Dear Researchers,

European Innovation Council (EIC), Europe’s flagship innovation programme, funds breakthrough technologies and game changing innovations.

EIC Pathfinder Openhttps://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-pathfinder/eic-pathfinder-open_en supports the exploration and early-stage research and development (e.g. TRLs 1-4) of bold ideas for radically new technologies. It welcomes the high-risk/high gain and interdisciplinary cutting-edge science collaborations that underpin technological breakthroughs. The expected output is the proof of principle that the main ideas of the technology are feasible, thus validating its scientific and technological basis. Projects in any field of science, technology or application without predefined thematic priorities may apply.

Research and Project Services offer support for researchers who plan to apply for EIC Pathfinder Open call. While the official EIC Work Programme 2026 has not yet been published, the draft currently mentions the tentative deadline for the EIC Pathfinder Open 2026 call as 6th of May 2026. Please note that this deadline is not officially confirmed and may be subject to change.

The support consists of training, support in proposal writing (e.g. call analysis, impact and implementation, open science, DMP) and budgeting. Subject to the availability of funds, support for graphic design, and external consultancy may also be offered.

All researchers planning to submit a proposal for the EIC Pathfinder Open 2026 call can express their interest to be included in the support process by answering a short Webropol questionnairehttps://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/6037CB5C0A1826AF by 15th of January 2026.

Please see Patio news https://patio.oulu.fi/en/news/support-eic-pathfinder-open-2026-proposal-preparation for more information.

Best wishes,

Mirko

______________________________________________ Mirko Maksimainen, FT | PhD. Tutkimusrahoitusasiantuntija | Research Funding Specialist Tutkimus- ja Projektipalvelut | Research and Project Services Oulun yliopisto | University of Oulu Tel. +358 29 448 5414 Mobile +358 50 479 2506 ​