Overview
EUREKA is a publicly-funded, intergovernmental network, involving over 40 countries. EUREKA’s aim is to enhance European competitiveness by fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship in Europe, between small and large industry, research institutes and universities.
EUREKA provides a platform for international Research, Development and Innovation cooperation and facilitates access to finance for companies involved in its projects. EUREKA uses a ‘bottom-up’ principle – ensuring that any R&D project with a good business plan receives the support it deserves, independent of its technological nature, or the type of organisations involved.
One of the main programmes run jointly between EUREKA and the European Commission is Eurostars, a funding and support programme to be specifically dedicated to research-performing SMEs. Eurostars stimulates them to lead international collaborative research and innovation projects by easing access to support and funding.
Another programme, Innowwide, offers funding for startups and SMEs targeting new markets in international regions.
Funding
Funding is available for South African organisations wishing to participate. Please contact info.eurekasa@dst.gov.za and contact@esastap.org.za.
ESASTAP is a collaboration between the Department of Science and Innovation, partnering member states and the European Commission. The programme’s main objective is to strengthen ties within the field of science, technology and innovation. Funding for projects, mainly sourced from both the Department of Science and Innovation of the Republic of South Africa and the European Commission.