EIC Pathfinder Challenge: In-space solar energy harvesting for innovative space applications

Last updated: 16.7.2025
Grant

The EIC Pathfinder Challenge 'In-space solar energy harvesting for innovative space applications' aims to drive breakthrough innovations in harnessing solar energy in space for critical in-space mobility and applications. This program seeks to overcome significant scientific and technological hurdles to enable sustainable and cost-effective space operations. It focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions for energy collection, transmission, and novel green propulsion systems to enhance the EU's strategic autonomy in space.

Who is Funded: Eligibility and Objectives

This section outlines the eligibility criteria for applicants, the geographical scope of the program, and its core strategic objectives. The program targets a diverse range of entities across EU Member States and Associated Countries, focusing on collaborative and individual research to foster innovative solutions in space technology and energy.

What is Funded: Project Scope and Focus

This section details the types of projects and thematic areas eligible for funding, focusing on innovative research and development in space energy and propulsion. It outlines the specific sectors supported, clarifies cost considerations, and indicates the maturity levels of projects targeted by the program.

Type and Scope of Funding

This section provides essential details about the financial support available under the EIC Pathfinder Challenge, including the type of funding instrument and the maximum funding amount per project. It clarifies the financial parameters to guide potential applicants.

Conditions and Requirements

This section outlines the key regulations and specific conditions that applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to throughout the application and project implementation phases. It covers essential requirements for consortium formation, administrative procedures, and overarching regulatory frameworks.

Application Procedure

This section guides potential applicants through the submission process for the EIC Pathfinder Challenge, detailing the steps involved in preparing and submitting proposals, and how evaluation and award decisions are made. It highlights critical aspects of application preparation and the selection mechanism.

This section outlines the foundational legal and official documents that authorize and govern the 'EIC Pathfinder Challenge: In-space solar energy harvesting for innovative space applications' program, ensuring transparency and providing a framework for its operations.

Similar Programs

#In-space solar energy harvesting#innovative space applications#green propulsion#space mobility#EIC Pathfinder Challenge#Horizon Europe#space technology#renewable energy space#satellite servicing#active debris removal#space-based solar power#space robotics#European strategic autonomy#space debris management#sustainable space solutions#frontier research space#EU funding space#breakthrough technologies

Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Closed

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

4,000,000 €

Allocated Budget

Allocated Budget:

163,500,000 €

Deadline

Deadline:

25.10.2023

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2027

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Framework Programme Call

Region

Region:

European Union, Other

Sectors

Sectors:

Energy Production and Supply, Renewable Energy, Transportation and Logistics, Research and Development, Information and Communication Technology, Other

Application Type

Application Type:

Optional Consortium

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Prototyping

Funding Provider

Program Level:

European Union

Funding Body:

European Commission

Additional Partners:

DAWN AEROSPACE NEDERLAND B.V. (Green propulsion technology and in-space mobility), INPHOTECH SP ZOO (innovative photonics solutions, optical fibers, optical fiber-based sensors), SYNYO GmbH (research activities, concept design, solution development, validation, research communication, dissemination, exploitation, coordination support), TECH2MARKET SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA (dissemination/communication, exploitation: market analysis, business plan), FeTu Limited (novel energy conversion device, energy related challenges), UAB "Saules sildymo architektura" (sun beam focusing module, space debris removal), MINDS & SPARKS GMBH (applied research, development, dissemination & exploitation), AGENTSIA ZA IKONOMICHESKO RAZVITIE- VARNA (innovation, eco-&social innovation, start-up & SMEs support, project management & EU funding, research and analysis, blue economy), INTERSPREAD GMBH (dissemination, exploitation and communication)

0 x 0
XS