EIC Pathfinder

The Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder represents a significant opportunity for researchers and innovators to secure funding for groundbreaking projects. To maximize your chances of success, it’s crucial to meticulously prepare your proposal, ensuring it adheres to the provided structure and guidelines. This article delves into the details of the standard application form (Part B) and provides a comprehensive guide to crafting a compelling technical description for your project. Note: This article is for educational purposes only and no warranties are made regarding its accuracy. All rights belong to the original authors of the templates. Understanding the Proposal Template The proposal consists of two main parts: Part A: This part is generated by the IT system based on the information you enter through the submission system in the Funding & Tenders Portal. It includes administrative details about the project and the participating organizations. Part B: This is the narrative part of your proposal, where you detail the technical aspects of your project. Part B must be uploaded as a PDF and follows a specific template that addresses three core evaluation criteria: Excellence, Impact, and Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation. Section 1: Excellence The first section of Part B focuses on the Excellence of your proposal. Here, you must clearly articulate the visionary aspects of your project and its potential to push the boundaries of current technology and science. Long-term Vision: Describe your vision of the radically new technology towards which the project will contribute in the long term. Highlight the transformative potential of this technology. Science-towards-technology Breakthrough: Explain the science-towards-technology breakthrough that your project aims to achieve. Discuss the novelty and ambition of your approach compared to the current state-of-the-art, and describe how this breakthrough will contribute to the envisioned technology. Objectives: Outline the concrete objectives of your project, ensuring they are measurable, verifiable, and realistically achievable within the project’s duration. Detail the overall methodology and explain its suitability in addressing the scientific and technological uncertainties. Interdisciplinarity: Describe how your project integrates contributions from different scientific and technological disciplines. Explain the added value of this interdisciplinary approach in achieving your project’s goals. Section 2: Impact The second section addresses the Impact of your project. This section is crucial in demonstrating the broader significance of your research and its potential to drive innovation and societal change. Long-term Impact: Detail the potential transformative effects of your technology on the economy, environment, and society. Explain how your project will contribute to long-term positive changes. Innovation Potential: Highlight the potential of your project to generate disruptive innovations and create new markets. Describe the measures you will take to protect and exploit your project’s results. Communication and Dissemination: Provide a plan for how you will communicate and disseminate your project’s outcomes to stakeholders, the scientific community, and the public. Ensure these activities will maximize the project’s impact. Section 3: Quality and Efficiency of Implementation The final section covers the Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation. This part focuses on the practical aspects of how you will execute your project. Work Plan and Allocation of Resources: Present a detailed work plan, including work packages, tasks, and deliverables. Explain the allocation of resources and justify their adequacy and appropriateness. Quality of the Consortium: Describe the composition of your consortium, emphasizing the expertise and complementarity of the partners involved. Highlight previous successful collaborations and specify the roles of each participant. Tables and Annexes To support the narrative, several tables need to be included, detailing work packages, deliverables, milestones, critical risks, and staff efforts. Additionally, depending on the call, you may need to include annexes providing further information on specific aspects such as clinical trials, financial support to third parties, security issues, and ethical considerations. Formatting and Submission Instructions The proposal must adhere to specific formatting guidelines: Font and Spacing: Use Times New Roman (Windows), Times/Times New Roman (Apple), or Nimbus Roman No. 9 L (Linux) with a minimum font size of 11 points and standard character spacing. Page Size and Margins: The page size is A4 with at least 15 mm margins on all sides. Page Limit: The combined length of sections 1, 2, and 3 should not exceed 20 pages. Conclusion Preparing a successful proposal for the Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder Open call requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to the specified template. By clearly articulating the excellence, impact, and quality of your project, and ensuring all required tables and annexes are included, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing funding for your innovative research. For more detailed guidance, refer to the full proposal template and instructions provided in the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposal Template Part B: Technical Description TITLE OF THE PROPOSAL [This document is tagged. Do not delete the tags; they are needed for processing.] #@APP-FORM-HEEICPAOP@# 1. Excellence #@REL-EVA-RE@# 1.1 Long-term vision #@PRJ-OBJ-PO@# Describe your vision of the radically new technology, towards which the project would contribute in the long term. 1.2 Science-towards-technology breakthrough Describe in concrete terms the science-towards-technology breakthrough of the project. Discuss the novelty and ambition of the proposed breakthrough with respect to the state-of-the-art. Describe the contribution of the science-towards-technology breakthrough to the realization of the envisioned technology. 