Discovery tool, not advice. Every figure is the published rule, not a decision on your case.

Grants

European Innovation Council Pathfinder

EIC Pathfinder

Status

Open continuously

No deadline — apply whenever you are ready.

Always open

Amount

€4,000,000

Research and innovation grants for breakthrough research from laboratory to prototype. Pathfinder Open awards are typically up to EUR 3 million; Pathfinder Challenges up to EUR 4 million. Funding is at 100% of eligible costs.

Funder

European Innovation Council (European Commission / EISMEA)

public · supranational

Deadline: One call a year — Pathfinder Open normally has one cut-off per year (historically in spring) and Pathfinder Challenges one in the autumn. Check the EIC funding opportunities page for the current dates.

Your odds

2.1%

Derived from official counts, 2025.

Source

Effort

quick

Quick — mostly identity and bank details.

Who can apply

Sectors: deeptech, ai, health, climate, space
Stage: idea stage and pre-seed
R&D activity required
Locally registered entity required

Pathfinder Open requires a consortium of at least three partners from three countries; single applicants (including startups and research organisations) are allowed in some configurations. TRL 1-4.

Apply on the funder's site

Source. https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-pathfinder_en

"up to EUR 4 million or more if duly justified ... at least three different independent legal entities ... At least one legal entity established in a Member State ... At least two other independent legal entities, each established in different Member States or Associated Countries"

Verified on 14 August 2026

Source: eic.ec.europa.eu

Similar programmes

European Innovation Council Accelerator

Closes in 36 days

European Innovation Council (European Commission / EISMEA)

EIC Accelerator Challenges (thematic calls)

Closes in 36 days

European Innovation Council (EISMEA) / European Commission