EIC Pathfinder
Description
EIC Pathfinder, under the Horizon Europe framework, funds innovative and breakthrough project ideas via the European Innovation Council (EIC).
In the Pathfinder programme, funding can be given to consortia or to single applications for certain challenges, supporting the process from early concept/technology to prototype/technology validated in the lab. Pathfinder Open supports innovations in any field of technology or application, whereas Pathfinder Challenges supports proposals within a predefined thematic area that address specific objectives. Pathfinder funds project ideas with potential to create new markets and/or to address global challenges, building on scientific discoveries or technological breakthroughs where significant funding is needed over a long timeframe before returns can be generated.
See the current challenges for the EIC Pathfinder here.
Eligibility
- The EIC Pathfinder is open to any legal entity, including research organizations, universities, SMEs, large companies, and individual researchers, from EU member states or associated countries.
- Proposals must typically involve a consortium of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different EU member state or associated country. However, single applicants or smaller consortia may be eligible under specific conditions, especially for specific funding schemes like the EIC Pathfinder Open.
- Projects should aim at progressing research from early-stage exploration (typically TRL 1-3) to more advanced stages, moving towards proof of concept and beyond.
- Proposals must demonstrate a clear potential for creating new markets or transforming existing ones, contributing to major scientific, technological, societal, or economic impacts.
Requirements
Step 1: Ground-breaking innovation
The EIC Pathfinder only funds the most cutting-edge projects. To have a good chance of success, you must have a truely innovative and ground-breaking concept
Step 2: Form your consortium
Candidates must apply in consortia with participants from minimum 3 different EU Member States or Associated States, but certain Pathfinder Challenges accept single applicants.
Step 3: Write a winning proposal
Proposals typically include a concise summary of up to 20 pages, detailing the project's innovative approach, potential impact, and feasibility. The scoring criteria emphasize excellence (60%), impact (20%), and quality and efficiency of implementation (20%), ensuring that only the most promising and well-structured proposals are selected for funding.
Do you need help?
If you need help validating your match or preparing your application, contact us for assistance.
For more detailed information and latest updates, see the official programme website.