# Pioneer Innovator Grant (Health)

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 1.2 million
**Duration:** 1 year
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** DK, FI, IS, NO, SE
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/pioneer-innovator-grant/
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to faculty, researchers, or students at universities, hospitals, or research institutions in Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden). Must be administered by a non-profit; companies ineligible. Focus on med-tech, biotech, pharma, quantum tech with clear commercialisation outlook; particular emphasis on cardiometabolic and infectious diseases. Pre-CVR only.

## Summary

The Pioneer Innovator Grant (Health) from Novo Nordisk Foundation funds up to DKK 1.2 million over one year for faculty, researchers, and students in Nordic countries to develop med-tech, biotech, pharma, or quantum technology projects with clear commercialisation potential. The call prioritises cardiometabolic and infectious disease solutions that directly improve patient outcomes or advance sustainability. Projects must be hosted by universities, hospitals, or non-profit research institutions, and the Foundation runs this programme annually.

## Who should apply

- Faculty, researchers, or students at universities, hospitals, or non-profit research institutions in Nordic countries
- Projects in med-tech, biotech, pharma, or quantum technology with a credible path to market or adoption
- Teams working on cardiometabolic or infectious disease innovations
- Solutions designed to directly improve patient lives or address sustainability challenges

## Key dates

- Annual call; verify exact deadline on Novo Nordisk Foundation website
- One-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Commercialisation outlook is a hard requirement, include a clear pathway to adoption, market entry, or regulatory approval, not just feasibility.
- Disease focus matters: cardiometabolic and infectious disease projects are prioritised; demonstrate why your innovation addresses an unmet need in these areas.
- Patient impact must be explicit: frame the project outcome in terms of clinical or quality-of-life benefit, not scientific novelty alone.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I request for the Pioneer Innovator Grant (Health)?

Up to DKK 1.2 million for a one-year project.

### Who is eligible for the Pioneer Innovator Grant (Health)?

Faculty, researchers, and students at universities, hospitals, or non-profit research institutions in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

### What research areas does the Pioneer Innovator Grant (Health) fund?

Med-tech, biotech, pharma, and quantum technology projects with particular focus on cardiometabolic and infectious diseases and clear commercialisation potential.

### Must my project have a commercialisation angle for this grant?

Yes, projects must have a clear commercialisation outlook and demonstrate how they will directly improve patient lives or support sustainability.

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