EIC Pathfinder

EIC Pathfinder supports research teams taking breakthrough deep-tech projects through the earliest stages of science and technology, with the ambition to create a new market.

At a glance: TRL 1–4 · Grants up to EUR 4 million · Consortia across Horizon Europe countries

What it is for

Pathfinder funds research that develops the scientific basis for breakthrough technologies. It supports the earliest stages of scientific, technological and deep-tech research and development, and aims to build on new directions in science and technology that can disrupt a field or open a market.

• Grants for low-TRL work (TRL 1–4), up to proof of concept
• Grants of up to EUR 4 million, or more when duly justified
• Booster grants of a fixed amount not exceeding EUR 50 000, to test the commercialisation potential of research outputs
• Business Acceleration Services: global partners, coaches, mentors, expertise, training, and access to the innovation ecosystem

Open and Challenges

Pathfinder Open accepts projects in any field of science, technology or application, with no predefined themes. The overall budget for 2026 is €166 million.

Pathfinder Challenges funds projects that match predefined thematic areas. The overall budget for 2026 is €96 million. Single applicants, and consortia of two partners, can apply to Challenges only.

Who can apply

Consortia from EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe.

• 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 a different Member State or Associated Country
• For Challenges only: a single applicant, or a consortium of two partners, may also apply

What a strong proposal shows

• A convincing long-term vision of a radically new technology, with the potential for a transformative positive effect on a challenge in the economy or society
• A concrete, novel and ambitious science-towards-technology breakthrough that advances the envisioned technology
• A high-risk, high-gain research approach and methodology, with concrete and plausible objectives

How to apply

Submit the proposal through the Funding and Tenders portal before the deadline.

• EIC Pathfinder Open: 12 May 2026
• EIC Pathfinder Challenges: 28 October 2026

Other routes

• Fast Track lets results from existing Horizon Europe work, including the EIC Pathfinder, go directly to the full application stage of the EIC Accelerator
• Hop On lets research institutions from widening countries join ongoing Pathfinder actions and Horizon Europe Pillar 2 actions

National Contact Points guide applicants on eligibility and submission. The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) manages the programme. Programme Managers keep portfolio strategic plans for each Pathfinder Challenge.