# 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) **Application:** 2-stage: Stage 1 expression of interest → Stage 2 full proposal with presentation to review panel **TRL:** 1-3 **Frequency:** Annual **Eligible countries:** DK **Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2027-harnessing-novel-earth-abundant-materials-for-sustainable-technologies/ **Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Challenge Programme 2027 call 'Harnessing novel Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies' for interdisciplinary consortia in materials science, chemistry, engineering, data-science and physics. Main applicant must be tenured/tenure-track at a European (EU/Schengen/UK) institution with ≥75% employment; at least one applicant (main or co-) must be ≥75% employed at a Danish institution. Co-applicants may be located globally; industry collaboration allowed but industrial partners cannot receive funding. ## Summary The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme funds interdisciplinary consortia pursuing fundamental research on electron transfer in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis, with budgets of EUR 4-10 million per project over six years. Applicants must form teams of 2-4 research groups with the main applicant tenured or tenure-track at a European institution and at least one team member employed full-time in Denmark. This call combines biology, chemistry, materials science, physics, and engineering to develop solutions for clean energy and sustainable chemical production. ## Who should apply - Tenured or tenure-track researchers at European (EU, Schengen Area, or UK) universities, hospitals, or non-profit institutions with ≥75% employment commitment - Interdisciplinary consortium leaders combining biology, chemistry, materials science, physics, and/or engineering expertise - Teams with at least one member employed ≥75% at a Danish research institution - Researchers pursuing fundamental or applied research (TRL 1-3) on electron transfer mechanisms in bio-electrocatalysis ## Key dates - Stage 1 (expression of interest) and Stage 2 (full proposal with online panel presentation), verify exact deadlines on Novo Nordisk Foundation website - Six-year project duration ## Tips for applicants - Consortium composition is gating: ensure all 2-4 research groups are named early and their roles clearly delineated before Stage 2. - The Danish co-applicant must hold ≥75% employment at a Danish institution; temporary visiting arrangements do not satisfy this requirement. - Emphasise the interdisciplinary span and how each discipline contributes to electron transfer mechanisms; siloed chemistry-only or engineering-only proposals score lower on integration. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much funding does the Novo Nordisk Challenge Programme offer? Budgets range from EUR 4-10 million per grant, with a total call budget of EUR 20 million. ### Who can be the main applicant for the Challenge Programme? A tenured or tenure-track researcher at a European (EU, Schengen Area, or UK) university, hospital, or non-profit institution, with ≥75% employment commitment. ### Is a Danish co-applicant required for the Challenge Programme? Yes, at least one applicant in the consortium must be employed at ≥75% at a Danish institution. ### What research stage does the Challenge Programme fund? Early-stage fundamental and applied research at TRL 1-3 on electron transfer in bio-electrocatalysis, combining multiple disciplines. ### Is the Challenge Programme a single-stage or multi-stage application? It is a two-stage process: Stage 1 is an expression of interest, followed by Stage 2 full proposal submission and online panel presentation for shortlisted applicants. --- 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. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).