EIC Pathfinder

European Innovation Council

Taking forward breakthrough deep tech projects with a high degree of scientific and technological ambition and risk (TRL 1-4).

What is this programme about?

EIC Pathfinder grant support projects to achieve a proof of principle and validate the scientific basis of breakthrough technologies (starting from early TRLs aiming at achieving TRL3 or 4)

Who can apply for a EIC Pathfinder?

There are two types of Pathfinder Grant.

Pathfinder Open: This is for collaborative projects. You must apply as a consortium of at least three partners from different EU Member States or Associated Countries, and your group must include at least one research organisation.

Pathfinder Challenges: This is more flexible. You can apply on your own or as part of a small consortium. Projects are often led by small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Key Facts

Who can apply

Pathfinder Challenges: This is more flexible. You can apply on your own or as part of a small consortium. Projects are often led by small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Funding calls

EIC Pathfinder Challenges for the year are described in the EIC Work Programme, or apply for EIC Pathfinder Open if your project doesn’t match the predefined topics.

Purpose

To identify, develop, and scale up early-stage scientific, technological, or deep-tech R&D.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

TRL1 – TRL4

Funding Amount

Up to €4 million / Booster grants up to €50k

Funding Rate

100%

Timeframe

3-6 months

Process

Online application via the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal.

What are the key topics or sectors covered?

Aimed at deep technology projects in the early development stage (TRL1-4), with a high degree of scientific and technological ambition and risk.

Projects can either be covered under pre-defined topics of the EIC Pathfinder Challenges (outlined in EIC Work Programme) or be in any field of technology for EIC Pathfinder Open.

Useful Resources

We have collated some useful resources if you are considering applying for the EIC Pathfinder:

European Innovation Council Overview

EIC work programme for 2026

Overview of EIC Pathfinder

EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026

Funding and Tenders Portal

Funded Projects Database

Our R&D Grant Writing Services

We have been writing R&D grants since 2009 with a market-leading success rate. Working on a part up-front, part success-fee basis, we share both the risk and reward with our clients.

Our proven approach:

Lead the entire process

Defining the project, sourcing partners, developing a budget, writing the grant application, developing the work plan, creating appendices, managing partners, submitting the application online, managing compliance, organising the kick-off meeting, financial reporting, technical reporting and project management.

Work collaboratively

If you are lacking expertise in a specific area of the grant application process, we can fill that gap. Perhaps you have deep technical knowledge, but would like support on the market elements. You might have the technical and commercial aspects in hand, but would like support in creating the project budget and work packages. We are flexible.

Improve a past submission

Grant funding is highly competitive. We can lead the process of improving past grant applications to get you over the line.

Expert Review

We spend a few days reviewing / commenting / editing your grant application to lift your score as high as possible.

Funding

EIC Pathfinder

European Innovation Council

What is this programme about?

Who can apply for a EIC Pathfinder?