The intergovernmental initiative EUREKA supports transnational research and technological development (R&D) projects carried out by companies in all technology areas. The aim is to strengthen the productivity and competitiveness of European industry. Launched in 1985, the initiative currently includes over 40 member countries from all over Europe.
EUREKA supports R&D projects in any thematic area by encouraging the industrial application of leading-edge technology. Projects must be carried out jointly by several partners, a requirement which promotes transnational cooperation. The programme's vast R&D network, which encompasses a broad range of sectors and technology areas, enables participants to find partners with whom they can collaborate on R&D projects.
Proposals for R&D projects must:
- meet a market need
- involve at least two partners from different member countries;
- contribute to the development of products, processes or services which represent a genuine technological improvement in their sector
- combine the know-how, technology, management skills and funding required for carrying out the project
Several types of R&D projects can be carried out under the EUREKA programme. The majority of the EUREKA projects are individual R&D projects conducted by at least 2 participants from 2 member states in the technology area of their choice.
Projects can also be implemented with support from EUREKA clusters that focus on business-oriented innovation in specific fields.
EUREKA umbrellas support and advise project consortia on developing project ideas through international partnerships in specific fields of technology.
The Eurostars programme, managed by EUREKA, aims to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to carry out R&D projects.
Project funding
EUREKA awards an internationally recognised label to selected and implemented projects. EUREKA does not allocate funds, but can facilitate the access to national public financing in the EU Member State. Public co-funding of projects submitted under the EUREKA programme is thus always national only.
In Luxembourg, requests for financial support for private-sector entities should be submitted to the Ministry of the Economy with reference to the amended law of 5 June 2009 on the promotion of R&D and innovation. As these projects involve international cooperation, they are eligible for additional financial support if the EUREKA label is awarded.
Participation rules
Both individual projects and projects to be set up under an "umbrella" can be submitted all year round. Regular calls for proposals are published by the Clusters and Eurostars.
Project submission involves two simultaneous applications:
- Requesting the labelling from EUREKA by filling in the form that is available for download on the EUREKA website
- Requesting financial assistance from the Ministry of the Economy
Luxinnovation acts as the national EUREKA secretariat on behalf of the Ministry of the Economy and offers free support to applicants. Luxinnovation can help you include projects in EUREKA networks, find technical and commercial partners, find out about project ideas and prepare funding applications.
