# Pioneer Innovator Grant — Sustainability

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 1.2M
**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:** 12 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports innovative research in agriculture, food, industrial/environmental biotech, carbon capture, nitrous oxide/methane emissions, and quantum technologies with clear commercialisation outlook. Main applicant must be faculty, researcher, or student at a university, hospital, or research institution in the Nordic countries. Must be administered by a non-profit; pre-CVR only.

## Summary

The Pioneer Innovator Grant, Sustainability from the Novo Nordisk Foundation offers up to DKK 1.2 million over one year for Nordic researchers with innovative projects in agriculture, food, biotech, carbon capture, emissions reduction, or quantum technologies that show clear commercialisation potential. The applicant must be faculty, a researcher, or student at a Nordic university, hospital, or research institution, with the grant administered through a non-profit organisation. This call runs annually and welcomes both fundamental and applied research with a route to market.

## Who should apply

- Faculty, researchers, or students at Nordic universities, hospitals, or research institutions
- Projects in agriculture, food, biotech, carbon capture, emissions reduction, or quantum technologies
- Research with a demonstrated pathway to commercialisation or market adoption
- Applicants based in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden

## Key dates

- Annual call deadline (verify exact date on Novo Nordisk Foundation website)
- Single-stage application
- One-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Commercialisation outlook is gating: articulate a clear, realistic route to market or adoption, not just scientific merit.
- The grant must be administered by a non-profit organisation; involve an institutional partner early if you are an independent researcher.
- Quantum technologies are named explicitly, if your project touches quantum computing, sensing, or simulation, flag the link prominently.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is the Pioneer Innovator Grant, Sustainability?

Up to DKK 1.2 million over one year.

### Who is eligible for the Pioneer Innovator Grant, Sustainability?

Faculty, researchers, or students at institutions in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden; the grant must be administered by a non-profit organisation.

### What research areas does the Pioneer Innovator Grant cover?

Agriculture, food, industrial/environmental biotech, carbon capture, nitrous oxide/methane emissions reduction, and quantum technologies, all with clear commercialisation potential.

### Is the Pioneer Innovator Grant annual?

Yes, the Novo Nordisk Foundation runs this call annually.

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

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