EIC Pathfinder
The EIC Pathfinder is one of the instruments of the European Innovation Council Work Programme, part of Horizon Europe. The Pathfinder programme supports early stage development of high-risk / high gain technologies that can lead to scientific breakthroughs, and make a real difference in our lives. Then the EIC Pathfinder Open Call may be suitable for your project. The EIC Pathfinder in 2026 is divided over an Open Call for projects, and 3 Challenge Calls.
EIC Pathfinder Open Call 2026
EIC Pathfinder aims to support early-stage projects (TRL levels 1 to 4) that have the potential to create new markets and address global changes. With a high-risk/high gain approach, a consortium of minimum 3 partners from academia or industry can work together to develop an innovative technology that is based on science-towards-technology breakthrough research, up to the point of proof of principle. The results obtained from the research should lead to top publication, and, it is expected that following the Pathfinder, measures will be taken to ensure the continuation of the project, such as generating Intellectual Property.
Deadline: 12 May 2026
Subsidy: max. €4M
Total Budget available: Open €166M.
Consortium: a consortium of minimum 3 partners from academia or industry (including SMEs) established in at least 3 different EU Member State countries can work together.
EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026
Next to the EIC pathfinder Open Call, which is open to any type of technology and research area, are the 3 EIC Pathfinder Challenges with have a top-down approach based on a specific topic.
The information provided below is specific to the Challenges:
Consortium: a consortium of minimum 3 partners from academia or industry (including SMEs) established in at least 3 different EU Member State countries can work together. For specific challenges, other rules may apply. As such, a proposal could be submitted by single applicant or a small consortium with 2 partners.
Deadline: 28 October 2026
Subsidy: max. €4M
Total Budget available: €96M
Titles of the 3 Pathfinder Challenges:
- Advanced Materials for Miniaturised Energy Harvesting Systems
- Biotechnology for Healthy Ageing
- DeepRAP: Deep Reasoning, Abstraction & Planning towards trustworthy Cognitive AI Systems
EIC Pathfinder FAQs
When are the EIC Pathfinder deadlines in 2026?
EIC Pathfinder has separate deadlines for the open and challenge calls. In 2026, the deadline for the EIC Pathfinder Open call is 12 May 2026. The deadline for the EIC Pathfinder Challenge calls is 28 October 2026.
What is the budget for EIC Pathfinder?
The indicative budget for EIC Pathfinder in 2026 is €262 million, up from €256 million in 2025. This is divided between the EIC Pathfinder Open call (€166M) and Challenge calls (€96M).
How to write a proposal for EIC Pathfinder?
Your project should aim to realise proof-of-principle and validate the scientific basis of a science-towards-technology breakthrough. Contact us to discuss your project’s fit for the programme.
What is the subsidy for EIC Pathfinder?
The maximum subsidy for EIC Pathfinder depends on whether you are applying to an Open or Challenge call. For the Open call, the maximum is €3 million, for Challenges it is €4 million.
Who can apply for EIC Pathfinder?
A consortium of minimum 3 partners from academia or industry (including SMEs) established in at least 3 different EU Member State countries can work together.
What is the main objective of EIC pathfinder?
The overall objective of the EIC Pathfinder for advanced research is to develop the scientific basis to underpin breakthrough technologies. It provides support for the earliest stages of scientific, technological or deep-tech research and development.
Download our EIC Pathfinder guide!
For more information download our EIC Pathfinder Guide or visit the official EIC website.
Catalyze is an official EIC Partner!
Catalyze is an official, trusted EIC Partner. All EIC supported projects and companies get access to coaching, mentoring, partnering and other EIC Business Acceleration Services.
EIC Pathfinder: Further reading
European Innovation Council Programmes
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