# Emerging Investigator Grants for Research within Industrial Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology 2026 – Nordic Region

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 12.50 million
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Eligible countries:** DK, FI, IS, NO, SE
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/emerging-investigator-grants-for-research-within-industrial-biotechnology-and-environmental-biotechnology-2026-nordic-region-2/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For senior postdocs, senior researchers, assistant professors, or newly employed associate professors aiming to establish or strengthen an independent research group at a university or non-profit research institution in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden. Scope: industrial or environmental biotechnology (excluding plant science/agriculture/food and pharma/therapeutics). Proposals must include a clear biotechnology element per OECD definition.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Emerging Investigator Grants fund up to DKK 12.50 million over five years for researchers establishing or strengthening independent groups in industrial or environmental biotechnology across the Nordic region. Eligible applicants are senior postdocs, senior researchers, assistant professors, and newly employed associate professors at universities or non-profit research institutions in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden. The programme excludes plant science, agriculture, food, and pharmaceutical/therapeutic applications, focusing instead on biotechnology applications aligned with the OECD definition.

## Who should apply

- Senior postdocs, senior researchers, assistant professors, or newly employed associate professors
- Researchers based at universities or non-profit research institutions in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden
- Projects in industrial or environmental biotechnology with a clear OECD-defined biotechnology element
- Researchers establishing or strengthening independent research groups

## Key dates

- Research may start no earlier than May 2026 and must commence by April 2027 at the latest
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Clearly articulate your biotechnology element using OECD definitions; applications lacking this focus are screened out early.
- Emphasise group-building ambitions and track record of independence; this call targets researchers ready to lead, not senior postdocs still in a shadow role.
- Exclude pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications entirely; focus on industrial or environmental applications to align with the funder's scope.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Emerging Investigator Grant provide?

Up to DKK 12.50 million over a five-year project period.

### Who is eligible for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Emerging Investigator Grant?

Senior postdocs, senior researchers, assistant professors, and newly employed associate professors at universities or non-profit research institutions in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden.

### What research areas are covered by the Emerging Investigator Grant?

Industrial and environmental biotechnology with a clear biotechnology element per OECD definition, excluding plant science, agriculture, food, and pharmaceutical/therapeutic applications.

### When can a research project start under this grant?

Research may commence no earlier than May 2026 and must begin by April 2027 at the latest.

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

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