The European Innovation Council (EIC) has launched Pathfinder Challenges 2025, one of the EU’s most ambitious initiatives to support innovation in Europe. Are you developing breakthrough new technologies to create new markets or address global challenges? You are invited to apply!
Why apply?
- Realise your research vision of a breakthrough technology with a transformative positive impact on society and the economy.
- Support in the early stages of development, TRL 1-4.
- Up to €4 million per project (or more with justification).
- Possibility to apply for EIC Booster Grant calls – up to 3 times €50.000 each during the lifetime of the project.
- Liaison with EIC programme managers and related projects.
Tender requirements:
- A breakthrough research approach with clearly defined expected results.
- Scientific publications in open access.
- Include measures to enable the continued use of technology.
- Recommended involving key players, empowering women researchers and achieving gender balance among WP leaders.
Who can apply?
Independent applicants from EU/Associated Countries OR consortia of two applicants from two different Member States or Associated Countries OR a consortium of three or more independent applicants: at least one established in a Member State and at least two established in different Member States or Associated Countries.
Applicants can be legal or natural persons.
Timeline:
The call opens on 28 July 2025.
Closing date: 29 October 2025, 17:00 CET.
Apply via the EU Funding & Tenders portal.
Themes announced 2025:
- Biotech for Climate Resilient Crops and Plant-Based Biomanufacturing
- Generative-AI based Agents to Revolutionize Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer
- Towards Autonomous Robot Collectives Delivering Collaborative Tasks in Dynamic Unstructured Construction Environments
- Waste-to-Value Devices: Circular Production of Renewable Fuels, Chemicals and Materials
The themes are selected on the basis of political and strategic priorities. Challenges are not repeated! If you have an idea for an existing challenge, now is the time to apply.
A free pre-screening of your registration is available:
- Application 60-30 calendar days before the submission deadline.
- Register at wideraexperts.eu.
Read more in the EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2025 guides
Don’t miss the EIC Pre-Accelerator call!
The European Innovation Council has launched the EIC Pre-Accelerator call, aimed at strengthening the innovation potential of companies in so-called “widening” countries, including Slovenia.
Objectives of the call:
- Support to early-stage deep-tech SMEs to improve market readiness (TRL 4-5/6),
- attracting private investment,
- access to accelerator schemes, including the EIC Accelerator.
The call offers:
- up to EUR 500 000 in grants (up to 70% funding),
- comprehensive business support, including access to training, advice and the BAS network,
- certificates of excellence (facilitating access to further funding mechanisms).
Closing date: 18 November 2025.
More information here: the EIC Pre-Accelerator.
