the participating SMEs (excluding subcontracting) must represent 50% or more of the project’s total cost.
No single entity or country may assume more than 70% of the total project budget.
Maximum project duration: 36 months.

One of the unique features of the EUROSTARS programme is its dual management model:

Projects are evaluated internationally by independent experts. If approved, they receive the EUROSTARS label, making them eligible for funding.
Funding is managed at the national level according to each country’s rules. In Spain, the CDTI is the body responsible for awarding the grants.

Funding
Funding for Spanish companies under the EUROSTARS Programme is provided through direct allocation calls managed by the CDTI, called INTEREMPRESAS INTERNACIONAL (CIIP).

The aid is in the form of a grant, covering up to 60% of the budget for small companies and 50% for medium-sized companies. Subject to available funds, this percentage could increase to 70% for all SMEs.

There is no minimum or maximum project budget for Spanish participants, but the maximum funding per participant is €400,000 per project.

Application Deadline
The call for applications is now open and will close on 4 September 2025 at 14:00 CET.

Applications must be submitted through the international EUROSTARS platform. Additionally, Spanish participants must submit supplementary documentation to the CDTI in a second phase.

Interested in Submitting a EUROSTARS Project?
At ASET, we support you in defining your idea, finding international partners, preparing the budget, and submitting the proposal, both internationally and nationally.

Contact us and boost your R&D project!