# CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2027 – Harnessing novel Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies

**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 clear 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-harnessing-novel-earth-abundant-materials-for-sustainable-technologies/
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

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

## Eligibility & scope

Funds consortia of leading researchers to develop innovative solutions to major scientific challenges in Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies, contributing to Danish and European research ecosystems. Open internationally to established research leaders in natural sciences.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 funds large consortia developing novel Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies, with grants of €4-10 million over six years. Open to established research leaders internationally working at technology readiness levels 1-3 (fundamental to applied research), applicants must propose cross-organisational teams with a shared research vision aligned to the Foundation's strategic priorities. This is a one-off call emphasizing fundamental innovation in materials science for sustainability.

## Who should apply

- Established research leaders (professor-level or equivalent) with track record in natural sciences
- Researchers internationally based, with consortium partners in Denmark or co-hosting arrangements
- Multidisciplinary teams tackling major scientific challenges in materials science and sustainability
- Projects addressing innovation at early TRL stages (1-3) with potential for downstream application
- Consortia with a coordinated, shared research vision explicitly aligned to Novo Nordisk Foundation strategy

## Key dates

- Stage 1 (expression of interest) deadline: December 2026; Stage 1 results December 2026
- Stage 2 (full proposal) deadline: June 2027; Stage 2 results June 2027
- Six-year project duration upon funding

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium formation is mandatory, proposals must evidence a clear, written shared vision and mission linking all partners; reviewers screen for substantive research integration, not loose affiliation lists.
- Align explicitly to Novo Nordisk Foundation's strategic priorities in sustainability and health; include a strategic-alignment section in your Stage 1 expression to signal fit early.
- Early-TRL projects (1-3) are the target; avoid over-mature technology development. Focus your narrative on fundamental scientific innovation rather than near-market pathways.

## Frequently asked questions

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

Grants range from €4 million to €10 million per consortium over six years.

### What is the deadline for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027?

Stage 1 (expression of interest) deadline is December 2026; Stage 2 (full proposal) deadline is June 2027. Confirm exact dates on the funder's website.

### Who can apply for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027?

Established research leaders (professor-level or equivalent) working internationally in natural sciences, applying as part of a required consortium with a shared research vision.

### Is a consortium required for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027?

Yes, consortium formation is mandatory. Applications must involve multiple research partners with a clear, shared vision and mission.

### What research stage does the Challenge Programme 2027 fund?

The programme targets technology readiness levels 1-3, supporting fundamental and early-stage applied research in Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies.

---

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.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).