The evaluation phase of the 7th Eurostars Cut-Off, which received 365 project applications on 22 September 2011, was recently concluded. 115 project applications were deemed to be above the quality threshold, out of the 293 eligible applications.

The members of the Eurostars Independent Evaluation Panel were pleased to see a large number of high quality applications.

The qualified projects include participants from 24 Eurostars member countries as well as collaborations with the USA. They represent a total cost of 168.5 M€, of which 78% are born by SMEs.

Main technologies represented are Biological sciences and technologies (28%), Electronics, IT and Telecoms technologies (27%), Industrial manufacturing, material and transport (15%) and Energy technology (8%).

The R&D-performing SMEs and SMEs targeted by the programme continue to benefit, with 67% of the 373 qualified participating organisations falling into this category. They, along with the other types of participant involved, are now waiting to hear about the availability of national funds before their projects can be started.

The 8th Eurostars Cut-Off is currently open, with a deadline for submission of 01 March 2012, 20h00 C.E.T. For further information, please refer to the Eurostars website.