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The EIC Pathfinder remains one of Europe’s most forward-looking funding programmes, supporting radically new directions in science and technology. Under the EIC Work Programme 2026, Pathfinder backs high-risk, high-gain research that lays the groundwork for breakthrough innovations with the potential to establish new markets and transform society.
Pathfinder is designed for early-stage, deep tech R&D at TRL 1 to 4, where scientific ambition, originality and transformative potential are essential.
The programme funds foundational research aimed at:
• Developing the scientific basis for future breakthrough technologies
• Exploring novel concepts with disruptive potential
• Unlocking unexpected technological directions
• Building paths toward radically new markets and applications
Project activities may include foundational scientific research, experimental exploration, cross-disciplinary approaches, and novel methodologies that challenge conventional thinking.
Funding Available
Pathfinder offers two types of support:
Main Grants
• Up to €4 million per project (larger budgets possible if strongly justified)
• Funding for scientific and technology exploration activities at low TRL levels
Booster Grants
• Fixed €50,000 grants
• For teams that already hold an EIC Pathfinder or ERC Proof of Concept grant
• Enable testing of commercialisation potential or complementary work
Who Can Apply?
Pathfinder Open
Open to proposals in any field of science or technology.
Applicants must be:
• Consortia of at least three independent legal entities,
• Established in at least three different countries,
• With at least one organisation based in an EU Member State.
Pathfinder Challenges
For predefined thematic priorities.
Applicants can be:
• Single legal entities (universities, RTOs, SMEs)
• Consortia of any size, including two-partner collaborations
• Established in EU Member States or associated countries
UK-based organisations may participate as long as UK association to Horizon Europe remains active or via other permitted routes at the time of submission.
Deadlines for 2026
• Pathfinder Open: 12 May 2026
• Pathfinder Challenges: 28 October 2026
Applications must be submitted through the Funding and Tenders Portal before 17:00 Brussels time on the respective deadline.
How Inventya Can Help
Inventya supports universities, research organisations and deep tech innovators in shaping competitive Pathfinder proposals. Our support typically includes:
• Vision Development: Helping articulate the long-term transformative potential of your technology.
• Consortium Building: Identifying strong partners from across Europe to strengthen scientific and strategic alignment.
• Proposal Writing: Structuring and crafting persuasive narratives for breakthrough science, methodology and expected outcomes.
• Work Plan Design: Defining realistic, high-quality research activities and milestones.
• Impact and Portfolio Alignment: Ensuring your proposal fits Pathfinder expectations, challenge themes and EU strategic priorities.
• Commercialisation Pathways: Adding clarity on future market potential and alignment with Europe’s long-term innovation roadmap.
• Administrative and Compliance Support: Ensuring all Horizon Europe rules, sections and forms are completed correctly.
With Inventya, your Pathfinder application reflects both scientific excellence and strategic focus, giving your project the strongest possible foundation for success.
