EIC Pathfinder

What is the EIC Pathfinder?

The EIC Pathfinder is one of Europe’s premier funding programmes for early-stage scientific research and deep tech. It supports visionary ideas and high-risk/high-gain projects that aim to lay the foundation for radically new technologies—potentially creating entirely new markets or transforming existing ones. Funded under Horizon Europe, Pathfinder empowers researchers to explore breakthrough directions at low technology readiness levels (TRL 1–4), from fundamental research to proof-of-concept.

Who can apply?

1. Pathfinder Open: Consortia of at least three independent legal entities from different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
2. Pathfinder Challenges: Open to both consortia and single applicants (including research organisations, SMEs, universities, or startups), depending on the specific challenge.

Applicants should present a bold, long-term vision with a high degree of scientific and technological ambition, capable of delivering disruptive innovation.

What type of support can a project apply for?

Pathfinder provides grant-only funding to support early R&D efforts, with additional opportunities to explore the innovation potential of results. Funded projects also gain access to the EIC’s Business Acceleration Services (BAS), which include tailored coaching and mentoring, access to global partners and investors, entry into Europe’s deep tech innovation ecosystem, and networking with other Pathfinder-funded teams.

How much funding can a project apply for?

1. Pathfinder Open: Grants of up to €3 million
2. Pathfinder Challenges: Grants of up to €4 million (or more if justified)

Grants typically cover 100% of eligible costs. Additional funding may be available for follow-up activities to validate innovation potential.

What are the evaluation criteria?

Proposals are evaluated based on:

• Excellence – Does the project present a groundbreaking idea with the potential to shift scientific or technological paradigms? Is it at the frontier of science and tech?
• Impact – Could the innovation create new markets or provide solutions to major global challenges? Is there potential for significant societal or environmental benefit?
• Quality and efficiency of implementation – Is the research approach sound? Does the team have the expertise to deliver? Are resources and timelines well planned?

How does the application process work?

Proposals must be submitted via the Funding and Tenders Portal by the relevant deadlines.

There are two types of calls:

1. Pathfinder Open: For bottom-up projects in any field of science or technology (Deadline: 21 May 2025)
2. Pathfinder Challenges: For projects addressing specific topics identified in the annual Work Programme (Deadline: 29 October 2025)

Once submitted, proposals go through a one-step peer-review process. Results are typically communicated within 5 months, with grant agreements signed shortly thereafter.

Can a project be resubmitted if unsuccessful?

Yes, resubmissions are allowed, provided the new application meets the call requirements and addresses the feedback from evaluators.

Is the EIC Pathfinder part of Horizon Europe?

Yes. The EIC Pathfinder is fully funded under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. For more information, refer to the EIC Pathfinder webpage.