European Innovation Council Pathfinder Challenges
EIC Pathfinder Challenges
Status not published
Pathfinder Challenges 2026 deadline: 28 October 2026. Challenge topics change each year with the EIC Work Programme.
Same instrument as Pathfinder Open ('up to EUR 4 million or more if duly justified'), but proposals must address one of the pre-defined Challenge topics set in the annual EIC Work Programme. Unlike Pathfinder Open, single applicants are permitted. Booster grants of a fixed amount not exceeding EUR 50 000 are also available.
European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) / European Commission, under Horizon Europe
public · supranational
Deadline: annual_call — Pathfinder Challenges 2026 deadline: 28 October 2026. Challenge topics change each year with the EIC Work Programme.
Moderate — a form and supporting documents.
Who can apply
- Sectors: deeptech
- Stage: idea, pre_seed
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
Single applicants (including a single SME or startup) are permitted for Pathfinder Challenges only. Proposals must address a pre-defined Challenge topic. Challenge topics for 2026 are set out in the EIC Work Programme 2026 (published 17 June 2026).
How to apply
- Check the Challenge topics in the current EIC Work Programme and confirm your project fits one of them. — link
- Register on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and obtain a PIC. — link
- Submit a single-stage full proposal by the annual deadline; single applicants are allowed under Challenges. — link
What you will need
- Proposal Part A (administrative forms, budget)
- Proposal Part B (technical description addressing the specific Challenge)
Source. https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-pathfinder_en — checked 2026-08-14
"Single Applicants: Permitted for Pathfinder Challenges only ... Pathfinder Challenges: 28 October 2026"