EIC Pathfinder

Funds early research on radically new technologies before there is a product. Pathfinder Open has no topic restriction, Pathfinder Challenges fund set themes. Relevant for a hardtech startup that works with a university on the science behind a future product.

Grant EU European Innovation Council

PROGRAM PAGE ↗ ALL PROGRAMS

Deadlines

28 Oct 2026 Pathfinder Challenges 2026 51 days

Pathfinder Open 2026 closed on 12 May 2026. 2026 budget: EUR 166 million for Open and EUR 96 million for Challenges. No 2027 dates were published as of 2026-09-07.

Checked 2026-09-07 against eic.ec.europa.eu . Confirm on the official page before you plan a submission.

Who can apply

Open EU-wide and to Horizon Europe associated countries. Consortia of at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different countries, at least 1 in an EU member state; single applicants allowed for Pathfinder Challenges only. EU member states and Horizon Europe associated countries (Norway and Iceland included). Technology at TRL 1 to 4.

Amount

Grants of up to EUR 4 million per project, plus optional booster grants of up to EUR 50 000.

Other programs

EIC Accelerator Next deadline 4 Nov 2026 EIC Transition Next deadline 16 Sept 2026 (9 days) Eurostars Next deadline 10 Sept 2026 (3 days) Horizon Europe Cluster 4 and Cluster 5 calls Next deadline 15 Sept 2026 (8 days) Nordic Innovation open calls Next deadline 23 Sept 2026 (16 days) Vinnova Innovativa startups Next deadline 12 Jan 2027

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