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 2025
There are four topics formulated as the Pathfinder Challenges 2025. To be eligible for funding from the Pathfinder Challenges, your project should focus on one of the following topics:
- Biotech for Climate Resilient Crops and Plant-Based Biomanufacturing
- Generative-AI based Agents to Revolutionize Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer
- Towards autonomous robot collectives delivering collaborative tasks in dynamic unstructured construction environments
- Waste-to-value devices: Circular production of renewable fuels, chemicals and materials
The Pathfinder Challenges support collaborative research and innovation from consortia or applications from single legal entities.
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.
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