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.
EIC Pathfinder Open Call 2023
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: 7 March 2023
Subsidy: max. €3M
Total Budget available: €179.5M
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
Next to the EIC pathfinder Open Call, which is open to any type of technology and research area, are the 5 EIC Pathfinder Challenges that were released in 2023, and 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: 18 October 2023
Subsidy: max. €4M
Total Budget available: €163.5M
Titles of the 5 Challenges:
- Clean and efficient cooling
- Architecture, Engineering and Construction digitalisation for a novel triad of design, fabrication, and materials
- Precision nutrition
- Responsible electronics
- In-space solar energy harvesting for innovative space applications
EIC Pathfinder FAQs
When are the EIC Pathfinder deadlines in 2023 ?
EIC Pathfinder has separate deadlines for the open and challenge calls. In 2023, the deadline for the EIC Pathfinder Open call is 7 March 2023. The deadline for the EIC Pathfinder Challenge calls is 18 October 2023.
What is the budget for EIC Pathfinder?
The budget for EIC Pathfinder in 2023 is €343 million. This is divided between the EIC Pathfinder Open call (€179.5M) and Challenge calls (€163.5M).
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.
More information
For more information download our EIC Pathfinder 2023 Guide or visit the official EIC website.
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EIC Pathfinder: Further reading
European Innovation Council Programmes
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