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European Innovation Council EIC Pathfinder

European Innovation Council · EU Member States and countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme
Grant Status not confirmed

EIC Pathfinder Open: 12 May 2026. EIC Pathfinder Challenges: 28 October 2026.

EIC Pathfinder is a Horizon Europe funding programme that supports research teams taking forward breakthrough deep tech projects at the earliest stages (TRL 1-4). It offers grants of up to EUR 4 million, booster grants, coaching, mentoring and networking. It is open to research teams, including consortia or, for Pathfinder Challenges only, single applicants.

Programme terms

Amount
Grants of up to EUR 4 million, booster grants (EUR 50 000)
Funding type
Grant
Stages
Idea
Industries
Science & Research, AI & Machine Learning, Hardware / IoT, HealthTech, CleanTech / Climate
Regions
Europe
Applications
Rolling intake
Who can apply
Research teams. Consortia of at least 3 different independent legal entities established in different countries, or single applicants (Pathfinder Challenges only). Consortia must come from EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe.
Residency requirements
At least one legal entity established in a Member State, and at least two other independent legal entities, each established in different Member States or Associated Countries.
Apply on the programme's site
What happens when you click: The button goes to the organiser's site, where the form lives. Copy the questions and come back: the assistant answers them from your project.
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Applications here run year-round. We'll write when that changes: closed between cohorts, or open again.

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Data checked: October 29, 2026. Organisers change their terms. Check their site before you apply.

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Science & ResearchAI & Machine LearningHardware / IoTHealthTechCleanTech / ClimateIdeaEuropeGrant

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