Funding to develop your innovative ideas
The EIC Pathfinder, part of Horizon Europe’s EIC Work Programme, funds early-stage deep-tech innovations with groundbreaking potential. It supports breakthrough technologies from conception of the idea to the proof of concept (technology readiness level from TRL 1-4).
The EIC Pathfinder is comprised of two different funding options: Open and Challenges. Under this last category, proposals must address one of the specific objectives established by the EIC.
Why Apply for EIC Pathfinder Funding?
- Substantial Grants: Your project could receive up to 3M€ (Open) or 4M€ (Challenges).
- Funding Rate: 100% of eligible costs covered.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration with leading researchers and SMEs across Europe.
- Long-term Support: Build a business case to plan for future commercialization.
- Address key global issues.
EIC Pathfinder Open 2025
The EIC Pathfinder Open Call supports technologies and research in different areas.
Open to: Consortium – A minimum of 3 partners working together from academia or industry (including SMEs) based in at least three different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
Total Budget: €142M
Funding Available:
- Grant Amount: Up to €3M per project
- Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs.
Deadline: May 21, 2025
EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2025
The EIC Pathfinder Challenges target specific global challenges. These predefined thematic areas aim to solve critical issues through radical innovation.
Open to: Consortium – A consortium of at least 2 eligible entities from two different countries or single applicants.
Total Budget: €120M
Funding Available:
- Grant Amount: Up to €4M per project
- Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs.
Deadline: October 29, 2025
2025 EIC Pathfinder Challenges:
- Biotech for Climate-Resilient Crops and Plant-Based Biomanufacturing
- Generative-AI Agents for Medical Diagnosis and Cancer Treatment
- Autonomous Robot Collectives in Dynamic Construction Environments
- Waste-to-Value Devices for Renewable Fuels and Materials
Who Can Apply for EIC Pathfinder?
The EIC Pathfinder Open is open to consortia of at least 3 partners from academia or industry, based in at least three different EU Member States.
For the Pathfinder Challenges, consortiums require a two independent legal entities from 2 different countries, or a single applicant established in a Member State or Asociated Country may apply.
Eligible applicants include research teams of:
- Research Organizations: Universities, institutes, and private companies with cutting-edge research activities.
- Startups & SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises working on high-risk, high-reward deep-tech innovations.
- The applicant needs to be from a Horizon Europe member state or associated country (excluding mid-caps and larger companies)
How to Apply for EIC Pathfinder Funding
To apply, your project should focus on proof-of-principle and demonstrate high-risk, high-reward potential. The proposal must clearly outline how your project will drive a scientific breakthrough. Our experts at Evolution Europe can assess your project’s fit for the programme and guide you through the proposal preparation process for a competitive application. We also provide post-grant project management.
Find out more about the EIC Pathfinder programme
Download our EIC Pathfinder Guide
Evolution: Your Strategic Ally for EIC Success
If you have a groundbreaking innovation, the EIC Pathfinder can help turn it into reality. At Evolution Europe, we offer over 20 years of experience, having successfully supported more than 700 projects across 30 countries and secured over €200M in EU funding. Our team provides personalized support in proposal writing, project planning, and navigating the EIC process, helping you maximize your chances of success.
Contact us today to start your journey toward transformative innovation, or download our comprehensive EIC Pathfinder Guide to learn more.