Eurostars

Definition

Eurostars is part of the Eureka network and funds international, market-oriented R&D collaboration by innovative SMEs with partners — other SMEs, larger companies and/or knowledge institutions — from other participating countries. For Dutch participants, fixed subsidy rates apply to the eligible project costs: 50% for SMEs and knowledge institutions, and 40% for large companies and other participants, with a maximum of €500,000 in subsidy per project for the Dutch project share. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs makes €22 million available each year for the Dutch share, split over two calls per year. The application procedure runs in two steps: first the international consortium submits a joint application to the Eureka secretariat, and only after approval by the international jury does the national subsidy application follow with RVO — Dutch participation requires at least one Dutch company in the consortium. Eurostars does not exclude the WBSO: the WBSO lowers your Dutch R&D wage costs, while Eurostars funds a specific cross-border project. Many innovative companies use the WBSO as their tax foundation and deploy Eurostars once their development gains an international collaboration component, as long as the same costs aren't funded twice.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for Eurostars funding?

Innovative SMEs collaborating with partners from other participating countries qualify; Dutch participation requires at least one Dutch company in the consortium.

How much subsidy does Eurostars provide?

For Dutch participants, the rate is 50% for SMEs and knowledge institutions and 40% for large companies, with a maximum of €500,000 in subsidy per project.

How does a Eurostars application work?

The application runs in two steps: first the international consortium submits a joint application to the Eureka secretariat, and after approval the national application follows with RVO.