The Eurostars program enables young companies and SMEs to bring their projects to life through financial support and a structured international collaboration. Janique Siffert, the project lead at Innosuisse, explains how to make the most of it.
Today, Eurostars includes 37 member countries, mainly in Europe but also in North America, Asia and Africa. The European program supports innovative research and development (R&D) projects led by start-ups and SMEs. In Switzerland, Eurostars is represented by the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse, which covers up to 50% of a project’s implementation costs. Companies also have access to potential partners from the research and business communities in member countries, with whom they can collaborate to strengthen their competitiveness. Janique Siffert, who heads the Eurostars program at Innosuisse, outlines the importance of international collaboration for Swiss innovation.
What kinds of projects can be supported by Eurostars?
Janique Siffert: The program is entirely dedicated to innovation and can fund projects from any sector, provided they meet its eligibility criteria. One of the most important aspects is international collaboration. To be accepted, a project must for example be carried out in cooperation with at least one of the other 37 Eurostars member countries. Consortia must remain balanced: SMEs must assume at least half of the total budget. A partner or country may cover up to a maximum of 70% of the total costs, in order to avoid unbalanced collaborations. Supported projects may run for a maximum duration of 3 years and must have an exclusively civil objective, excluding projects with military intent.
How does the selection process work?
Siffert: Once submitted, projects are evaluated according to three criteria. The first concerns the level of innovation: the goal is to assess whether the proposed product or process clearly stands out from what already exists on the market. The second pillar focuses on the expected impact. The program is market-oriented, which means projects must demonstrate real commercial potential. Finally, the quality of the international collaboration is examined, including the added value of the partnership and the balance between the parties involved.
Which expenses are covered?
Siffert: For Swiss SMEs, Innosuisse can finance up to half of the eligible costs. Eligible expenses include salaries and social costs of employees working in R&D. With regard to financial planning, it is important that salaries are stated on the basis of actual salary costs. Also eligible are travel expenses required for collaboration with foreign partners or for project implementation, as well as the purchase of necessary consumables.
When can companies apply?
Siffert: Each year, two Eurostars calls for proposals are published on the Eureka website, the world’s largest network of ministries and innovation agencies dedicated to supporting international research and development (R&D). The spring call opens in January, and the autumn call begins in June.
How can companies best prepare their application?
Siffert: Project leads have access to a wide range of resources to maximize their chances of success. An information sheet setting out the eligibility criteria for Swiss applicants is published on the Innosuisse website for each call for proposals. Innosuisse also offers a free mentoring program for Swiss companies. Innosuisse also provides access to the "Enterprise Europe Network," which helps identify potential partners abroad. Detailed guides are available online as well, particularly on the Eureka website, where applicants can consult eligibility criteria and application manuals.
What does the Eurostars program mean for Swiss companies?
Siffert: Networking with economic and scientific circles beyond national borders is essential for Swiss SMEs and start-ups so that they can fully exploit their potential when developing their projects.
