# Nexa innovation call: Innovations that reduce the impact of heat on people living with cardiometabolic diseases in Africa

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Deadline:** 22 July 2026 (6:00pm Copenhagen time)
**Application:** Single stage — applications submitted via Grand Challenges Canada portal; eligibility check, due diligence, screening and peer review by Science for Africa Foundation & Grand Challenges Canada; Nexa partners (incl. NNF) then select among successful applicants
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/nexa-innovation-call-innovations-that-reduce-the-impact-of-heat-on-people-living-with-cardiometabolic-diseases-in-africa/
**Last verified:** 24 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports locally-led innovations protecting people with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes from extreme heat impacts in Africa. Applications submitted through Grand Challenges Canada portal (grandchallenges.ca). Focus on Africa; call is part of the broader Nexa Climate and Health Innovation Programme. Successful applicants may receive funding from other Nexa partners rather than NNF specifically.

## Summary

The Nexa Climate and Health Innovation Programme funds locally-led innovations protecting people with cardiovascular disease or diabetes from extreme heat impacts in Africa. The call is open to teams and researchers working in African countries, submitted through the Grand Challenges Canada portal, with funding awarded by Novo Nordisk Foundation and other Nexa partners. This is a one-off call focused on practical, implementation-ready solutions.

## Who should apply

- Teams and organisations based in African countries with direct community links
- Researchers, clinicians, engineers, and innovators working on heat adaptation strategies
- Solutions addressing cardiovascular disease or diabetes management under extreme heat
- Locally-led initiatives with proven feasibility and African context expertise

## Key dates

- Deadline: 22 July 2026, 18:00 Copenhagen time
- Single-stage application via Grand Challenges Canada portal; eligibility check, screening, and peer review by Science for Africa Foundation and Grand Challenges Canada
- Funding awarded by Nexa partners (including Novo Nordisk Foundation) among successful applicants

## Tips for applicants

- Submit via the Grand Challenges Canada portal, not directly to Novo Nordisk Foundation, portal access and formatting are gating.
- Emphasise local leadership and African team expertise; the call prioritises solutions co-designed with and owned by African communities.
- Your innovation may be funded by other Nexa partners instead of NNF directly, design your proposal to fit multiple funder priorities within the Nexa ecosystem.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply to the Nexa innovation call on heat and cardiometabolic disease?

Teams and researchers based in African countries with direct involvement in cardiovascular disease or diabetes care and heat adaptation. Applications are submitted through the Grand Challenges Canada portal.

### What is the deadline for the Nexa innovation call?

22 July 2026 at 18:00 Copenhagen time.

### Will Novo Nordisk Foundation definitely fund my proposal?

Successful proposals are selected by Nexa partners, which include NNF and others; you may receive funding from another Nexa partner rather than NNF specifically.

### Is this call happening again next year?

No, this is a one-off call within the broader Nexa Climate and Health Innovation Programme.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-nexa-innovation-call-innovations-that-reduce-the-i-2026-07) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.