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European Commission

EIC Pathfinder Open 2026

Funds interdisciplinary research consortia pursuing high-risk, high-gain early-stage deep-tech breakthroughs with EU contributions of EUR 1 million to 4 million.

ClosedEuropean CommissionEU

A consortium of at least three independent legal entities across different countries (at least one in an EU Member State, plus two more in different Member States or Associated Countries) submits a proposal capped at 22 A4 pages, assessed on Excellence, Impact, and Quality/Efficiency of Implementation. Projects are expected to deliver a proof of principle and open-access publications, protect the …

EIC Pathfinder Open backs early-stage deep-tech research (TRL 1-4) in any field of science, technology or application, with no predefined theme, aimed at proving the scientific basis for a radically new technology. It looks for a convincing long-term vision, a concrete and novel science-toward-technology breakthrough, and a high-risk, high-gain approach — not incremental or already-proven work.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
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.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€166.0M

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