# Distinguished Innovator Grant

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 7.6 million per grant
**Deadline:** 15 September 2026 (2:00pm Copenhagen time; call opens 1 August 2026)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-spring
**Eligible countries:** DK, NO, SE, FI, IS
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/distinguished-innovator-grant/
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For senior faculty or researchers with a proven track record in innovation (patents, spinouts). Targets commercialisation of research in sustainability or health. Host institution must be in a Nordic country. From 2027, awarded once per year only.

## Summary

The Distinguished Innovator Grant from Novo Nordisk Foundation awards up to DKK 7.6 million for senior researchers with a track record of translating research into commercial innovation (patents, spinouts) in sustainability or health. Applicants must be based at institutions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland. The foundation runs this call annually, and from 2027 onwards it will fund only one award per year.

## Who should apply

- Senior faculty or researchers with a proven track record of innovation (patents, spinouts, licences)
- Applicants hosted at institutions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland
- Researchers with clear commercialisation plans for health or sustainability research
- Teams with demonstrated ability to translate fundamental research into applied impact

## Key dates

- Deadline 15 September 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time; call opens 1 August 2026
- Single-stage application
- From 2027, only one award granted per year

## Tips for applicants

- Lead with concrete evidence of commercialisation track record, patents, spinouts, or licensing agreements carry more weight than publications alone.
- Align your innovation pathway with either sustainability or health; unfocused applications across both domains score lower.
- Highlight the Nordic added value, consortia spanning multiple Nordic countries may strengthen competitiveness, though not required for this call.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Novo Nordisk Distinguished Innovator Grant pay?

Up to DKK 7.6 million per grant.

### Who is eligible for the Distinguished Innovator Grant?

Senior faculty or researchers with a proven track record of innovation (patents, spinouts) hosted at institutions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland.

### What research areas does the Distinguished Innovator Grant fund?

Commercialisation of research in sustainability or health, with emphasis on translating research into real-world innovation.

### Is the Distinguished Innovator Grant recurring?

Yes, the call runs annually. From 2027, only one award per year will be granted.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-distinguished-innovator-grant-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.