EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026: Is Your Science a Fit?

Live Webinar · 9 September 2026

EUR 96 million in funding. Three challenge areas. Around 24 grants expected.

EIC Pathfinder Challenges is one of the most selective deep-tech funding schemes in Horizon Europe — and many strong proposals fail because applicants misunderstand one critical document: the Challenge Guide.

The Challenge Guide overrides the general Work Programme text and determines what evaluators consider in scope. Yet most applicants only skim it.

This focused 90-minute webinar walks through all three Pathfinder Challenges for 2026, explains how the portfolio approach affects evaluation, and shows how Step 1 assessment really works.

If you are preparing a breakthrough research proposal in Advanced Materials, Healthy Ageing, or Cognitive AI, this session will help you determine whether your science truly fits the challenge before the 28 October deadline.

Webinar Details

Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 CET
Format: Live Zoom + 14-day recording access
Price: EUR 50

Reserve Your Seat — EUR 50

Why Attend

Pathfinder Challenges are not evaluated like standard Horizon Europe calls.

Success depends on:

• Understanding the Challenge Guide correctly

• Positioning your science within a broader innovation portfolio

• Demonstrating breakthrough potential at low TRLs

• Aligning precisely with challenge expectations

This webinar explains:

• The three 2026 Pathfinder Challenges in practical terms

• How the Challenge Guide hierarchy works

• Why projects are assessed as part of a portfolio approach

• The Step 1 evaluation criteria used by evaluators

You will leave with a clearer understanding of whether your project belongs in Pathfinder Challenges — and how to strengthen its positioning before submission.

What You Will Walk Away With

1. Understand All Three 2026 Challenges

Gain a practical overview of the Advanced Materials, Healthy Ageing, and Cognitive AI challenge areas.

2. Learn How the Challenge Guide Determines Scope

See how evaluators use the Challenge Guide to assess fit — and why it takes priority over general programme text.

3. Understand the Portfolio Approach

Learn why Pathfinder projects are evaluated not only individually, but also in relation to the broader challenge portfolio.

4. Prepare for Step 1 Evaluation

Understand the core criteria used during the first evaluation stage and how proposals are filtered.

Who Runs the Webinar

Nikolaos Floratos

EU funding consultant since 2002 and European Commission evaluator with more than 20 years of experience across Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and EIC programmes.

• 50,000+ researchers and innovation actors trained

• Experience across 45+ countries

• Extensive EIC evaluation and proposal-coaching background

Who Should Attend

This webinar is designed for:

• Research infrastructures

• Deep-tech research consortia

• Coordinators and work-package leaders

• Universities and advanced research teams

• Researchers working at TRL 1–3

• Teams developing breakthrough concepts in:

  • Advanced Materials

  • Healthy Ageing

  • Cognitive AI

Included with Your Registration

Your EUR 50 registration includes:

• Live webinar access

• 14-day webinar recording

• Q&A session

• EUR 50 discount toward the Pathfinder Challenges Success Bootcamp

Next Step: EIC Pathfinder Challenges Success Bootcamp · 23 September 2026

A 3.5-hour live workshop focused on strengthening your Pathfinder proposal for your selected challenge.

Includes:

• Scientific positioning refinement

• Impact-pathway development

• Challenge-fit analysis

• Portfolio positioning guidance

• Proposal-structure support

• In-depth evaluation before submission

Webinar participants receive EUR 50 off the EUR 350 follow-up course.

Frequently Asked Questions

I cannot attend live. Will I receive the recording?

Yes. The recording is sent within 24 hours and remains available for 14 days.

Is this only for first-time applicants?

No. Resubmissions benefit equally. Most unsuccessful Pathfinder proposals fail because of positioning and challenge-fit issues rather than scientific quality.

Can the EUR 50 webinar fee be applied to the course fee?

Yes. Attendees receive a EUR 50 discount code for the follow-up course.

Questions?

Email: nf@cyberall-access.com