# Challenge Programme

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** DKK 30–75 million (ca. EUR 4–10 million)
**Duration:** 6 years
**Consortium:** Required — consortium of 2-4 research groups (main applicant plus 1-3 co-applicants), with at least one applicant based in Denmark
**Application:** 2-stage: Stage 1 expression of interest → Stage 2 full proposal with review panel meeting
**TRL:** 1-3
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2027-unravelling-electron-transfer-mechanisms-in-hybrid-bio-electrocatalysis/
**Last updated:** 14 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Challenge Programme 2027 theme on hybrid bio-electrocatalysis and electron transfer mechanisms (TRL 1-3). Main applicant must be a tenured/tenure-track researcher at a European (EU/Schengen/UK) university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation with ≥75% employment; at least one applicant must be ≥75% employed in Denmark. Industry collaboration allowed but industrial partners cannot receive funding.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme funds large consortium projects on hybrid bio-electrocatalysis and electron transfer mechanisms (TRL 1-3), offering DKK 30-75 million (ca. EUR 4-10 million) over six years. It targets tenured or tenure-track researchers at European universities, hospitals, or non-profit research organisations who can assemble a consortium of 2-4 research groups, with at least one group based in Denmark. Industry partners may collaborate but cannot receive funding from the grant.

## Who should apply

- Tenured or tenure-track researchers at ≥75% employment at a European university, hospital, or non-profit institute
- Consortium leads able to assemble 2-4 research groups, including at least one group ≥75% employed in Denmark
- Research teams working on hybrid bio-electrocatalysis or electron transfer mechanisms at TRL 1-3
- Groups open to industry collaboration without industrial funding transfer

## Key dates

- Call opens with an informational webinar on 16 June 2026 at 13:00 CEST
- Two-stage process: expression of interest, then full proposal with a review panel meeting
- Six-year project duration; call runs annually

## Tips for applicants

- Attend the 16 June 2026 webinar before drafting the expression of interest, as the Foundation uses it to clarify the year's specific theme scope.
- Confirm the Danish co-applicant's employment share (≥75%) early, since this eligibility rule is gating for the whole consortium.
- Keep industry partners as collaborators rather than funded parties in the proposal budget, since industrial partners cannot receive grant funds.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme provide?

Grants range from DKK 30-75 million (approximately EUR 4-10 million) for a six-year project.

### Who can be the main applicant for the Challenge Programme?

A tenured or tenure-track researcher at a European (EU/Schengen/UK) university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation with at least 75% employment.

### Does the consortium need a Denmark-based partner?

Yes, at least one applicant in the consortium must be employed at least 75% in Denmark.

### Can industry partners join the consortium?

Yes, industry collaboration is allowed, but industrial partners cannot receive funding from the grant.

### What is the application process for the Challenge Programme?

It is a two-stage process starting with an expression of interest, followed by a full proposal reviewed at a panel meeting.

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

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