Novo Nordisk Foundation
Challenge Programme
Call opens; webinar 16 June 2026 at 13:00 CEST
Last updated:
No deadline is on file for this call. Check Novo Nordisk Foundation's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme funds interdisciplinary consortia pursuing fundamental research on electron transfer in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis, with budgets of EUR 4-10 million per project over six years. Applicants must form teams of 2-4 research groups with the main applicant tenured or tenure-track at a European institution and at least one team member employed full-time in Denmark. This call combines biology, chemistry, materials science, physics, and engineering to develop solutions for clean energy and sustainable chemical production.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | DKK 30–75 million (ca. EUR 4–10 million) |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Consortium | Required — consortium of 2-4 research groups (main applicant plus 1-3 co-applicants) |
| Application | 2-stage: Stage 1 expression of interest → Stage 2 full proposal with presentation to review panel |
| TRL | 1-3 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | DK |
Eligibility & scope
Challenge Programme 2027 call 'Harnessing novel Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies' for interdisciplinary consortia in materials science, chemistry, engineering, data-science and physics. Main applicant must be tenured/tenure-track at a European (EU/Schengen/UK) institution with ≥75% employment; at least one applicant (main or co-) must be ≥75% employed at a Danish institution. Co-applicants may be located globally; industry collaboration allowed but industrial partners cannot receive funding.
Who Should Apply
- •Tenured or tenure-track researchers at European (EU, Schengen Area, or UK) universities, hospitals, or non-profit institutions with ≥75% employment commitment
- •Interdisciplinary consortium leaders combining biology, chemistry, materials science, physics, and/or engineering expertise
- •Teams with at least one member employed ≥75% at a Danish research institution
- •Researchers pursuing fundamental or applied research (TRL 1-3) on electron transfer mechanisms in bio-electrocatalysis
Key Dates
- •Stage 1 (expression of interest) and Stage 2 (full proposal with online panel presentation), verify exact deadlines on Novo Nordisk Foundation website
- •Six-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Consortium composition is gating: ensure all 2-4 research groups are named early and their roles clearly delineated before Stage 2.
- ✓The Danish co-applicant must hold ≥75% employment at a Danish institution; temporary visiting arrangements do not satisfy this requirement.
- ✓Emphasise the interdisciplinary span and how each discipline contributes to electron transfer mechanisms; siloed chemistry-only or engineering-only proposals score lower on integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the Novo Nordisk Challenge Programme offer?
Budgets range from EUR 4-10 million per grant, with a total call budget of EUR 20 million.
Who can be the main applicant for the Challenge Programme?
A tenured or tenure-track researcher at a European (EU, Schengen Area, or UK) university, hospital, or non-profit institution, with ≥75% employment commitment.
Is a Danish co-applicant required for the Challenge Programme?
Yes, at least one applicant in the consortium must be employed at ≥75% at a Danish institution.
What research stage does the Challenge Programme fund?
Early-stage fundamental and applied research at TRL 1-3 on electron transfer in bio-electrocatalysis, combining multiple disciplines.
Is the Challenge Programme a single-stage or multi-stage application?
It is a two-stage process: Stage 1 is an expression of interest, followed by Stage 2 full proposal submission and online panel presentation for shortlisted applicants.
Related on Grantsby
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme, full programme guide
Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme past winners & funded projects
Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
Similar grants
CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2027 – Harnessing novel Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies
Novo Nordisk FoundationDeadline: 7 Oct 2026DKK 30-75 million per grantChallenge Programme 2027 – Unravelling electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis
Novo Nordisk FoundationDeadline: 7 Oct 2026DKK 30–75 million (ca. €4–10 million)Challenge Programme
Novo Nordisk FoundationDeadline: 7 Oct 2026DKK 30-75 million per grantTandem Programme – Translational research collaboration between Basic and Clinical Researchers
Novo Nordisk FoundationDeadline: 21 Jan 2027Up to DKK 13M per grantPartnerskap for råmaterialer for grønn og digital omstilling (RAMP)
Research Council of NorwayDeadline: 22 Sept 2026
Browse Related
Could Challenge Programme be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →