# Challenge Programme 2027 – Advancing Next Generation AMR Diagnostics for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** DKK 30–75 million (ca. EUR 4–10 million) per grant
**Deadline:** 7 October 2026 (14:00 CEST; Stage 1 deadline)
**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 detailed budget and panel presentation
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2027-advancing-next-generation-amr-diagnostics-for-lower-respiratory-tract-infections/
**Last updated:** 14 Oct 2026

> **Recently updated:** catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: Oct date was not the published Stage-1 deadline per NNF

## Eligibility & scope

Supports proof-of-concept research for rapid, minimally invasive, affordable point-of-care diagnostics for lower respiratory tract infections and AMR. Main applicant must be a tenured/tenure-track researcher (≥75% employment) at a European (EU/Schengen/UK) university, hospital or non-profit; at least one applicant (main or co-applicant) must be based at a Danish institution. Industry collaboration allowed but industrial partners cannot receive funding; for-profit product development is out of scope.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 funds consortia developing point-of-care diagnostics for lower respiratory tract infections and antimicrobial resistance, with grants of DKK 30-75 million (roughly €4-10 million) over six years. Main applicants must be tenured or tenure-track researchers at European universities, hospitals or non-profits, and at least one consortium member must be based in Denmark. Industry partners can collaborate but cannot receive funding, keeping the focus on proof-of-concept research rather than commercial product development.

## Who should apply

- Tenured or tenure-track researchers (≥75% employment) at European universities, hospitals or non-profits
- Consortia of 2-4 research groups, with at least one member based at a Danish institution
- Research groups working on point-of-care diagnostics for lower respiratory tract infections or AMR
- Teams open to industry collaboration without channeling grant funds to industrial partners
- Applicants focused on proof-of-concept research rather than for-profit product development

## Key dates

- Stage 1 expression of interest deadline: 7 October 2026, 14:00 CEST
- Two-stage process: Stage 1 expression of interest, then Stage 2 full proposal with detailed budget and panel presentation
- Six-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Secure a Danish consortium partner early, this is a gating eligibility requirement, not just a preference.
- Keep the Stage 1 expression of interest tightly scoped to proof-of-concept diagnostics; the panel screens out proposals that drift toward commercial product development.
- If involving industry, clarify upfront that partners contribute expertise rather than receive funding, since this distinction is checked at both stages.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 provide?

Grants range from DKK 30-75 million (approximately €4-10 million) over a six-year project period.

### Who is eligible to apply as main applicant?

The main applicant must be a tenured or tenure-track researcher with at least 75% employment at a European (EU/Schengen/UK) university, hospital or non-profit institution.

### Does the consortium need a Danish partner?

Yes, at least one applicant, either the main applicant or a co-applicant, must be based at a Danish institution.

### Can industry partners be part of the consortium?

Industry collaboration is allowed, but industrial partners cannot receive grant funding, and for-profit product development is out of scope.

### What is the application process for this call?

It is a two-stage process: a Stage 1 expression of interest followed by a Stage 2 full proposal that includes a detailed budget and panel presentation.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-challenge-programme-2027-advancing-next-generation-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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