A new era for Eureka Clusters

In June, Eureka approved its Clusters programme to run from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2032. This backing reflects the continued relevance of the programme and the strategic importance of the technology areas covered by each of the five Eureka Clusters:

• CELTIC-NEXT: Next-generation communications
• EUROGIA: Decarbonisation
• ITEA: Software innovation and the digital transition
• SMART: Advanced manufacturing
• Xecs: Electronic components and systems

For organisations engaged in international research, development, and innovation in these fields, this means there will be regular international funding opportunities over the next seven years.

The new iteration of the programme adopts a refreshed governance structure where ministry and funding agencies are in regular discussions with industry representatives on how to improve the experience of participating in Eureka Clusters for small- and medium-sized enterprises, large companies, research institutions, universities, and end-users across Eureka’s network and beyond.

About Eureka’s Clusters programme

The Eureka Clusters programme is a public-private partnership between Eureka ministries and funding agencies and independent organisations that gather communities around strategic technology areas.

Since 1987, there have been 12 Eureka Clusters covering fields such as electronics recycling, forestry, water technologies, and metallurgy. Currently, running Cluster projects are mobilising around 800 million euro of public-private investment and involve hundreds of organisations worldwide.

It is testament to the relevance, lasting success, and real-world impact of Eureka’s Clusters programme that it continues today; numerous innovations such as 4G, 5G, and 6G technologies, microchips in ID cards, special effects in movies, contactless public transport payments, and automotive software all originated in Eureka Cluster projects.

Eureka is pleased to be working with five Cluster offices, CELTIC-NEXT, EUROGIA, ITEA, SMART, and Xecs, offering a trusted mechanism for accessing funding. These Clusters not only launch calls for projects, but also organise community activities, like networking events to stimulate project ideas, and provide guidance throughout the project lifecycle.