# Nærings-ph.d. – doktorgradsprosjekt i bedrift 2026

**Funder:** Research Council of Norway
**Budget:** Kr 145 800 000 total
**Duration:** 36–48 months
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NO
**Official call:** https://www.forskningsradet.no/utlysninger/2026/narings-phd-doktorgradsprosjekt-bedrift-2026/
**Last verified:** 22 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Strengthens research-driven innovation and long-term competence building in Norwegian business by recruiting PhD candidates in companies. Open to Norwegian businesses across sectors.

## Summary

Nærings-ph.d. funds PhD candidates undertaking research projects within Norwegian companies over 36-48 months, with a total budget of kr 145.8 million across the 2026 cohort. The scheme targets companies across all sectors that wish to build research-driven innovation and long-term competence in-house. This is an annual call with rolling deadlines, designed to embed doctoral researchers directly in business environments.

## Who should apply

- PhD candidates with a strong research proposal aligned to a company's innovation goals
- Norwegian companies across all sectors seeking to build research capacity and competence
- Companies with supervisory and mentoring infrastructure to support doctoral researchers
- Projects combining academic rigour with applied business outcomes

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline throughout 2026 (verify exact opening window on Research Council of Norway website)
- Single application per candidate, company pair
- 36-48 month project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Ensure the company supervisor is committed and identified at proposal stage, a strong industrial mentor is decisive.
- Frame the research question to show both academic novelty and business relevance; this funder rewards dual value.
- The company must commit resources and workspace; proposals without clear institutional buy-in from the employer score poorly.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Nærings-ph.d. and who funds it?

Nærings-ph.d. is a PhD scheme funded by the Research Council of Norway that embeds doctoral researchers in Norwegian companies to build research-driven innovation and competence.

### How long does a Nærings-ph.d. project last?

Projects run for 36-48 months, allowing time for substantial research and company integration.

### Which companies can apply for Nærings-ph.d.?

All Norwegian businesses across sectors are eligible, provided they can host and mentor a PhD candidate.

### What is the budget for Nærings-ph.d. 2026?

The total budget for 2026 is kr 145.8 million distributed across selected projects and candidates.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-council-of-norway-n-rings-ph-d-doktorgradsprosjekt-i-bedrift-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.