EIC Pathfinder Open
European Innovation Council·European Union
Grants of up to EUR 4 million for early-stage, high-risk technology research, requiring a consortium of at least three independent legal entities; the 2026 round has closed.
What you get
“Grants of up to EUR 4 million or more if duly justified. Booster grants up to EUR 50,000.”
Can you apply
Consortia of at least three different independent legal entities: at least one entity established in an EU Member State, and at least two other independent entities established in different Member States or Associated Countries. Eligible countries: EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe. Single applicants are permitted for Pathfinder Challenges only.
When
Not open right now, and no next round has been announced.
Past rounds
- EIC Pathfinder Open 2026closed 12 May 2026
What European Innovation Council funds
The European Innovation Council is Horizon Europe's deep tech arm, funding everything from early-stage research consortia (Pathfinder) through proof-of-concept maturation (Transition) to grant-plus-equity scale-up finance for single startups and SMEs (Accelerator). Open to any field of technology, including AI and software.
Everything European Innovation Council funds →Details
Pathfinder Open funds research towards a radically new future technology in any field, with no predefined thematic priorities. Awardees can additionally access Booster grants of up to EUR 50,000. The overall 2026 budget for Pathfinder Open is EUR 166 million.