# CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2027 – Unravelling electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis

**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 form 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
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2027-unravelling-electron-transfer-mechanisms-in-hybrid-bio-electrocatalysis/
**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

Challenge Programme funding for established research leaders/professors to form a consortium addressing a major scientific challenge in industrial and environmental biotechnology, specifically electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis. Open internationally to Research Leaders (Established/Prof. level).

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme funds a consortium of established research leaders to tackle a major scientific challenge in industrial and environmental biotechnology, specifically electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis, with DKK 30-75 million over six years. It is open internationally to professors and senior research leaders who can unite a consortium around a shared scientific vision. The call targets early-stage, high-risk science (TRL 1-3) rather than near-market development.

## Who should apply

- Established research leaders or professors with a track record of leading large teams
- Applicants able to form and coordinate a multi-partner consortium
- Research groups working on electron transfer mechanisms, bio-electrocatalysis, or related biotechnology fields
- Institutions anywhere internationally, not restricted to Denmark
- Teams pursuing fundamental, early-stage science (TRL 1-3) rather than applied product development

## Key dates

- Stage 1 results expected December 2026; Stage 2 results expected June 2027
- Two-stage application process
- Six-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Build the consortium narrative around one unifying scientific vision and mission rather than a loose collection of individual projects, this is explicitly how NNF frames the call.
- Since the programme targets TRL 1-3, frame the proposal around fundamental mechanistic questions rather than application-readiness.
- Confirm the actual Stage 1 submission deadline directly with NNF, as the catalog date has been flagged as inaccurate for this round.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the NNF Challenge Programme award?

Grants range from DKK 30 to 75 million (roughly €4.0-10.1 million) per consortium over six years.

### Who can apply for the NNF Challenge Programme on bio-electrocatalysis?

Established research leaders or professors anywhere internationally who can form a consortium around electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis.

### How long does the NNF Challenge Programme grant last?

Funded projects run for six years.

### Is the NNF Challenge Programme application single or multi-stage?

It is a two-stage process, with Stage 1 results expected in December 2026 and Stage 2 results in June 2027.

### Does the NNF Challenge Programme require a consortium?

Yes, applicants must form a consortium of leading researchers united by a clear scientific vision and mission.

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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.

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