EIC Grant Funding
Funding programmes under the European Innovation Council.
EIC Pathfinder
The EIC Pathfinder is a funding programme under the European Innovation Council (EIC) that supports visionary research aimed at developing breakthrough technologies in deep tech. It targets early-stage research (Technology Readiness Levels 1 to 4) with potential for significant market and societal impact.
The Programme offers two funding streams:
Pathfinder Open
Supports projects in any field of science, technology, or application without predefined thematic priorities. Grants of up to €3 million are available.
Pathfinder Challenges
Focuses on predefined thematic areas with specific objectives. Grants of up to €4 million are available.
Eligible applicants include consortia of at least three independent legal entities from different EU Member States or Associated Countries for Pathfinder Open, and single applicants or smaller consortia (minimum two partners) for Pathfinder Challenges.
In addition to financial support, beneficiaries gain access to tailor-made Business Acceleration Services, including coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
For more information and to apply, visit the official EIC Pathfinder page here.
EIC Transition Action
The EIC Transition is a funding programme under the European Innovation Council (EIC) that supports the maturation and validation of novel technologies from the lab to relevant application environments.
It offers grants up to €2.5 million, with additional booster grants up to €50,000, to help innovators validate their technology and develop a business case for commercialization. Eligible applicants include single entities (such as SMEs, spin-offs, start-ups, research organisations, and universities) or small consortia (2 to 5 entities) from EU Member States or Associated Countries.
The programme is open to proposals in any field of science, technology, or application.
In addition to financial support, beneficiaries gain access to tailor-made Business Acceleration Services, including coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
For more information and to apply, visit the official EIC Transition Action page here.
EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator is a flagship funding programme under the European Innovation Council (EIC), designed to support start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing and scaling up groundbreaking innovations with the potential to disrupt or create new markets.
It offers a combination of non-dilutive grant funding up to €2.5 million for innovation activities (Technology Readiness Levels 6 to 8) and equity investments ranging from €0.5 million to €10 million through the EIC Fund, with higher amounts available under the STEP Scale-up scheme.
The programme is open to single start-ups and SMEs, individuals intending to launch an SME, and small mid-cap companies (up to 499 employees) seeking investment-only support. Applicants from EU Member States and countries associated with the Horizon Europe programme are eligible, while UK-based applicants can apply for the “grant only” scheme.
In addition to financial support, beneficiaries gain access to Business Acceleration Services, including coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities with global partners and investors.
The application process involves three steps: submission of a short proposal, a full proposal, and a face-to-face interview with the EIC Jury.
For more information and to apply, visit the official EIC Accelerator page here.
