Open call for the Eurostars programme for innovative small and medium-sized enterprises
EUREKA, the European platform for research and development (R&D) funding, has issued an open call for its Eurostars programme. A Eurostars project can address any technological area; it must, though, have a civilian purpose and be aimed at the development of a new product, process or service. Overall, the projects are collaborative, meaning they must involve at least two participants (legal entities) from two different participating countries. In addition, the main participant must be a research-performing small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) from one of these countries. The role of the SME participants in the project should be significant. At least 50% of an individual project's core activity should be carried out by SMEs. This percentage can, however, include minor contracting. The consortium should be well balanced, with no participant or country investing more than 75% of the total project costs. A Eurostars project should be market-driven. It must have a maximum duration of three years, and, within two years of project completion, have a product ready for market launch. (The exception to this rule applies to biomedical or medical projects, where clinical trials must be started within two years of project completion.) EUREKA stimulates new, innovative, interdisciplinary and market-oriented research networks in Europe. The Eurostars programme is funded by both Eurostars participating countries and the European Commission.To see the full details of the call, please consult: http://www.eurostars-eureka.eu(opens in new window)