# Research and Innovation for Major Challenges in the Public Sector

**Funder:** Research Council of Norway
**Budget:** NOK 20M–25M
**Duration:** maximum 36 months
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** NO
**Official call:** https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/call-for-proposals/2025/research-innovation-major-challenges-public-sector/#results
**Last verified:** 9 August 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds research and research-based innovation in, with and for the public sector to solve major societal challenges where the public sector plays a key role. Total available: NOK 171M.

## Summary

The Research Council of Norway's Research and Innovation for Major Challenges in the Public Sector funds research-based solutions to societal problems through partnerships between research organisations and public sector entities or companies. Projects receive NOK 20-25 million over a maximum of 36 months. The call is open-ended and continuous, making it suitable for organisations ready to partner on urgent public-sector challenges.

## Who should apply

- Public sector organisations and companies (non-research entities) seeking research partnerships
- Norwegian-based applicants or those partnering with Norwegian research institutions
- Organisations focused on solving large-scale societal challenges
- Consortia pairing industry or public-sector leadership with university or institute research

## Key dates

- Open-ended, continuous call, no fixed deadline
- Maximum 36-month project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Position your organisation as the problem-owner, not the research provider, RCN prioritises public-sector or industry leadership with research as the enabling tool.
- The fund backs 'research in, with and for' the public sector; centre the real-world application and stakeholder co-design in your narrative.
- Budget realism matters: RCN expects NOK 20-25M projects to be substantial and well-scoped; under-budgeted proposals signal weak planning.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I get from the RCN Research and Innovation for Major Challenges call?

Between NOK 20 and 25 million per project over a maximum of 36 months.

### Who can apply to this RCN call?

Public sector entities and companies (i.e., non-research organisations) that partner with research organisations to address major societal challenges; applicants must be based in Norway or work with Norwegian research partners.

### Is there a deadline for this call?

No, the call is open-ended and continuous, so you can submit when your project is ready.

### How long can my project run?

Up to a maximum of 36 months.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-council-of-norway-research-and-innovation-for-major-challenges-in-th-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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