Call window open EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026 — grants for deep-tech research (Horizon Europe)
The European Innovation Council provides up to 4 million euro per project (100% of eligible costs) for high-risk research on three themes: energy harvesting, healthy ageing and cognitive AI. The budget is 96 million euro. The deadline is 28 October 2026, 17:00.
- Who can apply
- Universities, research organisations, SMEs, start-ups and individuals from the Member States can apply…
- Total budget
- 96 million
- Funding amount
- Indicatively, up to 4 million
- Submission period
- 22 July 2026 – 28 October 2026, 17:00 (Brussels time)
Checked against official sources on · funder: European Commission – European Innovation Council · official source
The call window is open. The time left until the deadline decides whether we can still build your application in time, so call today.
Who can apply
Universities, research organisations, SMEs, start-ups and natural persons from EU member states or associated countries, including Romania, can apply. You can apply alone, as a single entity, or in a consortium. A consortium of two entities must have independent entities from two different member states or associated countries. A consortium of three or more entities needs at least three independent entities, each from a different country, of which at least one is from a member state. Mid-cap firms and large companies cannot apply on their own.
What it covers
- High-risk research that can lead to radically new technologies
- Developing the technology from TRL 2 to proof of concept or laboratory validation (TRL 3–4)
- Advanced materials for miniaturised energy-harvesting modules (miniaturised solar cells, thermoelectric generators, nanotribological or piezoelectric devices, electromagnetic wave harvesting), integrated into autonomous systems and tested at TRL 4
- Biotechnology or pharmaceutical interventions against age-related diseases, biomarker-based tools and new approach methodologies (NAMs) that can replace animal testing
- Trustworthy cognitive AI systems (reasoning, abstraction, planning), for example neuro-symbolic AI
- A work package dedicated to joint portfolio activities (recommended, of at least 10 person-months)
Apply in the current call window
- We analyse whether you qualify and under which programme exactly.
- We build the application: business plan, budget, supporting documents.
- We submit during the call window and follow the evaluation.
- We stay with you through the reimbursement file and final payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026?
Proposals must be submitted by 28 October 2026, 17:00 Brussels time, through the European Commission's Funding & Tenders portal. Submission has been open since 22 July 2026.
How much funding can you get for an EIC Pathfinder Challenges project?
The EIC considers an EU contribution of up to 4 million euro per project to be appropriate, but higher amounts can also be requested if justified. The funding covers 100% of eligible costs and is paid as a lump sum. The final amount is set at evaluation.
Can a single organisation from Romania apply without partners?
Yes. A university, research organisation, SME, start-up or natural person from Romania can apply alone. Mid-cap firms and large companies cannot apply on their own, only in a consortium.
What rules apply to a consortium under EIC Pathfinder Challenges?
A consortium of two entities must have independent entities from two different member states or associated countries. A consortium of three or more entities must have at least three independent entities, each from a different country, of which at least one is from an EU member state.
What are the three challenges for 2026?
The challenges are: advanced materials for miniaturised energy-harvesting systems; biotechnology for healthy ageing; and DeepRAP, that is reasoning, abstraction and planning for trustworthy cognitive AI systems. The total budget of 96 million euro is split roughly equally between them.
How are the funded projects selected?
The evaluation has two steps. First, experts score each proposal on excellence, impact and quality of implementation. Then the committee selects a coherent portfolio for each challenge from the proposals that pass the thresholds. The result is indicatively communicated within 5 months of the deadline.
How long does it take to prepare the application?
It depends on the complexity of the project and the documents you already have. The first step is the eligibility analysis, which tells you what needs to be prepared.
What happens if I do not qualify?
We tell you before any contract is signed, and if another suitable programme exists, we point you to it.
Next step
Apply in the current call window — EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026 — grants for deep-tech research (Horizon Europe)
Fill in the form and we will tell you whether you qualify. If you do not qualify under this programme, we will tell you which other one you could apply for — or that there is none, if that is the case.
or call us directly on 0755 167 167
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