European Commission logo
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

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Sign up free to see how to apply

Sign up free to see what you submit

Sign up free to see how they score you

Sign up free to see the timeline

Sign up free to see where teams trip up

Guides for this application

All guides →

More from European Commission

All grants from this funder →
European Commission logo
Open

Coordination for Cross-Sector Nuclear Technologies

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds coordination of European nuclear research platforms across energy, medicine, space, maritime uses and radiation protection.

Energy TechMedtech+2
€500KSep'26
European Commission logo
Open

Euratom Radiation Protection Partnership (PIANOFORTE)

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds PIANOFORTE’s 2026-27 continuation, an EU radiation-safety research partnership — only for its current members and any partner who joins them.

MedtechBiotech
€15MSep'26
European Commission logo
Open

European Stable Isotopes for Nuclear Medicine

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds industrial production of stable isotopes needed for radionuclide therapies and a more resilient European medical supply chain.

Medtech
€2MSep'26
European Commission logo
Open

Horizon Batteries: EV Recycling Pilot with India

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds a €9.4M lithium-ion battery recycling pilot line in India, matched to a separately funded Indian project on the same schedule.

Energy TechAdvanced Materials+2
€9.4MSep'26
European Commission logo
Open

Horizon Batteries: Sustainable Electrode Materials

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds four €7.1M projects that make battery electrode materials cleaner to produce — via greener refining or plant-based sourcing instead of mined graphite.

Energy TechAdvanced Materials+2
€7.1MSep'26
European Commission logo
Open

Horizon Buildings: Whole Life Carbon Data Platforms

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds three €5.25M projects that plug embodied and operational carbon data into building certificates, passports and BIM tools.

Built EnvironmentAI
€5.3MSep'26