EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026
Funds deep-tech research consortia with EIC Pathfinder grants up to €4 million.
EIC Pathfinder funds the earliest stage of deep-tech research, from TRL 1 to TRL 4, aimed at technology with a convincing long-term vision to disrupt a field or open up a new market. The programme runs two parallel funding streams with separate 2026 budgets: EIC Pathfinder Open, worth EUR 166 million, for any field of science or technology without a set theme, and EIC Pathfinder Challenges, worth …
EIC Pathfinder Challenges funds early-stage deep-tech research (TRL 1-4) that matches one of the EIC's predefined thematic challenge areas within Horizon Europe, alongside EIC Pathfinder Open, which funds any field of science, technology or application without a set theme. It targets projects with a convincing long-term vision for a radically new, high-risk/high-gain technology that could disrupt a field or create a new market.
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Guides for this application
All guides →Horizon Europe Grants for Startups: A Founder Guide
A practical guide to Horizon Europe grants for startups, including EIC, consortia, eligibility, Funding & Tenders, TRL, budgets, and EU strategy.
Start hereTRL Levels Explained for Deeptech Founders
Learn what TRL levels mean, how to estimate technology readiness, and how TRL affects grants, EIC Accelerator, SBIR/STTR, funding stage, and application evidence.
DocumentsProof-of-Concept Data for Grants: Evidence Examples for Deeptech Applications
See how to present proof-of-concept data in grant applications, with examples for evidence registers, test logs, pilot data, and prior project proof.
DocumentsLetter of Support for Grant Applications: Template and Examples
Learn how to write and request a letter of support for a grant, with template structure, examples, reviewer logic, and common mistakes.
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