# Challenge Programme 2027 – Unravelling electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis **Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation **Budget:** DKK 30–75 million (ca. €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); main applicant at a European (EU, Schengen + UK) institution, at least one applicant must be at a Danish institution **Application:** 2-stage: Stage 1 expression of interest → Stage 2 full proposal with review panel meeting **TRL:** 1-3 **Frequency:** Annual **Eligible countries:** DK **Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2027-unravelling-electron-transfer-mechanisms-in-hybrid-bio-electrocatalysis/ **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 Interdisciplinary research (TRL 1-3) on electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis, combining biology, chemistry, materials science, physics and/or engineering. Main applicant must be tenured/tenure-track at a European university, hospital or non-profit research organisation with ≥75% employment; industry collaboration allowed but industrial partners cannot receive funding. ## Summary The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 funds consortium-led research into electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis, with DKK 30-75 million (€4-10 million) per grant over six years. Established research leaders and professor-level investigators form cross-institutional teams to tackle fundamental and applied challenges at the intersection of industrial and environmental biotechnology. This one-off call prioritises Danish and European research ecosystems, with international participation encouraged. ## Who should apply - Established research leaders at professor level or equivalent - Research consortia with 2+ institutional partners and a unified mission - Teams addressing fundamental mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis - Danish institutions as host; international collaborators eligible - Groups working at early TRL (proof-of-concept to pilot demonstration) ## Key dates - Application deadline 7 October 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time - Two-stage evaluation: Stage 1 results announced December 2026, Stage 2 results June 2027 - Six-year project duration ## Tips for applicants - Consortium architecture is gating: articulate a clear shared vision and mission that binds all partners; loose multi-lab collaborations score poorly. - Position your work at low TRL (1-3) with a credible path to proof-of-concept; the Foundation expects fundamental insight, not market-ready products. - Lead the application from a Danish institution if possible; the call aligns with NNF's strategic priority to strengthen Danish and European research capacity. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much funding does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 provide? DKK 30-75 million per grant, approximately €4-10 million, over a six-year project period. ### Who should lead a Challenge Programme 2027 application? Established research leaders at professor level or equivalent, forming a consortium of at least two research partners with a unified vision. ### What is the deadline for the Challenge Programme 2027? Applications close 7 October 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time, with a two-stage review process. ### Can international researchers participate in the Challenge Programme 2027? Yes, international collaborators are eligible, though the host institution and strategic priority favour Danish and European research ecosystems. ### What research areas does the Challenge Programme 2027 support? The call focuses exclusively on electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis, spanning industrial and environmental biotechnology applications. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-challenge-programme-2027-unravelling-electron-tran-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).