| 13 March 2025 14:00 CEST | Eurostars call for projects |
Securing Eurostars funding is competitive, so how to make your project stand out? Here are five essential tips that will guide you towards a compelling Eurostars application, maximizing your chances of success.
1. Meet the critical content criteria head-on
Address the key evaluation criteria thoroughly. First, showcase your project’s uniqueness and explain how it pushes scientific boundaries. Second, highlight market potential by presenting a clear commercialization strategy that shows a strong understanding of the market, including customer base, competitors, and positioning. Don’t forget to emphasize how your project will generate significant market impact and protect intellectual property! Finally, show your project management abilities and consortium efficiency by demonstrating your capacity to manage complex R&D efforts.
2. Build the perfect consortium
A well-balanced international consortium is essential for success. Not only does it strengthen technical capabilities but it also showcases the ability to manage the project’s commercialization aspects effectively. If possible, engage SMEs with complementary skills and with (academic) research institutions to provide cutting-edge technical expertise. Ideally, include an end-use whenever possible, for instance a pharmaceutical company. This helps validating market applicability.
3. Set clear milestones and deliverables
Breaking the project into distinct work packages with defined milestones shows evaluators you have a clear roadmap for success. Cover specific aspects such as preclinical validation or pilot-scale production, and ensure each work package has clear deliverables to demonstrate feasibility. Additionally, conduct a critical path analysis to identify potential bottlenecks and outline mitigation strategies. This reassures evaluators of your thorough project planning.
4. Align with Eurostars priorities
Understand Eurostars’ priorities and align your application closely to them. Highlight how your project incorporates state-of-the-art research that addresses significant gaps in technology, demonstrate its tangible market potential, and provide a solid commercialization strategy that outlines clear benefits and pathways to market success.
5. Get your timing right
The Eurostars evaluation process takes 12-14 weeks, followed by a few months for finalizing grant agreements. In practice, this translates to roughly half a year between submission and project start. Plan ahead and be proactive, as funding approval takes time. Ensure your financials are in order and secure bridge financing if needed.
How FFUND can help
Are you looking for help to build a consortium and shape your project proposal? Don’t hesisate to reach out and contact us! In need of tips or tricks for applying for EIC Accelerator? Or do you need help on Venture Finance Support or Grant- & Project Management? Read more on our website or contact us. We are happy to help you.
