METASTARS Final Results
METASTARS is a Eurocluster project co-funded by the European Union dedicated to boost the competitiveness of SMEs in the Aerospace & Defence (ASD) sector and strengthen the ASD ecosystem in Europe. Launched in September 2022, the project was scheduled to run for 30 months, concluding in February 2025.
As of 2025, METASTARS has successfully funded 48 unique SMEs from 12 European countries, distributing a total of 1 million euros to support innovation projects and services.
METASTARS consortium is proud to present the final results achieved through activities benefiting both SMEs and clusters.
Innovation Projects to support SMEs’ developing innovations contributing to the resilience and value chain of the ASD sector
METASTARS has supported 11 projects involving 17 SMEs through a call for Innovation Projects. Each SME benefited from a lump sum of 40.000€ to implement a project that will contribute to improving the resilience of the ASD industrial ecosystem by developing value chain interlinkages in the EU or that will contribute to the EU strategic autonomy by developing innovative products and services.
5 projects were selected in the “high risk” category (projects at TRL 2-5) and 6 projects in the “low risk” category (projects TRL 5-7).
The projects kicked off in September 2023 and were successfully finalised by October 2024.
Check the list of laureate projects in METASTARS second newsletter: https://www.dolinalotnicza.pl/en/the-2nd-metastars-newsletter/
Find out the outcomes of each project on this article: https://www.dolinalotnicza.pl/en/the-results-of-the-metastars-innoprojects-2/
Innovation Services to boost SMEs’ development and their adaptation to the green and digital transition
To foster innovation, METASTARS supported 36 SMEs in 9 countries by providing access to 53 external expert services through a call for Innovation Services. This financial assistance enabled the SMEs to innovate in the following areas
- Digitalisation
- Information system and security
- Green technology development
- Upskilling and reskilling
- Internationalisation forJapan.
- Internationalisation for Canada.
Laureate SMEs could adapt the content of the service to their needs, to boost the adoption of new internal processes, support the development of new products and services or facilitate their access to new markets.
All of the services were finalised by September 2024, demonstrating a positive impact on the expected SMEs’ turnover, access to new markets and competitive advantages.
Find the list of METASTARS Innovation Services laureates here: https://www.dolinalotnicza.pl/en/call-for-innovation-services-laureates/
Boosting SMEs’ internationalisation to Japan and Canada
In addition to the Internationalisation services awarded, METASTARS organised two webinars to support SMEs towards their internationalisation process. The webinars provided information about the aerospace market in Japan and Canada, tips and contacts to successfully develop a business overseas.
The webinars are available to watch here:
Japan https://youtu.be/F3ECc7tWpxs
Canada https://youtu.be/oPCZLcNt-X0
Strengthening the ASD ecosystem
METASTARS seeks to develop closer links with European stakeholders who can support ASD SMEs to adapt to the green and digital transition, to be more resilient to future market shocks and access new business opportunities.
METASTARS has offered activities to support ASD clusters in Europe to increase their capacity to support SMEs. 6 training sessions on soft skills took place, attracting 55 members from 33 European clusters. The three topics of the sessions were:
- Keys to attract talent from Europe and the rest of the world
- Effective Communication
- Persuasion and Negotiation Techniques
More details about the training sessions can be found in the 3rd METASTARS newsletter: https://www.dolinalotnicza.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3rd-METASTARS-Newsletter.pdf
A survey was also opened to clusters to register the services they offer to SMEs. The results of the survey have been used to create a portfolio of support services offered by clusters and provide recommendations to develop services adapted to SMEs needs. More information about the Assessment for Clusters Support Services to SMEs can be found here: https://www.dolinalotnicza.pl/en/assessment-clusters-support-services-to-smes/
In addition, 5 workshops were organised to provide ASD stakeholders with information about the current challenges faced in the sector. You can watch one of these workshops dedicated to bio-based and sustainable fuels for aeronautics online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sti_0lp6jWw
METASTARS rewards resilient SMEs
METASTARS Prizes awarded 3 ASD SMEs which have taken action to be more resilient, to adapt to the green and digital transition and market changes. The financial support awarded through Prizes was 9.700€. The three winners have been selected by an independent jury and public voters. The METASTARS Prizes’ winners received a Prize of 2.500€ each as well as a travel voucher to attend the METASTARS Final Event alongside Aeromart Toulouse 2024.
Find the full list of METASTARS Prizes’ Applicants in the 4th METASTARS newsletter: https://www.dolinalotnicza.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/4th-Newsletter.pdf
Article about the METASTARS Prizes winners: https://www.dolinalotnicza.pl/en/the-winners-of-the-metastars-prizes-2/
METASTARS “On Stage” Resilience in Aerospace and Defence Event
To showcase the remarkable achievements of the project, the METASTARS consortium organised a Final Event alongside the trade show “Aeromart Toulouse 2024”. The event brought together representatives from nine countries, including METASTARS beneficiaries, SMEs, project partners, experts and members of the project’s Advisory Board. The main highlights of the event featured the presentation of results by the beneficiary SMEs, the Prizes Ceremony and a roundtable discussion.
More details about the METASTARS Final Event can be found here: https://www.dolinalotnicza.pl/en/metastars-event-metastars-on-stage-resilience-in-aerospace-and-defence-2/
Support of SMEs’ development
To support SMEs’ development and resilience, the METASTARS consortium prepared the following documents:
- Portfolio of upskilling and reskilling services offered by clusters
- Internationalisation strategies towards Japan and Canada
- Business resilience plan for the ASD sector
The documents are available to the public on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal