The EIC’s Pathfinder program offers a great opportunity to develop breakthrough technologies with partners at an early stage. After successful completion, follow-up programs such as EIC Transition or EIC Accelerator can then be used for commercialization. There are two formats: Pathfinder Open is open to all technologies. Pathfinder Challenge describes specific challenges for which solution proposals can be submitted.

  • Maximum grant per company: Pathfinder Open: up to 3 million euros per project of a consortium of at least 3 partners. Pathfinder Challenge: up to 4 million euros for projects with one or more applicants

  • Flat rate: 25 % on personnel costs

  • Subsidy: 100 %

  • Funding provider: EU -> EIC – European Innovation Council

  • Program budget: approx. 400 million euros

  • Funding topics: Pathfinder Open is open to all technologies. Pathfinder Challenge describes specific challenges for which solution proposals can be submitted.

  • Eligible to apply: Research institutions, SMEs and large companies

  • Formats: In-house (for Pathfinder Challenge) and consortia of at least 3 partners from three EU countries

  • Application: Single-stage

  • Requirements: Only suitable for top concepts and top companies with a radical vision, groundbreaking technological goals, ambitious interdisciplinary research.

  • Difficulty level: Difficult