EIC Pathfinder

EIC Pathfinder Grant
Which projects qualify for funding?

EIC Pathfinder funding is awarded for the implementation of research projects characterized by a high degree of breakthrough potential, the ability to disrupt existing markets, and a significant socio-economic impact. The undertaking must involve high risk while simultaneously carrying the potential for high rewards. EIC Pathfinder provides support for research activities from TRL 1 to TRL 4.

basic research
(TRL 1)

At this stage, research consists of observing and describing basic phenomena and facts. This research is typically scientific research and serves the purpose of acquiring new knowledge in a particular field without specific and practical application.

industrial research
(TRL 2-4)

Research up to TRL 4 is oriented towards economic application and includes the creation of a first prototype with testing and verification in the laboratory of critical components of the technology to prove the validity of the concept (feasibility, practical applicability).

EIC Pathfinder Funding Who can apply?

In the EIC Pathfinder program, applications are primarily open to interdisciplinary science-and-industry consortia. International cooperation is a key factor in securing an EIC Pathfinder grant; therefore, participating entities must represent at least three different associated countries.

SME’s

SME's can apply on their own through Pathfinder Challenges.

International consortia

A consortium of at least three independent entities from at least 3 different associated countries, which can be all types of companies (SMEs, mid-caps and large), as well as scientific entities, universities.

Securing EIC Pathfinder Grant What costs are eligible for funding?

remuneration of the R&D team

subcontracting of R&D work

fixed assets as part of a prototype

purchase of laboratory equipment

research materials and raw materials

depreciation or costs of using WNIP

rental of laboratory space

delegation costs

indirect costs

EIC Pathfinder grant What is the project funding level?

In EIC Pathfinder, the funding intensity is 100%. A maximum of €3 million can be applied for (€4 million for EICP: Challenges).

EIC Pathfinder programme - Guide

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EIC Pathfinder 2026
Current calls for applications

You can follow the current competition schedules on the KPK (National Contact Point) websites.

FAQ.

How much funding is available in EIC Pathfinder?

Funding intensity is 100%. The maximum amount is EUR 3 million, and for projects under Pathfinder Challenges — EUR 4 million.

How does EIC Pathfinder differ from EIC Transition?

EIC Pathfinder finances very early research works (TRL 1–4) conducted by consortia, at 100% funding intensity. EIC Transition finances more advanced projects (TRL 4–5/6) carried out independently by SMEs and small consortia, at 100% funding intensity.

What costs qualify for funding in EIC Pathfinder?

Eligible costs include: salaries of the R&D team, subcontracting of research works, fixed assets being elements of the prototype, materials and raw materials for research, depreciation of apparatus and intangible assets, rental of laboratory space, travel costs and indirect costs.

Must the project have international character in EIC Pathfinder?

Yes, in the standard variant. The consortium must consist of at least 3 independent entities from at least 3 different countries associated with Horizon Europe. The exception is the Pathfinder Challenges variant, where SMEs can apply independently.

What is the required TRL at the start of an EIC Pathfinder project?

The program finances projects from TRL 1 (basic research — observation and description of phenomena) to TRL 4 (technology validation in the laboratory, confirmation of feasibility and possibility of practical application). This is the earliest stage among EIC programs.

Can research institutions apply in EIC Pathfinder?

Yes. The consortium in EIC Pathfinder may include research institutions and universities as full-fledged partners alongside enterprises. Interdisciplinary scientific-industrial consortia are the preferred form of application.

Where to track the call schedule of EIC Pathfinder?

Current schedules of EIC Pathfinder calls are available on the website of the National Contact Point (kpk.gov.pl) in the Horizon Europe program calls section.

What is EIC Pathfinder?

EIC Pathfinder is a European grant program under Horizon Europe financing early research works (TRL 1–4) with a high degree of breakthrough character and potential to disrupt current markets. The program supports ambitious, risky projects aimed at creating radically new technologies.

Who can apply for EIC Pathfinder funding?

Primarily interdisciplinary consortia composed of at least 3 independent entities from at least 3 different countries associated with the Horizon Europe program. The consortium may include all types of entities: SMEs, mid-caps, large companies as well as research institutions and universities. SMEs can apply independently only under the Pathfinder Challenges variant.

Which projects qualify for EIC Pathfinder?

Qualifying projects are research projects at TRL 1–4 characterized by a high level of breakthrough character and the possibility of disrupting current markets. The TRL 1 stage covers observation and description of basic phenomena, TRL 2–4 — first prototypes and verification of the concept in the laboratory.

Why
innology?

The R&D application process requires a rare combination of technical expertise, formal regulatory knowledge, and an understanding of evaluation logic. Errors often lead to rejection—rejection rates in the EIC Pathfinder exceed 90%.