Which instrument is right for me?
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.
- ‘EIC Pathfinder Challenges’ to support coherent portfolios of projects within predefined thematic areas with the aim to achieve specific objectives for each Challenge.
Advanced Materials for Miniaturised Energy Harvesting Systems
To support the development of a new generation of energetically autonomous systems that enable innovative services to improve the quality of life for European citizens through applications in areas such as point-of-care diagnostics and smart, sustainable cities.
These advancements should support sustainability in both energy consumption and production, in line with the ambitions of RePowerEU and the European Green Deal. Furthermore, this challenge will enhance the overall sustainability of the Internet of Things (IoT) and energetically autonomous systems in general.
Biotechnology for Healthy Ageing
To develop biotechnology-based or pharmaceutical interventions that prevent, delay, or reverse age-related diseases.
The Challenge will focus on advancing biotechnology for healthy ageing, promoting personalised care through molecular profiling, guiding policymakers and developers on regulatory approaches, and raising public awareness about healthy longevity.
DeepRAP: Deep Reasoning, Abstraction & Planning towards trustworthy Cognitive AI Systems
To push scientific progress and help build a strong, collaborative community focused on practical applications of trustworthy cognitive AI.
Theis challenge will lay the groundwork for Europe’s future leadership in safe and human-centred AI, strengthening competitiveness and technological sovereignty, while supporting the goals of the AI Act and the European approach to Artificial Intelligence.
EIC work programme 2026
This document presents the 2026 European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. It sets out how the EIC will allocate its funding of for the year 2026 and has been prepared following the advice of the EIC Board.