The European Innovation Council selected 31 new projects under the 2024 EIC Pathfinder Challenges call for cutting edge research projects to achieve breakthroughs in five strategic areas. The successful projects were chosen among 401 submitted eligible proposals and will receive almost €116 million of EU Funding (on average €3.73 million per project).
Participants predominantly come from higher education institutions (38%), private organisations (34%), and research organisations (23%). Here are the examples of selected projects:
- project SUN2CN is set to change the way we make important chemicals by using just sunlight. This new technology turns waste streams like nitrates and carbon dioxide into useful chemicals, such as those used in fertilisers and medicines. It does this without relying on fossil fuels or using up a lot of energy;
- project BORN is developing a bio-based low-cost material that can be used to fabricate biodegradable thermal-resistant and reusable food packaging, as well as a variety of products that require resistance to high temperature. This new material is produced from annually renewable resources and is designed with safety and sustainability in mind. The high temperature resistance of BORN material makes it ideal for compostable microwave containers and cheap cups for hot drinks; it can also be used in agriculture, such as in mulch films, and in a range of reusable products where heat resistance is needed.
BORN project will take into account the whole material lifecycle, from design and formulation up to end of life through recycling and biodegradation. - project 2D-ADDICT is working to change nanoelectronics by creating new, energy-efficient devices using materials that are just few atoms thick, known as two-dimensional materials (2DMs). These devices are designed for smart technologies and will use very little power while retaining high-performance. 2DMs have special traits like being extremely thin, moving electrical charges quickly, and having great control over electric fields. The project aims to overcome some of the main problems with current semiconductor technology;
- project DEXTER is creating new technology to recycle and reuse space junk. Using advanced robots and propulsion systems, DEXTER will turn old satellites and spacecraft into useful materials and fuel. Some of the key innovations include laser cutting and welding in space, a toolkit to process debris, and converting scrap aluminium into fuel. This groundbreaking work aims to build a circular economy in space, changing space debris from a problem into a valuable resource for future missions.
EIC Programme Managers were directly involved in setting the Pathfinder Challenges and selecting portfolios of projects among the best applications. They will now proceed to pro-actively manage these portfolios to increase their impact.
With each specific Challenge, the EIC will establish a portfolio of projects that explores different perspectives, competing approaches or complementary aspects of the Challenge. Selected projects will receive not only grants but also access to tailored-made coaching under the EIC Business Acceleration Services and potential fast track access to the EIC Accelerator.
Next steps
All projects have been notified of the results and have begun preparing the grant agreements. Funding will be dependent upon the signing of these agreements.
More information
Background information
With its Pathfinder scheme, the EIC supports the exploration of bold ideas for radically new technologies. It welcomes the high-risk/high gain and interdisciplinary cutting-edge science collaborations that underpin technological breakthroughs.
Grants of up to €3 (Pathfinder Open call) or up to €4 million (Pathfinder Challenges call) support early-stage development of future technologies (e.g. various activities at low Technology Readiness Levels 1-3), up to proof of concept. EIC Pathfinder projects benefit from interactions with EIC Programme Managers and can receive additional funding for testing the innovation potential of their research outputs or for working across projects for portfolio actions. In addition, promising results can receive substantial follow up funding through the EIC Transition scheme to create a commercial venture or use the Fast Track scheme to access the EIC Accelerator to bring innovations to the market.
2025 funding opportunities
Apply for 2025 EIC Pathfinder Challenges calls (deadline 29 October 2025) in the following areas:
- Biotech for climate resilient crops and plant-based biomanufacturing
- Generative-AI based agents to revolutionise medical diagnosis and treatment of cancer
- Towards autonomous robot collectives delivering collaborative tasks in dynamic unstructured construction environments
- Waste-to-value devices: circular production of renewable fuels, chemicals and materials
Details
- Publication date
- 27 March 2025
- Author
- European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency