Funding Programmes

EIC Pathfinder

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EIC Pathfinder, under the Horizon Europe framework, funds innovative and breakthrough project ideas via the European Innovation Council (EIC). These are project ideas with the potential to create new markets and/or address global challenges, building on scientific discoveries or technological breakthroughs where significant funding is needed over a long timeframe before returns can be generated.

The programme supports the process from early concept/technology to prototype/technology validated in the lab through open calls and challenge-specific calls. Specifically, EIC Pathfinder Open supports innovations in any field of technology or application whereas EIC Pathfinder Challenges supports proposals within a predefined thematic area that address specific objectives. Funding can be given to consortia or, for certain Challenges only, single applicants.

EIC Pathfinder is relevant for academic researchers as well as CEOs, CTOs, and R&D-personnel from big and small companies. Applicants should have and show an ambition to move radically novel research and breakthrough technology from TRL 1 or 2 to TRL 3 or 4 (i.e., to proof of concept/technology validated in the lab).

Funding Available

Up to €3 million (Open) and €4 million (Challenges) in grant with 100% funding rate. Additionally, applicants can apply for Booster grants (up to €50k) for portfolio activities.

Application Process

The application process is based on a written proposal, submitted for given annual deadlines. In the proposal, a thorough account must be given of the concept proposed and its impact as well as the applying consortium and its resources. The full application is evaluated by a panel of independent experts, with expected results around 4 to 5 months from the application deadline.

Requirements

  • Candidates must apply in consortia with participants from minimum 3 different EU Member States or Associated States, but certain EIC Pathfinder Challenges accept single applicants.
  • The EIC programmes are highly competitive and it is important to, among several important points to check prior to applying, verify that the proposed idea has a very high breakthrough potential.

 

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For more detailed information and latest updates, see the official programme website.

 

Case stories

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