Eurostars supports international innovative projects led by R&D-performing SMEs. With its bottom-up approach, Eurostars supports the development of rapidly marketable innovative products, processes, and services that help improve the daily lives of people around the world.

It is an ideal first step in international cooperation, enabling small businesses to combine and share expertise and benefit from working beyond national borders.

The EIC Accelerator (Previous SME Instrument) is part of the EIC (European Innovation Council) pilot and supports market-creating innovation in small companies with significant growth potential and global ambitions.

The EIC Accelerator offers optional equity investment in addition to a grant. Innovative companies can apply for a grant only or up to 17.5 million in combined grant and equity financing to scale-up quickly and effectively.

The Innowwide Programme is designed to support European innovative SMEs in expanding their business globally. It provides funding and guidance to SMEs seeking to explore and enter new international markets outside of Europe. The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of these SMEs by facilitating market access, fostering collaborations with international partners, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and technologies.

Through the Innowwide EUREKA Programme, SMEs gain valuable resources and opportunities to accelerate their growth, strengthen their international presence, and drive innovation on a global scale.

The EIC Pathfinder fosters breakthrough and visionary research initiatives in Europe. It provides substantial funding and support to pioneering researchers and innovators who are pushing the boundaries of science and technology. It focuses on high-risk, high-reward projects with the potential to bring about transformative innovations. By nurturing unconventional and interdisciplinary approaches, the EIC Pathfinder empowers researchers to address complex societal challenges, drive scientific advancements, and shape the future.

Through this programme, Europe’s most visionary minds are given the opportunity to create revolutionary breakthroughs that have far-reaching impacts on society and industry.

Women TechEU is dedicated to supporting and advancing women entrepreneurs and innovators in the technology sector in Europe. It provides funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities to female-led deep tech startups and scaleups. It aims to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry by nurturing talent, promoting diversity, and encouraging the participation of women in the innovation ecosystem.

By offering targeted support, Women TechEU enables women to access the resources and networks necessary to accelerate their tech ventures, drive innovation, and become influential leaders in the European tech landscape. Through Women TechEU, women entrepreneurs are empowered to realize their full potential and make significant contributions to the technological advancements shaping our future.

SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) are impactful programmes in the United States that promote innovation and foster partnerships between small businesses and federal research institutions. SBIR provides funding to small businesses to conduct research and development (R&D) projects with commercial potential, while STTR focuses on fostering collaboration between small businesses and research institutions through R&D projects. These programs aim to stimulate technological advancements, drive economic growth, and facilitate the commercialization of innovative ideas.

By providing financial support and opportunities for collaboration, SBIR and STTR empower small businesses to translate their cutting-edge research into marketable products and services, benefiting both the business and the broader society.