The overall objective of the EIC Pathfinder for advanced research is to develop the scientific basis to underpin breakthrough technologies. It provides support for the earliest stages of scientific, technological or deep tech research and development. Pathfinder projects aim to build on new, cutting-edge directions in science and technology to disrupt a field and a market or create new opportunities by realising innovative technological solutions through:
EIC Pathfinder Open, open to support projects in any field of science, technology or application without predefined thematic priorities.
- Deadline 12 May 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
EIC Pathfinder Challenges, to support coherent portfolios of projects within predefined thematic areas with the aim to achieve specific objectives for each Challenge.
Topics:
- Advanced Materials for Miniaturised Energy Harvesting Systems.
- Biotechnology for Healthy Ageing.
- DeepRAP: Deep Reasoning, Abstraction & Planning for trustworthy Cognitive AI Systems.
- Deadline 28 October 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
Grants up to EUR 4 million. Higher amounts if duly justified. Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs (lump sum).
Projects to achieve the proof of principle and validate the scientific basis of breakthrough technologies (starting from early TRLs aiming at achieving TRL3 or 4).
Consortia from EU Member States and countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme.
- Consortia of at least three different independent legal entities.
- At least one legal entity established in a Member State.
- At least two other independent legal entities, each established in different Member States or Associated Countries.
- Additionally, single applicants, small and larger consortia (two partners) for EIC Pathfinder Challenges only.
Via the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal before the given deadline.