EIC Pathfinder at a glance
Quickly go to
The EIC Pathfinder is a funding instrument supporting visionary researchers and innovative SMEs who are working on cutting-edge technologies with transformative potential. This programme is designed for early-stage research projects that push the boundaries of science and technology to create new markets and address global challenges. Projects in Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1 to 3 are eligible for funding.
What projects are eligible?
The EIC Pathfinder has two types of calls, ‘Pathfinder Challenges’ and ‘Pathfinder Open’:
- Pathfinder Challenges (are focussed on predefined topics) – You can get funding up to € 4 million per project or more if duly justified (meaning targeted, strategic priorities, complementary to the open call).
- Pathfinder Open (projects can be in any field of science, technology or application without predefined topics) – Grants up to € 3 million per project or more if duly justified (meaning open to proposals in any field of science, technology or application, no predefined thematic priorities);
Pathfinder Challenges 2026
There are three topics formulated as the Pathfinder Challenges 2026. To be eligible for funding from the Pathfinder Challenges, your project should focus on one of the following topics:
- Advanced Materials for Miniaturised Energy Harvesting Systems
- Biotechnology for Healthy Ageing
- DeepRAP: Deep Reasoning, Abstraction & Planning towards trustworthy Cognitive AI Systems
What is the European Innovation Council?
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is an innovation programme focussed on identifying, developing and scaling up game changing innovations in the EU. The funding programmes of the EIC are: EIC Pathfinder, EIC Pre-Accelerator, EIC Accelerator, EIC Transition and STEP Scale Up. The EIC has € 6 billion budget and the budget is part of the Horizon Europe programme.
Support in applying for EIC Pathfinder?
Are you interested in the EIC Pathfinder? Our specialists have supported multiple clients in applying. We can help you with writing a proposal, reviewing your proposal and submission. Schedule a meeting! Send a mail to info@firstblue.com or call our secretary in the Netherlands via +31 (0)8 495 20 00.
Interested in this programme?
Strong partner for your EU grants and funding
- Extensive expertise in EU funding
- Strong track record in EU programmes
- Full-service support throughout the entire process
- Sector-specialised grant specialist with technical knowledge
