New European Research and Innovation Funding Opportunities: ERC Work Programme 2027 and EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026
The European research and innovation landscape continues to offer new opportunities for researchers, universities, research institutions, startups, and innovative companies seeking to develop pioneering ideas and strengthen international collaboration.
This week brings important updates from two key European initiatives supporting excellence in research and breakthrough innovation: the European Research Council (ERC) and the European Innovation Council (EIC).
European Research Council (ERC) Work Programme 2027
The European Research Council (ERC) has published its Work Programme 2027, outlining the main funding schemes, available budgets, competition timelines, and application requirements for researchers working at the frontiers of knowledge.
ERC grants support ambitious research projects driven by scientific excellence and the potential to achieve significant advances across disciplines. The programme provides funding opportunities through the following schemes:
- Starting Grants: supporting outstanding early-career researchers developing their first independent research teams and projects.
- Consolidator Grants: supporting researchers who are consolidating their scientific independence and establishing stronger research programmes.
- Advanced Grants:supporting leading researchers with significant achievements and a track record of major research contributions.
- Synergy Grants:enabling groups of researchers to combine expertise and address complex research challenges that cannot be solved by individual investigators.
- Proof of Concept Grants: supporting ERC grant holders in exploring the innovation potential of research results.
The ERC funding schemes remain a key instrument for strengthening European scientific excellence, encouraging high-risk/high-gain research, and supporting researchers in transforming ambitious ideas into impactful discoveries.
ERC Work Programme 2027:
More information on ERC 2027 competitions and application opportunities:
EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026: Supporting Breakthrough Technologies
The European Innovation Council (EIC)has also launched EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026, targeting visionary research approaches and emerging technologies with the potential to create transformative impact.
EIC Pathfinder supports multidisciplinary teams working on early-stage research and innovation ideas that could lead to future technological breakthroughs. By bringing together researchers from different fields and encouraging collaborative approaches, the programme aims to address ambitious challenges and develop novel solutions for Europe’s future.
🗓️ Application deadline: 28 October 2026
More information about EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026:
EIC Work Programme 2026:
Strengthening Participation in the European Research and Innovation Ecosystem
These funding opportunities highlight the importance of excellence, creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international cooperation in advancing research and innovation.
For universities and research organisations, staying informed about European funding programmes is essential for identifying new opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and increasing participation in European initiatives.
Through its activities, EU-GaNoM project contributes to strengthening knowledge exchange, enhancing international cooperation, and supporting capacity building within higher education institutions. By promoting access to relevant information and European opportunities, the project encourages researchers and academic communities to actively engage in the European Research and Innovation ecosystem.