Objectives

The overall objective of the EIC Pathfinder for advanced research is to develop the scientific basis to underpin breakthrough technologies. It provides support for the earliest stages of scientific, technological or deep tech research and development. Pathfinder projects aim to build on new, cutting-edge directions in science and technology to disrupt a field and a market or create new opportunities by realising innovative technological solutions through:

• ‘EIC Pathfinder Open’, open to support projects in any field of science, technology or application without predefined thematic priorities.
• ‘EIC Pathfinder Challenges’ to support coherent portfolios of projects within predefined thematic areas with the aim to achieve specific objectives for each Challenge.

The expected output is the proof of principle that the main ideas of the envisioned future technology are feasible, thus validating its scientific and technological basis, and results should include top-level scientific publications in open access. While future impact such as creating new markets, improving lives or providing solutions for global challenges is part of the rationale, these impacts are not expected to be achieved within the project; applicants are expected to take measures enabling future uptake, including adequate formal protection of generated IP, a plan for future exploitation, and assessment of relevant aspects related to regulation, certification and standardisation. The call is open for collaborative research with proposals submitted by a coordinator on behalf of a consortium including at least three legal entities.

Actions

This call covers the following topics:

HORIZON-EIC-2026-PATHFINDEROPEN-01: EIC Pathfinder Open