# Inter – Eurostars Call 2026-2

**Funder:** Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR)
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026-09
**Official call:** https://www.eurekanetwork.org/programmes-and-calls/eurostars/eurostars-march-2026/
**Last verified:** 3 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Eurostars multilateral call for R&D-performing SMEs and research partners. Industry-partnership required (SME-led). Luxembourg partner must submit INTER application via FNR online system. Budget cap per call and/or proposal applies. Thematic call — no bottom-up funding.

## Summary

Inter, Eurostars Call 2026-2 funds R&D-performing SMEs and research partners on a thematic basis through a multilateral consortium model, with a Luxembourg entity required to submit via FNR. The call mandates a minimum three-entity consortium spanning at least three EU member states, with an SME as project lead and mandatory industry partnership. This is a thematic, not bottom-up, funding scheme running annually.

## Who should apply

- R&D-performing SMEs ready to lead a multilateral research project
- Research organisations and universities positioned as partners, not leads
- Consortia with entities across at least three different EU member states
- A Luxembourg-based organisation or partner to coordinate the FNR submission
- Projects aligned with the 2026-2 thematic call priorities (verify on FNR portal)

## Key dates

- Deadline September 2026 (indicative, confirm on FNR portal)
- Annual call cycle; next round expected September 2026
- Thematic priorities set per round; bottom-up proposals not eligible

## Tips for applicants

- The SME must be the formal project lead; research partners support but do not lead. Verify your SME's R&D performing credentials meet the Eurostars definition.
- Secure letters of commitment from all consortium members in advance; the three-country, three-entity minimum is a hard gate and administrative delays often stall submissions.
- Budget caps apply per call and per proposal; calculate early and align budgets across workpackages to avoid overrun penalties.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can lead an Inter, Eurostars Call 2026-2 proposal?

The project lead must be an R&D-performing SME; research organisations and universities can participate as partners but not as coordinators.

### How many consortium partners do I need for Inter, Eurostars 2026-2?

A minimum of three entities from at least three different EU member states, including at least one Luxembourg-based entity, with SME leadership and mandatory industry partnership.

### Is Inter, Eurostars 2026-2 a bottom-up or thematic call?

It is a thematic call; research proposals must align with the call's predefined priorities, not pursue investigator-led topics.

### Who submits the FNR application for a Luxembourg partner in Inter, Eurostars 2026-2?

The Luxembourg entity submits the application via the FNR online system on behalf of the consortium.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fnr-luxembourg-inter-eurostars-call-2026-2) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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