Many Canadian SMEs want to grow their research and development outside Canada. Most Canadian grants do not support international projects. The Eureka Network Open Call fills this gap. It funds civilian, market-driven R&D projects between companies in different countries. Canada is a full participant.
This guide explains how the Eureka Network Open Call works, who qualifies in Canada, and what Canadian SMEs need to prepare before applying.
The Eureka Network Open Call supports international collaborative R&D projects. These projects focus on developing new or improved products, processes, or services for civilian markets. Eureka does not provide a single pot of money. Each country funds its own participants under national rules. Eureka coordinates the project approval process.
Key features for Canadian SMEs:
Canada participates at the federal level. Funding for Canadian SMEs is delivered through national innovation programs aligned with Eureka.
To apply under the Eureka Network Open Call, your business must meet both Eureka and Canadian requirements.
Your business must:
Canadian large companies, universities, and research institutions cannot receive Canadian funding through this call. They may participate only if they are self-funded or supported by another country’s funding source.
Your project consortium must:
These rules are strictly enforced during evaluation.
Funding amounts vary by country. For Canada:
Eligible costs usually include:
Final eligible expenses are confirmed during the national funding review stage.
Applying to the Eureka Network Open Call involves both international coordination and national assessment.
First, identify at least one partner from another Eureka country. Each partner must contribute technical R&D value, not just market access.
Your project plan should include:
Projects that look like outsourced development are often rejected.
The consortium submits a single project application through the Eureka Network. This is the international evaluation stage.
Canadian SMEs must also complete national-level forms and assessments tied to Canada’s funding process. Approval requires passing both the Eureka review and the Canadian funding review.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check whether your business and project structure fit international R&D programs like Eureka before you invest time in partner outreach.
Choosing partners with no R&D role
Sales or distribution-only partners weaken your application. Each partner must contribute technical R&D value.
Submitting early-stage research projects
Eureka is not for basic research. Projects must aim for near- to mid-term commercialization.
Budget imbalance across countries
If one country controls more than 70% of the budget, the project will be rejected.
Assuming universities can be funded in Canada
Canadian academic partners must be self-funded or supported outside the Eureka Canadian stream.
Q: Do Canadian SMEs need international partners to apply?
Yes. At least two independent organizations from two different Eureka countries are required.
Q: Is the Eureka Network Open Call first come, first served?
Applications are accepted year-round, but national funding availability can change. Timing still matters.
Q: Can universities participate in Eureka projects?
Yes, but Canadian universities cannot receive Canadian funding under this call. They must be self-funded or funded by another country.
Q: Are Eureka grants taxable in Canada?
Generally, yes. Grant funding is typically considered taxable income, depending on how funds are used and accounted for.
Q: What types of projects are not eligible?
Projects with military or defence purposes are not eligible under the Eureka Network Open Call.
The Eureka Network Open Call is one of the few programs that supports international R&D collaboration for Canadian SMEs. Careful preparation is important, especially when selecting partners and defining your project scope.
GrantHub tracks international and domestic innovation funding programs across Canada. Checking which grants match your business profile can help you plan multi-country R&D projects with confidence. If you are exploring other funding options, GrantHub’s database of over 1,800 Canadian grant programs is a useful resource for finding the right support for your next project.
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