EIC Pathfinder

The EIC Pathfinder aims to translate radically new technology concepts and cutting-edge research into breakthrough technologies in the long term. Pathfinder projects aim to demonstrate new and cutting-edge directions in science and technology to disrupt an existing market and create new opportunities through innovative technological solutions. Both open and challenge calls are planned for the 2025 work period.

EIC Work Programme 2025

EIC Pathfinder Open – Developing novel ideas

This funding instrument is aimed at interdisciplinary teams and consortia of scientists and innovative entrepreneurs with a long-term vision for breakthrough technologies. The funding supports basic research and the early development of novel technologies with the aim of achieving a ‘proof of principle’. This means validating the scientific basis of the technology, with projects typically starting at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 1 to 4. The expected result is proof that the targeted future technology is scientifically feasible. Project results should also be published in the form of open access publications.

Consortium requirements and interdisciplinary approach

An interdisciplinary approach is essential and therefore the involvement of SMEs as partners in the consortium is expected to ensure the potential commercialisation of the results. Individual projects are not possible in Pathfinder Open; a consortium must consist of at least three independent institutions from three different EU Member States or Associated Countries.

Funding in Pathfinder Open

• Amount of funding: Up to 3 million euros per project; higher project budgets may be requested in justified cases.
• Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs.
• Gatekeeper criteria for eligible projects:
• A compelling long-term vision for a radically new technology with a potentially transformative impact on society and the economy.
• A concrete and ambitious scientific breakthrough that paves the way from research to technology.
• A high-risk/high-gain research approach with plausible objectives and methods.

Additional funding instruments for Pathfinder projects

Projects funded under the EIC Pathfinder are also eligible for the following instruments:

• EIC Booster: Grants of up to €50,000 to carry out complementary activities to facilitate commercialisation.
• EIC Transition: Possibility to apply for EIC Transition under certain conditions.
• EIC Accelerator (Fast Track): Application for the EIC Accelerator to support market readiness.
• Next Generation Innovation Talents: Personnel costs for researchers participating in this programme are eligible for Pathfinder funding.

In addition, successful applicants will receive tailored access to Business Acceleration Services (BAS), including coaching, mentoring and matchmaking activities.

Pathfinder Open budget and deadlines

The total budget available for the Pathfinder Open 2025 call is 142 million euros. The maximum funding per project is 4 million euros. The deadline for applications is 21 May 2025.

Schedule

The timetable is for results to be delivered in five months, with approximately eight months elapsing between the deadline and the start of the project.

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EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2025

The Pathfinder Challenges 2025 focus on specific topics targeting high-risk/high-gain research. Projects under these Challenges are expected to develop innovative approaches that create new technologies and demonstrate a high level of scientific and technological complexity. Consortia must consist of at least two independent legal entities from two different Member States or Associated States. Individual applicants (excluding large enterprises) are also eligible.

The following challenges are foreseen for 2025:

Biotech for Climate Resilient Crops and Plant-Based Biomanufacturing: 

This challenge supports projects aimed at developing climate-resilient crops and alternative production methods for nutrient-rich and sustainable food. The goal is to enhance plant resilience to climate stress through innovative technologies and to create more efficient and biodiversity-friendly production of plant-based ingredients.

Generative-AI based Agents to Revolutionize Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer: 

This challenge aims to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment by leveraging generative AI and multimodal data technologies. Projects will develop novel AI-driven tools to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment personalization, focusing on specific cancer types.

Towards autonomous robot collectives delivering collaborative tasks in dynamic unstructured construction environments: 

This challenge focuses on autonomous, collaborative robotic systems capable of performing construction tasks in dynamic and unstructured environments. The goal is to develop innovative technologies integrating robotics, material design, and digital construction processes to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the construction industry.

Waste-to-value devices: Circular production of renewable fuels, chemicals and materials: 

This challenge supports projects converting hard-to-recycle waste into valuable resources. The focus is on sustainable, energy-efficient technologies that transform problematic waste streams such as plastics or brines into chemicals, fuels, and materials while minimizing environmental impacts.

Each challenge has a specific budget of 30 million euros and supports projects that develop transformative technologies and processes within their respective topics.

Pathfinder project application procedure

• Scope of application: Maximum of 20 A4 pages for Pathfinder Open and 30 pages for Pathfinder Challenges.
• Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated according to the criteria ‘Excellence’ (60%), ‘Impact’ (20%) and ‘Quality and Efficiency of Implementation’ (20%).
• Procedure: One-stage procedure with portfolio considerations in the second evaluation phase for the challenges.

Budget and deadlines for the Pathfinder Challenges

• 29 October 2025 for the following challenges:
  • Biotech for Climate Resilient Crops and Plant-Based Biomanufacturing
  • Generative-AI based Agents to Revolutionize Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer
  • Towards autonomous robot collectives delivering collaborative tasks in dynamic unstructured construction environments
  • Waste-to-value devices: Circular production of renewable fuels, chemicals and materials

A total budget of 120 million euros is available for the challenges, to be distributed equally among the four thematic calls.

More about the EIC Pathfinder on the web:

Website des EIC Pathfinder
EIC Data Hub
Funding & Tenders Portal der EU
Funding & Tenders Portal der EU Manual

Do you have an idea for an EIC Pathfinder application? Contact BayFOR's Unit for SME advisory services: