# Challenge Programme

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** DKK 30-75 million per grant
**Deadline:** 7 October 2026 (14:00 Copenhagen time)
**Duration:** 6 years
**Consortium:** Required — leading researchers forming a consortium united by a common vision and mission
**Application:** 2-stage: Stage 1 results December 2026 → Stage 2 results June 2027
**TRL:** 1-3
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2027-advancing-next-generation-amr-diagnostics-for-lower-respiratory-tract-infections/
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Challenge Programme 2027 call focused on developing next-generation AMR diagnostics for lower respiratory tract infections; targets established research leaders forming international consortia within Danish/European research ecosystems.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme funds consortia of established research leaders to address major scientific challenges in sustainable materials and clean technologies using Earth-abundant elements. Awards range from DKK 30-75 million (€4-10 million) and are open to international applicants leading consortia with a clear shared vision. Projects operate at early TRL (1-3) and must align with the Novo Nordisk Foundation's natural sciences strategy.

## Who should apply

- Established research leaders and professors with strong publication and funding track records
- Consortia with multiple institutional partners and a clearly articulated shared mission
- Projects addressing scientific bottlenecks in Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies
- Research groups capable of working at early technology readiness levels (TRL 1-3) on fundamental challenges

## Key dates

- Stage 1 (pre-proposal) deadline: 7 October 2026, 2:00pm Copenhagen time
- Two-stage evaluation: Stage 1 results December 2026; Stage 2 (full proposal) results June 2027
- Project duration not specified; check call documentation

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium composition is gating, the panel assesses both individual leader credibility and the team's shared vision; avoid loose collaborations that lack a unified research strategy.
- Novo Nordisk prioritises research grounded in the Foundation's sustainability strategy; align your challenge statement to Earth-abundant materials and tangible decarbonisation or circular-economy outcomes.
- Stage 1 is highly competitive; use the pre-proposal to demonstrate proof-of-concept for the scientific bottleneck you're solving, not just a general research direction.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I get from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme?

Grants range from DKK 30-75 million (approximately €4-10 million) per consortium project. The exact amount depends on the scope and consortia structure.

### Do I need partners to apply for the Challenge Programme?

Yes, a consortium of research partners is required; the application must articulate a clear shared vision and mission across the team.

### Who is eligible to apply for the Novo Nordisk Challenge Programme?

Established research leaders and professors can apply; international applicants are eligible provided they form a consortium that aligns with Novo Nordisk's natural sciences strategy.

### What is the deadline for the Challenge Programme Stage 1?

The Stage 1 pre-proposal deadline is 7 October 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time; Stage 1 results are announced in December 2026.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-challenge-programme-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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