What is the EIC Pathfinder ?
The EIC Pathfinder is a funding programme under Horizon Europe that offers support to research teams by:
- funding research to develop the scientific basis to underpin breakthrough technologies
- supporting the earliest stages of scientific, technological or deep-tech R&D
- aiming to build on new, cutting-edge directions in science and technology to disrupt a field and a market or create new opportunities
- realising innovative technological solutions to identify, develop and scale up breakthrough technologies and disruptive innovations in Europe
Grants of up to 3 to 4 million euro to support early stage development of future technologies (e.g. various activities at low TRL 1-3), up to proof of concept.
- Pathfinder Challenges - grants of up to EUR 3 million or more if duly justified
- Pathfinder Open - grants of up to EUR 4 million or more if duly justified
Pathfinder projects can also receive additional funding for testing the innovation potential of their research outputs.
Access to a range of tailor-made Business Acceleration Services (BAS) for beneficiaries to leverage investments:
- Access to global partners
- Access to coaches, mentors, expertise and training
- Access to innovation ecosystem and peers
For projects that match any of the predefined thematic areas with the aim to achieve specific objectives for each Pathfinder Challenges. The overall budget for the EIC Pathfinder Challenges in 2023 is €163,5 millions.
For projects in any field of science, technology or application without predefined thematic priorities. The overall budget for the EIC Pathfinder Open in 2023 is €179.5 million
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The EIC Work Programme 2023 is a critical document that defines the scope, budget elilgibility, deadlines for applications and detail conditions for each of the EIC programmes: EIC Pathfinder, EIC Accelerator and EIC Transition. Read the document carefully before you decide to apply. This is the amended version from 11 August 2023.
Who can apply?
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 or small consortia (two partners) for EIC Pathfinder Challenges only.
Requirements
Your proposal must meet all the following essential characteristics:
- Convincing long-term vision of a radically new technology that has the potential to have a transformative positive effect to our economy and society.
- Concrete, novel and ambitious science-towards-technology breakthrough, providing advancement towards the envisioned technology.
- High-risk/high-gain research approach and methodology, with concrete and plausible objectives.
How to apply ?
You must submit your proposal via the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal before the given deadline.
Deadline for submitting your proposal:
- EIC Pathfinder Open: 7 March 2023 at 17h00 Brussels local time
- EIC Pathfinder Challenges: 18 October 2023 at 17h00 Brussels local time
Do you need help ?
The network of National Contact Points (NCPs) is the main structure to provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe.
Find answers to questions frequently asked by applicants about types of funding, eligibility, submission of proposals and much more
All EIC supported projects and companies get access to coaching, mentoring, partnering and other EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS).
News
EIC Pathfinder: nearly €170 million to support novel technologies
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has selected the next set of proposals under the 2023 EIC Pathfinder Open call
Amendment of the European Innovation Council work programme 2023
The Commission adopted the amendment of the EIC work programme 2023 including two Coordination and Support Actions. Both calls for proposals will open on 16 August.
EIC Board statement: recommendations for increasing participation of high potential innovators from widening countries to EIC programmes
The EIC Board has set an overall objective to increase the participation of widening countries to a share of at least 15% across all EIC instruments, double the current level of below 8%.
EIC Board publishes draft Code of Conduct for consultants
Following consultations with stakeholders, the Board has agreed a Code of Conduct which it has published in draft for any other parties to provide comments or feedback.
Health and biotech at the EIC: video from Conquering cancer event
EIC Programme Manager gives an overview of the European Innovation Council and its funding and investment opportunities for health and biotech sectors.
Commission announces partners in European Innovation Council action to support the Ukrainian deep tech community
The Commission announced today the partners in a pan-European network who will implement a €20 million European Innovation Council (EIC) action supporting Ukraine’s innovation community.
Events
European Innovation Council (EIC) Regional Info Day in Croatia
- Šibenik, Croatia
European Innovation Council (EIC) Regional Info Day in Slovenia
- Ljubljana, Slovenia