# Challenge Programme 2027 – Harnessing novel Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** DKK 30–75 million (ca. EUR 4–10 million)
**Deadline:** 7 October 2026 (14:00 Copenhagen time)
**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 online panel discussion
**TRL:** 1-3
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2027-harnessing-novel-earth-abundant-materials-for-sustainable-technologies/
**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

Main applicant must be an independent tenured/tenure-track researcher employed ≥75% at a European (EU, Schengen Area plus UK) university, hospital or non-profit research organisation; at least one applicant 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 2027 funds large consortia of 2-4 research groups working on Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies, with DKK 30-75 million (ca. EUR 4-10 million) available over six years. The main applicant must be an independent tenured or tenure-track researcher at a European university, hospital or non-profit research organisation, with at least one applicant based at a Danish institution. The call targets early-stage (TRL 1-3) fundamental research and allows global co-applicants and industry collaboration, though industrial partners cannot receive funding.

## Who should apply

- Independent tenured or tenure-track researchers employed at least 75% at a European institution
- Consortium main applicant plus 1-3 co-applicants, with at least one team member at a Danish institution
- Co-applicants may be based anywhere globally
- Researchers working on early-stage (TRL 1-3) materials science for sustainable technologies
- Teams open to industry collaboration without channeling funding to industrial partners

## Key dates

- Stage 1 expression of interest deadline listed as 7 October 2026, 14:00 Copenhagen time (verify exact date on the NNF site, as this may not match the published Stage 1 deadline)
- Two-stage process: expression of interest followed by full proposal with online panel discussion
- Six-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Form the consortium early, the main applicant must be European and at least one applicant must be at a Danish institution, so confirm partner eligibility before Stage 1.
- Keep the Stage 1 expression of interest focused on the Earth-abundant materials angle and the sustainability case, since it gates entry to the full proposal stage.
- If involving industry, plan the collaboration structure carefully, as industrial partners can participate but cannot receive funding from the grant.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the NNF Challenge Programme 2027 fund?

DKK 30-75 million, roughly EUR 4-10 million, per consortium over six years.

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

An independent tenured or tenure-track researcher employed at least 75% at a European university, hospital or non-profit research organisation.

### Does a consortium need a Danish partner?

Yes, at least one applicant in the consortium must be employed at least 75% at a Danish institution.

### Can industry partners receive funding under this call?

No, industrial partners may collaborate but cannot receive funding from the grant.

### What application stages does this call use?

A two-stage process: an expression of interest followed by a full proposal with an online panel discussion.

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

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