Biotechnology is steadily transforming the future of agriculture. If you’re developing solutions to improve crop resilience and nutritional value, this opportunity could significantly accelerate your research. The EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2025, under Horizon Europe, supports bold, early-stage research projects. It focuses on two main priorities: climate-resilient crops and plant-based bio-manufacturing systems. Unlike most grant programs, this one funds projects at very low Technology Readiness Levels (up to TRL 4), which allows applicants to explore transformative concepts without the pressure of immediate commercialization.

Furthermore, the program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, innovators, and policy actors, recognizing that meaningful change requires diverse expertise.

Who can apply for EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2025

A wide range of applicants can benefit:

• SMEs and startups

• Large enterprises

• Universities and research institutions

• Public bodies and NGOs

• Agricultural and food system stakeholders

You can apply either individually or as part of a consortium. Since challenges are complex, interdisciplinary partnerships are strongly encouraged to increase competitiveness.

What’s funded

To qualify for funding, your project must clearly address both of the following goals:

• Enhance plant growth, productivity, and resilience to environmental stress

• Improve the nutritional profile of crops by increasing levels of proteins, vitamins, or other beneficial compounds

In addition, the program supports solutions that use plant-based systems to produce biomaterials, active ingredients, or industrial compounds.

Key details

• Funding per project: up to €4 million

• Application deadline: October 29, 2025

• Research stage: early, up to TRL 4

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: required

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official program website.

How to apply

To submit your proposal, access the EU’s funding and tenders portal. Prepare a concise concept description, highlight the novelty of your idea, and demonstrate how your team’s expertise supports project goals. Most importantly, explain how your innovation contributes to both climate adaptation and nutritional improvement.

As a result, your application will stand out as both scientifically sound and socially relevant.

Why apply now

Agricultural systems face increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, and food insecurity. Therefore, investing in foundational research is more urgent than ever. This call provides rare financial support at the exploratory stage — long before commercial investors typically get involved.

Moreover, being selected for EIC Pathfinder not only brings funding but also connects your team to a European innovation ecosystem.

Explore more calls like this on the GetGrant platform. We’ve also published a detailed article about this grant, available now on our website.