Eureka Clusters Programme

EUREKA is the world’s biggest public network for international cooperation in R&D and innovation. Founded in 1985, Eureka now counts almost 50 countries in its membership.  The organisation has developed a sophisticated framework to bring together SMEs, large companies, universities, and research performing organisations (RPOs) to collaborate in mutually beneficial R&D projects.

Rewards for companies:

·         Increase average turnover.

·         Share research and development costs.

·         Establish long-term international R&D and innovation relationships.

·         Gain quicker access to new and international markets.

·         Receive on-going and personalised support from experts covering the whole value chain.

·         Scale up, increase competitiveness, attract investors, and form new startups.

Eureka provides a variety of mechanisms to facilitate these collaborations. Among these are the Eureka Clusters, which cater to sector-specific technological, economic, and societal challenges. These Clusters are industry-led international communities with a focus on strategic technology areas.  At present, EUREKA supports five such programmes.

·         CELTIC-NEXT:  Next-generation communications.

·         EUROGIA2030:  Low-carbon technologies.

·         ITEA4:  Software innovation and digital transition.

·         SMART:  Advanced manufacturing.

·         XECS:  Electronic components and systems and applications.

Each Cluster launches at least one call annually through a dedicated online portal. Information days occur periodically and provide plenty of detail on what’s required as well as giving an opportunity to pitch project ideas and find partners.  Consortia, which can be any size, are typically spearheaded by industry, and involve participants from 3 to 5 countries. Projects can last up to 36 months. 

Proposals undergo a two-step evaluation process (Project Outline and Full Project Proposal) and those that reach the required level of excellence in both technical and commercial potential are awarded a ‘label’.  Given the tailored nature of the programme and the unique focus of each Cluster, the average success rate stands at 30%-40% of applications per call. This is significantly higher than most international mechanisms.

It’s important to note that Clusters do not directly fund projects. Therefore, each partner has the option to either fully fund its portion of the project or, if eligible, seek assistance from a national funding agency.

In Ireland, eligible clients of a Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta can access funding through the Research, Development & Innovation Fund.  IDA Ireland clients are supported under a separate mechanism.  Universities and RPOs can also become eligible for support through Enterprise Ireland’s International Research Fund.  NB Universities and RPOs in Ireland only become eligible for support alongside a company partner based in Ireland.

Further information on all aspects of EUREKA’s programmes, upcoming calls and how to get involved is available from Ireland’s National Project Co-ordinator.

Email: [email protected]     Tel:  +353 1 727 2487