Unlock Breakthroughs: 2025 EIC Challenges
With the release of the 2025 Work Programme, the European Innovation Council (EIC) reaffirms its commitment to nurturing disruptive technologies and fostering strategic advancements across Europe. The EIC’s three main funding streams—Pathfinder, Accelerator, and Transition—provide robust support for ambitious projects at various stages of development. Each of these programs features an Open call, welcoming proposals from any technology sector.
In 2025, both the Pathfinder and Accelerator programs have also identified key strategic “Challenges” that align with critical EU priorities. These Challenges, detailed below, offer specific funding calls for targeted advancements in materials science, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, space infrastructure, and sustainable industry, setting the stage for innovations that can deliver significant impact across society and industry.
2025 EIC Accelerator Challenges to Scale Your Project
The EIC Accelerator Challenge call is for projects that align with strategic, high-impact themes known as “Challenges.”
🟠BUDGET: The total budget allocated for the EIC Accelerator challenges in 2025 is €250 million.
🟠DEADLINES: There are two cut-off dates for the EIC Accelerator Challenges: 12 March 2025 and 1 October 2025.
1. Acceleration of Advanced Materials Development and Upscaling Along the Value Chain
- Support the development of innovative materials and the upscaling of production processes along the entire materials value chain.
- Emphasis on advanced materials design, sustainability, and scaling up to accelerate deployment in high-impact sectors.
2. Biotechnology-Driven Low-Emission Food and Feed Production Systems
- Target biotech-driven solutions that reduce emissions in food and feed production.
- Aim to boost sustainability and resilience in the agricultural supply chain while minimizing environmental impacts.
3. GenAI4EU: Creating European Champions in Generative AI
- Establish leadership in generative AI by fostering EU-based champions that embody EU values such as transparency and privacy.
- Focus on advancing AI applications that enhance EU competitiveness while prioritizing ethical standards.
4. Innovative In-Space Servicing, Operations, Robotics, and Technologies for Resilient EU Space Infrastructure
- Develop advanced technologies for servicing, repairing, and maintaining EU space assets.
- Includes robotics, in-space repair capabilities, and strategies for space debris mitigation to enhance resilience.
5. Breakthrough Innovations for Future Mobility
- Encourage the development of next-generation mobility technologies to reduce emissions and foster efficient, scalable transport solutions.
- Target projects that drive innovation in sustainable and interconnected urban and long-distance transport.
2025 EIC Pathfinder Challenges for Transformative Solutions
The EIC Pathfinder program supports groundbreaking research for future technologies with high potential to transform industries and address societal needs.
🟠BUDGET: The total budget allocated for the EIC Pathfinder challenges in 2025 is €120 million.
🟠DEADLINE: The deadline for the EIC Pathfinder Challenges is 29 October 2025.
1. Biotech for Climate-Resilient Crops and Plant-Based Biomanufacturing
- Support biotech advancements for climate-resilient crops and sustainable plant-based biomanufacturing.
- Focus on developing crops and biomanufacturing processes that enhance sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
2. Generative-AI Based Agents to Revolutionize Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer
- Promote generative AI applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment to drive personalized healthcare.
- Seek AI-driven solutions that improve accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility in cancer care.
3. Towards Autonomous Robot Collectives Delivering Collaborative Tasks in Dynamic Unstructured Construction Environments
- Advance autonomous robot collectives for collaborative tasks in unstructured construction settings.
- Focus on robots that can adapt, cooperate, and perform complex tasks in dynamic, real-world construction environments.
4. Waste-to-Value Devices: Circular Production of Renewable Fuels, Chemicals, and Materials
- Support innovations in converting waste into renewable resources, creating a circular production system.
- Emphasis on renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials, contributing to sustainable industrial practices.
