The EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2025 are designed to support visionary and high-risk research that can lead to transformative innovations in Europe. This year, the call focuses on four ambitious themes, each addressing pressing societal and technological challenges. To achieve a high evaluation score, applicants must understand the objectives of each Challenge, align their proposals with the strategic goals of the European Commission, and build strong, interdisciplinary consortia.
Below is an overview of the four Pathfinder 2025 Challenges, including practical tips for crafting competitive proposals:
Challenge 1. Biotech for climate resilient crops and plant-based biomanufacturing
This Challenge aims to foster new approaches to enhancing crop resilience to climate-induced stress and to increase the nutritional value of crops using native and non-native ingredients. The expected outcomes include climate-resilient plant varieties and innovative biomanufacturing methods that can be deployed in agriculture.
Projects likely to score highly will focus on integrating cutting-edge techniques such as multi-omics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and artificial intelligence to analyze plant responses to stress. Including novel strategies such as nanoparticle delivery systems or gene editing may provide a significant advantage.
Successful consortia typically include plant biologists, geneticists, agronomists, biotechnologists, and data scientists. Including partners from regions affected by extreme climatic conditions, as well as institutions experienced in food safety or regulatory affairs, adds practical relevance.
Tip: Consider working with food innovation clusters or European platforms focused on sustainable agriculture. Demonstrating the pathway from lab discovery to field application strengthens the proposal.
Challenge 2. Generative-AI based agents for medical diagnosis and cancer treatment
This Challenge seeks to revolutionize the way cancer is diagnosed and treated by leveraging generative AI agents. These agents should be capable of synthesizing large volumes of medical imaging and health data to assist clinicians across the patient journey.
High-evaluation projects will demonstrate not only technical excellence in AI but also a deep understanding of medical needs and clinical workflows. Focusing on cancers with high societal impact, such as lung or breast cancer, and designing solutions aligned with the EU’s Trustworthy AI framework will improve competitiveness.
Ideal consortia include AI researchers, clinicians, biomedical engineers, ethicists, and institutions with access to diverse datasets. Projects that include explainable AI components and address data quality and bias are viewed more favorably.
Tip: Engage early with hospitals or cancer registries to secure access to anonymized datasets. Providing a concrete strategy for AI training and validation can significantly strengthen the proposal.
Challenge 3. Autonomous robot collectives in dynamic construction environments
This Challenge is directed at transforming construction sites through autonomous robotic systems that can collaborate in unpredictable and dynamic environments. The vision includes replacing traditional processes with electrified, automated construction workflows.
High-scoring proposals will present a clear technological roadmap for building and integrating robotic collectives. Projects that address key bottlenecks in robot coordination, adaptability to site variability, and human-robot safety protocols stand out.
Strong consortia combine robotics engineers, civil engineers, automation experts, AI specialists, and construction firms. Demonstrating readiness to pilot solutions in controlled real-world settings (e.g., lab-scale or mock construction sites) is crucial.
Tip: Align your proposal with the EU’s goals for decarbonized construction and smart infrastructure. Illustrating a potential contribution to reducing labor-intensive and hazardous site work adds societal value.
Challenge 4. Waste-to-value devices for circular production of renewable resources
This Challenge targets novel technologies that convert difficult waste streams into renewable fuels, materials, or chemicals. Projects must avoid conventional thermochemical routes and focus on sustainable, often bio-based, methods powered by renewable energy.
Successful proposals will clearly define the waste stream tackled (e.g., plastics, flue gases, wastewater) and propose transformative, integrated device concepts. Whether using synthetic biology to engineer degradative microorganisms or designing advanced electrochemical systems, clarity on how the system scales and integrates into existing processes is vital.
The most effective consortia blend environmental engineers, chemists, synthetic biologists, materials scientists, and stakeholders from the circular economy sector. Engagement with industry partners ensures the practical feasibility of the proposed solution.
Tip: Demonstrate your awareness of EU circular economy policies and life-cycle assessment practices. Highlight how your project contributes to long-term resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
