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EIC Pathfinder

In brief

The EIC Pathfinder is a funding programme of the European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. It aims at identifying radical new technologies that have the potential to establish completely new markets. The EIC Pathfinder funds visionary and high-risk projects of research teams from Europe and beyond which aim at scientific breakthroughs.

The EIC Pathfinder offers grants for the early development stages up to achieving a “proof of principle”. The programme features two different schemes:

EIC Pathfinder Open: calls for projects in any field of science and technology
EIC Pathfinder Challenges: calls for projects with predefined thematic areas

Who can apply?

Consortia must include a minimum of three organisations such as universities, research institutions or enterprises (e.g. SMEs, large companies, start-ups). Partners from at least three different EU member states or countries associated to Horizon Europe must be involved in a Pathfinder project. At least one partner must be established in an EU member state. EIC Pathfinder projects are open for the participation of international partners from around the world.

For the EIC Pathfinder Challenges only, single applicants or small consortia of two partners are also eligible.

Type and extent of funding

EIC Pathfinder Open: grants of up to 3 million euro (or more if duly justified)
EIC Pathfinder Challenges: lump-sum grants of up to 4 million euro (or more if duly justified)

Duration

No precise limit specified.

Application

The calls for both schemes, EIC Pathfinder Open and EIC Pathfinder Challenges, are usually launched once a year. Proposals must be submitted online by the consortium through the European Commissions’ Funding and Tenders Portal.