The European Partnership on Innovative SMEs has launched the Eurostars Call 11 for projects, co-funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe. This funding instrument supports innovative SMEs and project partners by funding international collaborative R&D and innovation projects. The call opens on July 9th, 2026 and closes on September 10th at 2:00 PM CEST (8:00 AM ET / 5:00 AM PT – note the time zone difference).
Along with European nations, Canada is one of the eligible Eurostars countries, meaning Canadian innovative SMEs can participate in and receive funding from the program. Interested Canadian applicants should consult the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), which provides advisory services and funding support for eligible Canadian SMEs.
To apply, consortia must meet the following key international eligibility criteria:
- Led by an innovative SME from a Eurostars country.
- At least two independent entities from at least two Eurostars countries, with at least one organisation coming from an EU or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
- SMEs from Eurostars countries account for at least 50% of the total project cost (excluding subcontracting).
- No single participant or country is responsible for more than 70% of the project budget.
- Maximum project duration of 36 months.
- Exclusive focus on civil applications.
Funding rates vary by country and organisation type. Interested applicants should consult their national funding body and review the detailed Eurostars guidelines before applying.
Prospective applicants can also register for this July 8th info session for more information. Note the time zone difference with Europe.