The Eureka Globalstars Japan call supports joint R&D between companies in Eureka countries and Japanese start-ups and SMEs. NEDO and national agencies fund the partners. Moreover, the call is open to any technology area.
About the Globalstars Japan Call
Eureka is an intergovernmental network for market-oriented innovation. Its Globalstars programme links Eureka countries with leading economies outside Europe. This edition focuses on Japan. As a result, it is a natural next step for organisations that joined UTA’s EU–Japan cooperation activities. Explore more smart city funding opportunities on the UTA funding page.
Who Can Apply to the Globalstars Japan Call
Companies from Austria, Belgium-Flanders, Canada, Estonia, France, Germany, Israel, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom can apply. In addition, each project needs a Japanese start-up or SME partner. However, Italy, the Netherlands and most other EU states are not funding this call.
Focus Areas and Funding
Each partner is funded under its national rules. On the Japanese side, funding can reach ¥100m. Furthermore, no partner may hold more than 70% of the project budget. In short, applicants should align their project closely with the expected outcomes and impact described in the call text.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Programme: Eureka Globalstars, run with NEDO in Japan
- Status: open since 7 October 2026
- Deadline: 20 January 2027. NEDO’s national deadline is 12:00 noon Japan time on the same day.
- Japanese funding: NEDO grants of up to two-thirds of eligible costs for start-ups and SMEs, capped at ¥100 million per project
- Swiss funding: Innosuisse funds SMEs at up to 50%, large companies at up to 25% and research organisations at up to 100%
- Timeline: national funding procedures start from 26 April 2027, and projects are expected to start in August 2027
Eligibility Rules
- Each consortium includes companies from at least one participating Eureka country and from Japan.
- Projects have a civilian purpose and aim at commercialisation.
- No partner or country holds more than 70% of the project budget.
- The Japanese lead must be an unlisted start-up, SME or mid-sized company that spends at least 5% of net sales on R&D. It also files a national application through J-Grants.
- Swiss consortia include at least one Swiss implementation partner and, in most cases, a research institution.
Themes and Evaluation
- Topics are open. Examples include AI, quantum, robotics, semiconductors, energy, medtech and aerospace.
- Nuclear power, pharmaceutical development and regenerative medicine are excluded.
- Each consortium submits one joint application with partner forms, a Gantt chart and a co-signature form.
- Evaluators score impact, excellence and implementation. Successful projects receive the Eureka label before national funding decisions.
- A Eureka matchmaking tool helps applicants find partners.
Source: the official Eureka call page for the Globalstars call with Japan 2026, checked on 16 October 2026.
Why the Globalstars Japan Call Matters
For innovators, the Globalstars Japan opportunity can unlock funding, partners and first customers at the same time. In addition, it gives companies visibility with cities and investors across Europe. Successful projects often become references that open new markets. However, competition is strong, so a clear impact story matters. That is why UTA connects innovators with cities and research partners well before deadlines. Moreover, our network helps teams test their ideas against real urban challenges. As a result, members can build stronger proposals and turn funding into lasting growth.
Deadline and How to Apply
The main deadline is 20 January 2027. Some national deadlines are earlier, for example 15 December 2026 in Austria. Therefore, check with your national funding agency before you start. Read the full details on the official call page. Urban Technology Alliance can also connect you with UTA innovators. Contact us to discuss a consortium for this call.