Eurostars-3 is a Eureka programme implemented under the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs, supporting innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in carrying out international collaborative research and development (R&D) projects.

The programme supports collaborative projects aimed at developing innovative products, processes and services with strong market potential. SMEs, large companies, universities, research organisations and other eligible partners may participate in Eurostars projects. Through Eurostars, Bulgarian enterprises can collaborate with international partners, develop innovative solutions and accelerate their path to market.

Application procedure under Eurostars-3

The application and funding process for Bulgarian participants under Eurostars-3 consists of two consecutive stages: an international application and evaluation stage administered by the Eureka Secretariat, followed by a national funding stage administered by the National Innovation Fund (NIF).

Stage 1: Application and evaluation at international level

Project proposals are submitted through the Eureka/Eurostars platform in accordance with the eligibility criteria, deadlines and requirements applicable to the relevant Eurostars call.

Information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, submission deadlines and required documentation is available on the official Eureka website:
https://www.eurekanetwork.org/

Following the international evaluation process, the ranking list of project proposals is approved by the Eureka High-Level Group (HLG).

Stage 2: National funding procedure

Following approval of the ranking list, the results are communicated to the National Innovation Fund.

The NIF subsequently opens a national procedure for Bulgarian participants in ranked Eurostars projects to submit the documentation required for national funding.

At this stage, Bulgarian participants must submit the required documents to the NIF in accordance with the applicable national conditions and guidelines published for the relevant procedure.

Only project proposals that have successfully completed the international evaluation process and are included in the approved ranking list are eligible to proceed to the national funding stage administered by the National Innovation Fund.

More information on open calls and the applicable procedures at both stages is available in the Funding section.