European funding · EIC Pathfinder
Up to €4m for research that could create a new market.
For research teams working on radically new technology, from early science to proof of concept.
Overview
What EIC Pathfinder is
EIC Pathfinder funds high-risk, high-gain research that builds the scientific basis for future breakthrough technologies. Pathfinder Open accepts projects in any field (€166 million in 2026), while Pathfinder Challenges target themes set by EIC Programme Managers (€96 million in 2026). Interest is huge: more than 2,100 proposals were submitted to Pathfinder Open in 2026.
A good fit if…
- You have a long-term vision of a radically new technology, not an improvement of an existing one
- Your project targets a concrete, novel step from science towards technology
- You work with partners in other European countries, or a Challenge accepts your set-up
- You accept high risk in exchange for a potentially transformative result
Not the right fit yet if…
- You already have a working prototype: look at EIC Transition or the Accelerator
- You need funding for sales, marketing or market entry
- You have no partners abroad and your topic is not covered by a Challenge
MBA view
Treat Pathfinder as the first step of an EIC journey
Pathfinder results can later qualify for EIC Transition, and Pathfinder projects can use the Fast Track to go straight to the full-proposal stage of the EIC Accelerator. Research institutions from widening countries can also join ongoing projects through the Hop On facility. The 2027 calls will be presented at the EIC online information day on 19 November 2026, so now is the time to line up your consortium.
DueDiligence.Management
A professional opinion before you apply
Consortium logic, budget and impact story reviewed before you commit months to writing.
Members’ guide
The full EIC Pathfinder guide is for Founder Members
- Consortium and document checklist
- Step-by-step process from idea to grant agreement
- What evaluators focus on and why proposals fail
- A readiness self-check for the 2027 calls
- Official call pages, strategic plans and support links
Keep exploring
Other European funding programmes
Source: European Innovation Council – EIC Pathfinder. Summarised in our own words; information checked on 28 October 2026. Always confirm rules and dates on the official call page before applying. Monaco Business Angels and DueDiligence.Management are independent and are not affiliated with the European Commission.