EIC Pathfinder Open

The EIC Pathfinder is a funding programme under Horizon Europe that offers support to research teams by:

-funding research to develop the scientific basis to underpin breakthrough technologies,

-supporting the earliest stages of scientific, technological or deep-tech R&D

-aiming to build on new, cutting-edge directions in science and technology to disrupt a field and a market or create new opportunities,

-realising innovative technological solutions to identify, develop and scale up breakthrough technologies and disruptive innovations in Europe.

EIC Pathfinder Open involves interdisciplinary research and development. To create new products and open new areas of research, applicants must bring diverse areas of research together, often with different perspectives, terminologies and methodologies, within individual projects and within a portfolio of projects.

Objectives

The primary goal of EIC Pathfinder Open projects is to demonstrate the feasibility of the core concepts behind a proposed future technology, thereby establishing a solid scientific and technological foundation. The expected outcomes should include high-quality scientific publications, ideally in open access journals. While these projects are not required to immediately address or achieve broader impacts—such as creating new markets, enhancing quality of life, or solving global challenges—they should nonetheless present a compelling vision for their potential future impact.

Additionally, projects are expected to take steps to ensure their findings can be further developed and adopted in the future. This includes securing appropriate intellectual property rights and considering regulatory, certification, and standardization requirements. These preparatory actions will facilitate the transition of project results from foundational research to practical applications and market readiness.

Budget

The total indicative budget for the EIC Pathfinder Open is €136 million. Winners will receive a grant for a Research and Innovation Action to cover the eligible costs, necessary for the implementation of their project. 

For the EIC Pathfinder Open, the EIC considers proposals with a requested EU contribution of up to €3 million as appropriate. Nonetheless, this does not preclude applicants to request larger amounts if duly justified. The funding rate of this grant will be 100% of the eligible costs. In addition to funding, successful applicants will receive tailor-made access to a wide range of Business Acceleration Services