EIC Pathfinder – Funding for Visionary Research and Breakthrough Technologies

Updated on 9 July 2026

What is the EIC Pathfinder?

The EIC Pathfinder is the European Innovation Council's (EIC) funding instrument for visionary research and innovation projects at a very early stage of development. As part of Horizon Europe, the programme supports interdisciplinary research with the aim of developing breakthrough technologies and radically new technological approaches.

The programme funds scientific breakthroughs with the potential to create entirely new markets or fundamentally transform existing technologies.

The EIC Pathfinder is open to universities, research organisations, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and companies working together in international and interdisciplinary consortia.

EIC Pathfinder funding schemes 2026

EIC Pathfinder Open

The EIC Pathfinder Open supports visionary research and innovation projects across all scientific and technological fields. Following a bottom-up approach, the programme funds novel technologies with disruptive potential without predefined thematic priorities.

• International consortia with at least two independent partners from different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries
• Funding of up to EUR 4 million per project
• Application deadline: 12 May 2026
• Total budget 2026: EUR 166 million 

EIC Pathfinder Challenges

The EIC Pathfinder Challenges support collaborative research projects addressing predefined strategic technology challenges.

The objective is to develop pioneering solutions for clearly defined scientific and technological challenges with high innovation and application potential.

• Funding of up to EUR 4 million per project
• Application deadline: 28 October 2026
• Total budget 2026: EUR 96 million 

EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026

1. Advanced Materials for Miniaturised Energy Harvesting Systems
Development of innovative materials and miniaturised energy harvesting technologies (including solar, thermoelectric and piezoelectric solutions) for self-powered sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) applications with improved efficiency and reduced dependence on critical raw materials.

2. Biotechnology for Healthy Ageing
Development of biotechnology and pharmaceutical approaches to better understand ageing processes and prevent, delay or reverse age-related diseases, including the development of biomarkers and innovative therapeutic approaches.

3. DeepRAP – Deep Reasoning, Abstraction & Planning towards Trustworthy Cognitive AI Systems
Development of trustworthy, explainable and robust artificial intelligence systems that go beyond conventional deep learning by integrating symbolic and neuro-symbolic AI approaches.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

The EIC Pathfinder supports research projects at a very early stage of technology development.

• Starting level: TRL 1–2 (basic research)
• Target level: TRL 3–4 (proof of principle) 

Benefits of the EIC Pathfinder

The EIC Pathfinder offers researchers and innovative companies a range of valuable opportunities:

• funding for visionary, high-risk research
• support for international and interdisciplinary collaboration
• access to EIC Programme Managers
• networking within the EIC Pathfinder Community
• eligibility for Booster Grants of up to EUR 50,000 to support the commercialisation of ongoing projects
• access to Business Acceleration Services (BAS), including coaching, mentoring and international networking 

BayFOR advisory services

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) supports universities, research organisations and companies in Bavaria throughout the EIC Pathfinder application process.

Our advisory services include:

• identifying the most suitable Pathfinder call (Open or Challenges)
• supporting the development of international and interdisciplinary consortia
• advising on proposal preparation, project structure and budgeting
• providing project management support where appropriate 

Contact BayFOR's EU funding experts to discuss your project idea.

More about the EIC Pathfinder on the web:

Website des EIC Pathfinder
EIC Data Hub
Funding & Tenders Portal der EU
Funding & Tenders Portal der EU Manual