1.3 Objectives Describe the objectives of your proposed work. Explain how they are concrete, plausible, measurable, verifiable, and realistically achievable within the duration of the project. Describe the overall methodology, including the concepts, models, and assumptions that underpin your work. Explain its suitability to deal with the scientific and technological uncertainties and how it enables alternative directions and options. 1.4 Interdisciplinarity Describe the proposed interdisciplinary approach engaging contributions from different scientific and technological disciplines. Explain to what extent the combination of disciplines brings new scientific collaborations and how it contributes to the achievement of the proposed breakthrough. 2. Impact #@IMP-ACT-IA@# 2.1 Long-term impact Describe the potential transformative positive effects that the envisioned new technology would have on our economy, environment, and society. 2.2 Innovation potential Describe the envisioned new technology’s potential for generating disruptive innovations in the future and … Read more

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder is a flagship programme under the Horizon Europe framework, designed to support high-risk, high-reward research projects aimed at developing breakthrough technologies. Understanding the evaluation criteria for EIC Pathfinder proposals is crucial for applicants seeking funding. This article provides a detailed overview of the EIC Pathfinder evaluation criteria, offering insights into what evaluators look for in proposals and how applicants can align their projects to meet these expectations. Overview of the Evaluation Process The evaluation process for EIC Pathfinder proposals is rigorous and involves multiple stages. Proposals are assessed by independent expert evaluators based on three main criteria: Excellence, Impact, and Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation. Each criterion has specific sub-criteria that provide a structured framework for evaluation. Stages of Evaluation Individual Evaluation: Each proposal is first evaluated individually by at least four expert evaluators. Consensus Group: Evaluators discuss their individual assessments and reach a consensus on scores and comments. Panel Review: A panel of evaluators reviews the consensus reports and finalizes the rankings. Detailed Evaluation Criteria 1. Excellence The Excellence criterion assesses the scientific and technological quality of the proposal. It is the most heavily weighted criterion, reflecting the EIC Pathfinder’s focus on groundbreaking research. Sub-criteria: Long-term Vision: Key Question: How convincing is the vision of a radically new technology? Expectation: Proposals should articulate a clear and ambitious vision for a novel technology that can transform the economy and society. Science-towards-Technology Breakthrough: Key Question: How concrete, novel, and ambitious is the proposed breakthrough? Expectation: The proposed research should represent a significant advancement over current technologies, with the potential for a major scientific breakthrough. Objectives: Key Question: How concrete and plausible are the objectives? Expectation: Objectives should be clearly defined, achievable, and aligned with the overall vision. The research approach should be high-risk/high-gain. Interdisciplinarity: Key Question: How relevant is the interdisciplinary approach? Expectation: Proposals should demonstrate a well-integrated interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise from different fields to achieve the breakthrough. 2. Impact The Impact criterion evaluates the potential of the proposed technology to generate significant economic, societal, and environmental benefits. Sub-criteria: Long-term Impact: Key Question: How significant are the potential transformative effects? Expectation: The envisioned technology should have the potential to create new markets, improve quality of life, or address global challenges. Innovation Potential: Key Question: To what extent does the technology have potential for disruptive innovations? Expectation: Proposals should outline a clear pathway to innovation, including measures for intellectual property protection and exploitation. Communication and Dissemination: Key Question: How suitable are the measures to maximize expected outcomes and impacts? Expectation: Proposals should include a robust plan for disseminating results and raising awareness about the project’s potential. 3. Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation This criterion assesses the feasibility of the project plan and the ability of the consortium to deliver the proposed research. Sub-criteria: Work Plan: Key Question: How coherent and effective are the work plan and risk mitigation measures? Expectation: The work plan should be detailed and well-structured, with clearly defined tasks, deliverables, milestones, and timelines. Risk management strategies should be in place. Allocation of Resources: Key Question: How appropriate and effective is the allocation of resources? Expectation: Resources, including budget and personnel, should be appropriately allocated to ensure the project’s success. Quality of the Consortium: Key Question: To what extent does the consortium have the necessary capacity and expertise? Expectation: The consortium should consist of high-quality, complementary partners with proven expertise and capabilities to carry out the proposed research. Scoring and Thresholds Each sub-criterion is scored on a scale from 0 to 5: 0: The proposal fails to address the criterion or cannot be assessed due to missing or incomplete information. 1 (Poor): The criterion is inadequately addressed, or there are serious inherent weaknesses. 2 (Fair): The proposal broadly addresses the criterion, but there are significant weaknesses. 3 (Good): The proposal addresses the criterion well, but there are a number of shortcomings. 4 (Very Good): The proposal addresses the criterion very well, but a small number of shortcomings are present. 5 (Excellent): The proposal successfully addresses all relevant aspects of the criterion. Any shortcomings are minor. Thresholds Excellence: Minimum threshold of 4/5 Impact: Minimum threshold of 3.5/5 Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation: Minimum threshold of 3/5 Proposals must meet or exceed these thresholds to be considered for funding. Tips for Applicants Clarity and Vision: Clearly articulate your long-term vision and how your project represents a significant advancement in technology. Interdisciplinary Approach: Highlight the interdisciplinary nature of your consortium and how it enhances the project. Impact Pathway: Provide a detailed impact pathway, including plans for intellectual property protection, exploitation, and dissemination. Detailed Work Plan: Ensure your work plan is detailed, with clear tasks, deliverables, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies. Resource Allocation: Justify the allocation of resources and demonstrate that your consortium has the necessary expertise and capacity. Conclusion The EIC Pathfinder’s evaluation criteria are designed to identify projects with the highest potential for groundbreaking innovation and significant impact. By understanding and aligning with these criteria, applicants can enhance their proposals and increase their chances of securing funding. The EIC Pathfinder offers a unique opportunity to transform visionary ideas into reality, driving scientific and technological progress for the benefit of society.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder is a key initiative under the Horizon Europe programme, designed to support high-risk, high-gain research aimed at developing groundbreaking technologies. A critical aspect of the EIC Pathfinder is the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework, which provides a systematic metric to assess the maturity of a particular technology. This article delves into the TRL requirements and expectations for projects under the EIC Pathfinder, providing a comprehensive guide for applicants. What is TRL? Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a scale from 1 to 9 used to measure the maturity of a technology. Originally developed by NASA, this scale is now widely adopted by organizations, including the European Commission, to evaluate the development stages of technological innovations. Here’s a brief overview of the TRL scale: TRL 1: Basic principles observed TRL 2: Technology concept formulated TRL 3: Experimental proof of concept TRL 4: Technology validated in lab TRL 5: Technology validated in relevant environment TRL 6: Technology demonstrated in relevant environment TRL 7: System prototype demonstration in operational environment TRL 8: System complete and qualified TRL 9: Actual system proven in operational environment TRL Requirements for EIC Pathfinder The EIC Pathfinder focuses primarily on the early stages of technology development, typically ranging from TRL 1 to TRL 4. The EIC Pathfinder focuses on supporting early-stage development of groundbreaking technologies, with projects typically starting at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 to 2, where basic principles are observed and technology concepts are formulated. The expected end TRL for Pathfinder projects is generally between TRL 3 and TRL 4. At TRL 3, projects achieve experimental proof of concept, demonstrating initial feasibility through laboratory experiments. By TRL 4, the technology is validated in a lab environment, showcasing the ability to perform as expected under controlled conditions. This progression aims to establish a solid scientific and technical foundation for future advancements and potential commercialization. The expectations at each TRL stage under the Pathfinder are as follows: TRL 1: Basic Principles Observed At this initial stage, the basic principles of a novel technology are observed. Research is primarily theoretical, focusing on the foundational scientific principles that could underpin future technological applications. Expectation: Clear articulation of the basic principles observed. Publications in scientific journals or presentations at conferences are common outputs. TRL 2: Technology Concept Formulated At TRL 2, the focus shifts to defining the technology concept. This involves hypothesizing potential applications based on the observed principles and identifying the necessary scientific and technical knowledge required to proceed. Expectation: Formulation of a clear and plausible technology concept. Detailed theoretical models and initial feasibility studies are expected. TRL 3: Experimental Proof of Concept TRL 3 involves experimental validation of the technology concept. Initial experiments and laboratory studies are conducted to demonstrate that the concept is feasible. Expectation: Experimental data showing proof of concept. Demonstration that the theoretical models work under controlled conditions. TRL 4: Technology Validated in Lab At this stage, the technology undergoes more rigorous testing in a laboratory environment. The aim is to validate the technology’s functionality and performance against expected outcomes. Expectation: Experimental validation results. Development of prototypes or models that demonstrate the technology’s capability in a lab setting. Expectations from EIC Pathfinder Projects Projects funded under the EIC Pathfinder are expected to push the boundaries of current knowledge and technology. Here’s a breakdown of the expectations for projects at each TRL stage: Early-Stage Research (TRL 1-2) Innovation: Projects should propose innovative and original ideas that challenge existing paradigms and have the potential to lead to major scientific and technological breakthroughs. Scientific Excellence: High-quality, rigorous research is essential. Projects should aim to publish in top-tier scientific journals and present at leading conferences. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: EIC Pathfinder encourages collaboration across diverse scientific disciplines to foster new perspectives and approaches. Proof of Concept (TRL 3) Feasibility: Projects should aim to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology concept through experimental proof of concept. This involves developing and testing initial prototypes or models. Documentation: Detailed documentation of experimental procedures and results is crucial. This includes data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Intellectual Property: Consideration of intellectual property (IP) protection strategies. Projects should explore patenting or other forms of IP protection where applicable. Validation in Laboratory (TRL 4) Rigorous Testing: Projects should conduct rigorous testing and validation of the technology in a controlled laboratory environment. This includes stress testing, performance evaluation, and reliability assessment. Prototype Development: Development of more refined prototypes that can be used for further testing and validation. Pathway to Commercialization: Projects should begin to explore potential pathways to commercialization, including market analysis, potential partnerships, and funding opportunities for further development. Support and Resources The EIC Pathfinder provides substantial support and resources to help projects achieve their TRL milestones. This includes: Funding: Grants of up to EUR 3 million for EIC Pathfinder Open and up to EUR 4 million for EIC Pathfinder Challenges. Larger amounts can be requested if justified. Business Acceleration Services: Access to a wide range of services including coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities to help projects progress from research to commercialization. EIC Programme Managers: Dedicated programme managers provide guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle, helping to steer projects towards successful outcomes. Conclusion The EIC Pathfinder is a vital initiative aimed at fostering groundbreaking research and innovation across Europe. By focusing on the early stages of technology development and providing substantial support and resources, the EIC Pathfinder helps transform visionary ideas into tangible technologies. Understanding the TRL requirements and expectations is crucial for applicants to align their projects with the goals of the EIC Pathfinder, ultimately contributing to the advancement of science and technology for the benefit of society.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder is a key initiative under the Horizon Europe programme, aimed at fostering advanced research to develop the scientific basis for breakthrough technologies. The EIC Pathfinder supports ambitious projects that push the boundaries of science and technology, laying the groundwork for innovations that can transform markets and address global challenges. This article provides a detailed overview of the EIC Pathfinder, its objectives, funding opportunities, application process, and evaluation criteria. EIC Pathfinder Overview Objectives of the EIC Pathfinder The EIC Pathfinder is designed to support the earliest stages of scientific, technological, or deep-tech research and development. Its primary objectives are: Developing Scientific Foundations: To underpin breakthrough technologies that can disrupt existing markets or create new ones. High-Risk/High-Gain Research: Encouraging projects that involve significant risk but have the potential for substantial rewards. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Promoting collaboration across diverse scientific and technological disciplines to achieve innovative breakthroughs. Key Components of the EIC Pathfinder The EIC Pathfinder is divided into two main components: EIC Pathfinder Open The EIC Pathfinder Open provides support for projects in any field of science, technology, or application without predefined thematic priorities. It targets early-stage development of future technologies, emphasizing high-risk/high-gain science-towards-technology breakthrough research. The key features include: Ambitious Vision: Projects should have a long-term vision for a radically new technology with transformative potential. Scientific Breakthrough: Proposals should outline a concrete, novel, and ambitious science-towards-technology breakthrough. High-Risk/High-Gain Approach: The research approach should be innovative and potentially risky, aiming for significant advancements. EIC Pathfinder Challenges The EIC Pathfinder Challenges focus on predefined thematic areas with specific objectives. These challenges aim to create coherent portfolios of projects that collectively achieve the desired outcomes. Each challenge is overseen by a dedicated Programme Manager who guides the projects towards common goals. The key features include: Specific Objectives: Each challenge has defined goals and expected outcomes. Portfolio Approach: Projects within a challenge are expected to interact and collaborate, leveraging each other’s strengths. Dedicated Programme Managers: Programme Managers play a proactive role in steering the projects towards successful outcomes. Funding and Support The EIC Pathfinder offers substantial funding and support to selected projects. The funding is provided through grants for Research and Innovation Actions. The key details are: Budget: The total indicative budget for EIC Pathfinder Open is EUR 136 million, while the budget for EIC Pathfinder Challenges is EUR 120 million. Grant Amount: For EIC Pathfinder Open, grants of up to EUR 3 million are typical, though larger amounts can be requested if justified. For EIC Pathfinder Challenges, grants can be up to EUR 4 million. Funding Rate: The funding rate is 100% of the eligible costs. In addition to financial support, successful applicants receive access to a wide range of Business Acceleration Services, including coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Application Process The application process for the EIC Pathfinder involves several steps: Proposal Submission: Proposals must be submitted via the EU Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal. Admissibility and Eligibility Check: Proposals are checked for adherence to the eligibility criteria. Evaluation: Proposals are evaluated by expert evaluators based on predefined criteria. Funding Decision: The final funding decision is made based on the evaluation results. Eligibility Criteria Consortium Requirements: For collaborative projects, the consortium must include at least three independent legal entities from different Member States or Associated Countries. Single Beneficiary Projects: In certain cases, single entities such as SMEs or research organizations can apply. Evaluation Criteria Proposals are evaluated based on three main criteria: Excellence: Including the novelty and ambition of the vision, the soundness of the approach, and the interdisciplinary nature of the project. Impact: Assessing the potential transformative effects, innovation potential, and the measures for dissemination and exploitation of results. Implementation: Evaluating the quality and efficiency of the work plan, the allocation of resources, and the capability of the consortium. EIC Pathfinder Challenges for 2024 The 2024 Work Programme includes several specific challenges under the EIC Pathfinder. These challenges target strategic areas of interest for the European Union, such as: Solar-to-X Devices: Developing renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials as climate change mitigation pathways. Cement and Concrete as Carbon Sinks: Innovating materials to absorb carbon dioxide. Nature-Inspired Alternatives for Food Packaging: Creating sustainable packaging solutions. Nanoelectronics for Energy-Efficient Smart Devices: Advancing energy-efficient technologies. Protecting EU Space Infrastructure: Enhancing the resilience and sustainability of space operations. Conclusion The EIC Pathfinder is a pivotal initiative under the Horizon Europe programme, driving advanced research to develop breakthrough technologies. By supporting high-risk/high-gain projects with substantial funding and comprehensive support services, the EIC Pathfinder aims to foster innovations that can transform markets, address global challenges, and position Europe as a leader in cutting-edge technologies. Researchers, startups, SMEs, and innovators are encouraged to leverage this opportunity to push the boundaries of science and technology and make a significant impact on the future. EIC Pathfinder Challenges Unlocking the Future of Renewable Energy: The EIC Pathfinder Challenge on “Solar-to-X Devices” In an era where climate change poses a significant threat to global ecosystems and economies, the European Innovation Council (EIC) has taken a proactive stance with its Pathfinder Challenge on “Solar-to-X Devices.” This initiative, under the 2024 EIC Work Programme, seeks to catalyze the development of groundbreaking technologies that convert solar energy into various useful forms, such as renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials. By addressing this challenge, the EIC aims to mitigate climate change impacts and foster sustainable industrial processes, thus contributing to the European Union’s green transition goals. The Vision and Objectives The “Solar-to-X Devices” Challenge is driven by a visionary approach to harness solar energy beyond electricity production. It envisions transforming solar energy into versatile and storable forms of energy and materials, which can be utilized in diverse applications. The primary objectives of this challenge include: Decentralized Renewable Production: Developing technologies that enable local and decentralized production of renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials. Climate Change Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil-based processes with sustainable solar-driven alternatives. Technological Innovation: Pushing the boundaries of current solar technologies to achieve higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. Scope … Read more