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EIC Pathfinder

EIC Pathfinder Challenge: DeepRAP — Deep Reasoning, Abstraction and Planning towards trustworthy Cognitive AI

Supports cognitive AI development focused on trustworthy deep reasoning, abstraction, and planning capabilities.

OpenEuropean Innovation CouncilEUEU associated countries

Generative AI can recognise patterns and generate accurate outputs but frequently fails on complex reasoning, long-term planning, and logic tasks where provably correct solutions exist. This Challenge funds approaches that go beyond traditional deep learning and reinforcement learning — including neuro-symbolic combinations and entirely new frameworks inspired by neuroscience, biology, physics, ph

Significantly improve the Reasoning, Abstraction and Planning (RAP) capabilities of AI systems beyond current symbolic or connectionist paradigms. Proposals must address one or more of: (1) Deep Reasoning (causal inference, logical reasoning, context-aware decisions); (2) Deep Abstraction (generalising from limited data, internal world models, cross-domain transfer); (3) Deep Planning (adaptive, scalable planning in open-world or agentic environments). Neuro-symbolic approaches particularly encouraged. Must demonstrate at TRL 4 and align with the AI Act.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.28 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.20 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€32M

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: eic.ec.europa.eu