EIC 2026 Pathfinder Open

The EIC Pathfinder Open supports early-stage development of future technologies based on high-risk/high-gain deep-tech research. The objective is to develop the scientific basis for breakthrough technologies with transformative potential to create new markets or address global challenges. Projects should prove the feasibility of visionary ideas through interdisciplinary collaborative research, aiming to reach a proof of principle. Pathfinder Open is open to any field of science or technology without predefined thematic priorities, focusing on disruptive, ambitious, and novel approaches. Proposals are collaborative and must involve at least three independent legal entities from at least three different eligible countries.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, NGO, Government organization, Private person, Other
Start date	5 Feb 2026
End date	12 May 2026
Max funding	Between €1,000,000 and €4,000,000 per project
Budget	€166,039,670 for 2026
Coverage	Funding covers eligible direct costs plus a flat-rate for indirect costs, as detailed in the Lump Sum Model Grant Agreement under Horizon Europe.

Grant application conditions

Consortium Composition	Minimum three legal entities, independent from each other, each established in a different eligible country (at least one in an EU Member State, and at least two in different Member States or Associated Countries).
Admissibility	Proposals must be submitted by a coordinator on behalf of the consortium. Maximum 22 A4 pages for sections 1–3 of Part B of the proposal. Excess pages will not be considered.
Eligible Applicants	Universities, research organisations, SMEs, startups, industrial partners, or natural persons.
Eligible Countries	EU Member States and Associated Countries as detailed in the Work Programme annexes. Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may be eligible with specific provisions.
Research Scope	Projects must target low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1–4) and provide a high-risk/high-gain research approach.
Gender Equality	Applicants are encouraged to ensure gender balance among work package leaders and empower female researchers.
Intellectual Property and Future Exploitation	Adequate IP protection, a plan for future exploitation, and assessment of regulation, certification, and standardisation are required.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-EIC-2026-PATHFINDEROPEN

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements