This training is designed for researchers, scientists, startups, SMEs, and innovation managers aiming to apply for EIC Pathfinder Open or EIC Pathfinder Challenges. It is also suitable for technology transfer offices, R&D departments, and EU pre-award professionals supporting EIC applicants.

Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, from first-time applicants to experienced Horizon Europe participants. The training gradually moves from basic concepts to the most challenging aspects of Pathfinder proposal writing, ensuring participants develop a highly competitive application.

Expert Trainers: Our training is delivered by senior experts with extensive experience in EIC grant writing and evaluations. Many of our trainers have served as expert evaluators for the European Commission, providing unique insights into the evaluation process and assessment criteria. In addition to training, they actively support researchers and companies through proposal writing and review services at EFMC.

More details on our trainers and experts here.

Key Outcomes: This training is structured around the essential elements of a successful EIC Pathfinder proposal, helping applicants understand what evaluators expect and how to demonstrate high-risk/high-gain research with transformative potential.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Master the key elements of an EIC Pathfinder proposal, including the Excellence, Impact, and Implementationsections, to effectively highlight their disruptive innovation.
• Clearly define their breakthrough scientific concept and demonstrate its feasibility, novelty, and potential to create new markets.
• Develop a convincing project methodology, including interdisciplinary approaches, risk mitigation, and technological development plans.
• Understand the EIC Pathfinder evaluation process and how proposals are assessed based on scientific excellence, innovation potential, and implementation feasibility.
• Improve proposal writing skills to effectively communicate their vision, impact, and scalability.
• Review and discuss a successfully funded EIC Pathfinder proposal to gain practical insights into what makes a winning application.