Eurostars Program

The Eurostars Program, coordinated in Canada by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), supports Canadian SMEs engaged in international collaborative R&D projects aimed at developing innovative products, processes, or services for global markets.

National Research Council of Canada (NRC)

Overview of the Eurostars Program program:

The Eurostars Program is an international funding initiative that supports research and development (R&D) collaboration between innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their partners across Europe and other participating countries. In Canada, the program is delivered by NRC IRAP, which provides financial support and advisory services to eligible Canadian SMEs participating in Eurostars-approved projects. Eurostars is co-funded by EUREKA member countries and the European Union's Horizon Europe program. It is designed specifically for R&D-performing SMEs, enabling them to join forces with international partners to co-develop market-driven technologies with high commercial potential. Projects must be led by an SME and involve at least one partner from another Eurostars country. While large enterprises, research organizations, and universities can participate as additional partners, funding eligibility in Canada is limited to SMEs. All projects must be civilian in nature, industry-led, and aimed at commercialization within 2 years of project completion. Typical projects focus on developing prototypes, software, medical technologies, clean technologies, or advanced manufacturing solutions. Canadian participants receive funding directly from NRC IRAP after project approval by the Eurostars Joint Secretariat. To apply, Canadian SMEs must work with their international partners to co-develop a proposal through the Eurostars portal. Once approved, NRC IRAP evaluates the Canadian portion for potential funding support. This dual approval process ensures that the project aligns both with international standards and domestic innovation priorities.

Benefits of the Eurostars Program program:

Access to international R&D partnerships with organizations in over 30 countries
Up to $500,000 in funding for Canadian SME participation
Support for product development, prototype testing, and commercialization
Tailored advisory services from NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisors
Enhances global competitiveness and market entry
Validates Canadian innovation in a global framework
Encourages knowledge sharing and technology transfer
Provides a streamlined, international application process

Eligibility criteria of the Eurostars Program program:

To qualify, Canadian participants must:
Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) incorporated and operating in Canada
Have 500 or fewer full-time employees
Be profit-oriented and focused on R&D and commercialization
Be capable of executing international collaborative R&D projects
Partner with at least one organization from another Eurostars country (SMEs, universities, or RTOs)
Ensure the project is industry-led, civilian in scope, and aims for commercialization within 2 years post-completion
Submit a joint proposal with international partners via the Eurostars platform
Be approved by both Eurostars and NRC IRAP for funding
Be in good standing with Canadian taxation and legal requirements