Path Finder Downloading: Unlocking Radical New Technologies

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder programme is a pioneering initiative that supports high-risk, high-gain research and innovation projects with the potential to revolutionize various fields. With a total indicative budget of EUR 163.5 million for this call, the EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024 offer a unique opportunity for visionary scientists and entrepreneurial researchers to explore bold ideas for radically new technologies.

The Programme Managers at the EIC proactively manage EIC portfolios, allocating funds across various challenges that have the potential to transform industries and society as a whole. For instance, the in-space solar energy harvesting challenge and the architecture, engineering, and construction digitalisation challenge are two areas where innovative projects can receive funding.

One of the key features of the EIC Pathfinder programme is its focus on interdisciplinary research collaborations. Projects typically involve consortia of researchers and other partners from at least three different countries, although there are also opportunities for individual teams or small consortia with two partners. The programme welcomes applicants who are willing to take a risk and push the boundaries of what is currently known.

The EIC Pathfinder Open 2024 provides funding for projects in any field of science or technology, as long as they meet the high-risk/high-gain criteria. This means that innovative ideas that have the potential to lead to technological breakthroughs can receive support, regardless of their specific application area. The programme also offers additional funding for testing the innovation potential of research outputs.

To be eligible for EIC Pathfinder funding, applicants typically need to be visionary scientists and entrepreneurial researchers from universities, research organizations, start-ups, high-tech SMEs, or industrial stakeholders interested in technological research and innovation. The programme is designed to support early-stage development of future technologies, with grants of up to EUR 3-4 million available for projects that have the potential to lead to breakthrough innovations.

By participating in EIC Pathfinder projects, researchers can expect to work on cutting-edge science collaborations that underpin technological breakthroughs. The programme provides a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to explore bold ideas and push the boundaries of what is currently possible.

The application deadline for EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024 is October 16, 2024, while the application deadline for EIC Pathfinder Open 2024 is March 7, 2024. For more information on the programme and its funding opportunities, please consult the EIC Work Programme 2024 and visit the Funding & Tenders portal.

Path Finder downloading