For many SMEs, the thought of applying for EU funding can seem scary and discouraging. With complex programmes like Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and the European Innovation Council (EIC) offering large-scale, highly competitive grants, it's no wonder that smaller businesses often feel intimidated by the process. However, if you’re an SME that’s close to bringing an innovative product, service, or process to the market, there is a more approachable, flexible, and high-success-rate programme that’s perfect for your first step into the world of EU funding: EUROSTARS.
Why smart SMEs are turning to EUROSTARS for growth?
EUROSTARS is an international funding programme designed specifically for R&D-performing SMEs. It’s structured in a way that offers significant flexibility and ease of entry compared to other European funding mechanisms. Here’s why EUROSTARS should be on your radar if you’re an SME looking for funding:
1. Open to almost any innovation
Unlike other programmes that focus on specific technological areas or sectors, EUROSTARS is open to nearly all kinds of innovations. Whether your project is in biotech, clean energy, ICT, or manufacturing, as long as your product, service, or process is close to the market (typically within 2-3 years), you’re eligible to apply. This makes it one of the most accessible programmes for SMEs across different sectors.
2. High success rate
EUROSTARS has an impressive 29% success rate for project applications, significantly higher than other competitive EU funding programmes like EIC Transition or EIC Accelerator. If you’ve been hesitant about EU funding because of low acceptance rates, EUROSTARS offers you a better chance of success.
3. Flexible consortium building
EUROSTARS requires at least two partners from different countries, but it gives SMEs the freedom to form partnerships with universities, research centres, or even larger companies. Importantly, the SME remains in the driver’s seat, leading the project, and ensuring that the benefits stay focused on business growth.
4. Real-world impact for your business
EUROSTARS isn’t just about funding R&D. It’s about accelerating your business’s market growth. Getting a direct business impact makes EUROSTARS not only a source of R&D funding but also a powerful tool for business growth.
First-time EU applicant? Yep, EUROSTARS is ideal!
For SMEs that are just beginning to explore EU funding, EUROSTARS provides an excellent entry point. Here’s why:
- Unlike some of the larger EU programmes, EUROSTARS projects are typically smaller in scale, with an average budget of €1.5 million. This makes them more approachable for SMEs that may not have the resources to manage large-scale, complex projects.
- Many SMEs worry about whether they can deliver on large EU-funded projects. Because EUROSTARS projects are designed to be close to the market, the risks are lower. You're not starting from scratch; you’re pushing your innovation towards commercialisation, a goal you’re already focused on.
- Beyond just funding, EUROSTARS gives SMEs access to an international network of like-minded businesses, universities, and research institutions. This network opens doors to new markets, potential clients, and future partnerships that can continue to drive growth long after the project is over.
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 TikoBits: The numbers don’t lie!
The benefits of EUROSTARS go beyond just funding. Participants in EUROSTARS projects experience tangible improvements in their business performance:
- A typical SME reports a 15% annual turnover increase after the project’s completion.
- 69% of companies enter new markets, opening up opportunities for international growth.
- 68% of SMEs improve their market share in existing or new markets, giving them a competitive edge.
- 84% of project partners establish long-term business partnerships, transforming R&D collaboration into sustainable business relationships.
The programme also improves your company's visibility and reputation, not just among customers but also among private investors, who are more likely to support companies with EU-backed R&D achievements.
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Don`t delay your growth. Act now!
EUROSTARS enables investments in around 700 organisations annually, providing crucial funding to SMEs that want to turn their innovations into commercial realities. If your company is close to the market but needs that final push, EUROSTARS offers the ideal balance of flexibility, support, and real-world results. With its focus on innovation and speed-to-market, EUROSTARS is uniquely designed to help SMEs take their ideas from the research stage to the commercial stage quickly and efficiently.
Don’t let the fear of EU funding hold you back. EUROSTARS is designed for SMEs like yours - innovative, ambitious, and ready to make an impact on the European and global market. Take that first step today, and discover how EUROSTARS can transform your business, just as it has for hundreds of other SMEs across Europe.
Ready to innovate and grow? Let Tiko Pro guide you to EUROSTARS success!
Don’t let the complexity of EU funding hold your business back from reaching new heights! At Tiko Pro, we specialize in helping innovative SMEs navigate the EUROSTARS programme with ease and confidence. Whether it’s building the perfect consortium, crafting a winning application, or maximizing your funding potential, we’re here to help every step of the way.
With a track record of success and deep expertise in EU grants, Tiko Pro is your partner in turning bold ideas into market-ready innovations. Let us help you unlock the power of EUROSTARS funding and take your business global.
Contact us today and let’s make your innovation a reality!
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