Novo Nordisk Foundation

Challenge Programme 2027 — Advancing Next Generation AMR Diagnostics for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

DKK 30–75M (ca. EUR 4–10M) per grant; total budget up to DKK 150M (ca. EUR 20M)6 years

Stage 1 expression of interest deadline not specified on page; Stage 2 full proposal by invitation only

Last verified: 8 July 2026

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This is the current call of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme programme. The programme guide covers eligibility, budget, success rate and FAQ across every round.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 funds early-stage diagnostic innovation for lower respiratory tract infections with grants of €4-10 million over six years. Applicants must form consortiums of 2-4 research groups with at least one Danish institution and a main applicant at a European university or non-profit with tenured or tenure-track status. The call prioritises rapid, minimally invasive, affordable point-of-care diagnostics grounded in proof-of-concept research, and runs as a one-off competitive round.

Details

Funder	Novo Nordisk Foundation
Budget	DKK 30–75M (ca. EUR 4–10M) per grant; total budget up to DKK 150M (ca. EUR 20M)
Duration	6 years
Consortium	Required — 2–4 research groups (main applicant + 1–3 co-applicants); at least one applicant must be based at a Danish institution
Application	2-stage: Stage 1 expression of interest → Stage 2 full proposal + online presentation
Frequency	One-off
Eligible countries	ATBEBGHRCYCZDKEEFIFRDEGRHUIEITLVLTLUMTNLPLPTROSKSIESSEISLINOCHGB

Eligibility & scope

Main applicant must be an independent tenured/tenure-track researcher employed (≥75% commitment) at a European (EU, Schengen Area, or UK) university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation. At least one applicant must be ≥75% employed at a Danish institution. Co-applicants may be global. For-profit product development is ineligible; research must be anchored at a research institution or non-profit. Focus: early-stage proof-of-concept for rapid, minimally invasive LRTI diagnostics at point-of-care.

Who Should Apply

•Tenured or tenure-track researchers at European universities, hospitals, or non-profit institutions with ≥75% employment
•Consortium leaders assembling 2-4 research groups with at least one partner ≥75% employed at a Danish institution
•Early-stage diagnostic research teams working on minimally invasive, affordable LRTI point-of-care tests
•Groups with clinical translation potential but not seeking commercial product development funding
•Applicants willing to engage industry partners as collaborators (not as funded co-applicants)

Key Dates

•Two-stage process: Stage 1 expression of interest, followed by Stage 2 full proposal for shortlisted consortiums
•Specific deadlines not yet published; check Novo Nordisk Foundation website for 2027 schedule
•Six-year project duration if funded

Tips for Applicants

✓Consortium composition is gating: ensure your Danish partner meets the ≥75% employment threshold before submission, as misalignment here will stall Stage 1 review.
✓Stage 1 is a filter for fit and feasibility; spend it demonstrating clear proof-of-concept groundwork and naming committed co-applicants rather than speculating on final protocols.
✓Emphasise affordable, point-of-care delivery in your diagnostic design; Novo Nordisk Foundation prioritises implementation potential in lower-resource settings, not laboratory-only assays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I receive from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge 2027 AMR Diagnostics call?

Individual grants range from €4 million to €10 million (approximately DKK 30-75 million) for a six-year project. The total funding pool across all awards is approximately €20 million.

Do I need a consortium to apply?

Yes, you must assemble a consortium of 2-4 research groups, with yourself as the main applicant at a European tenured/tenure-track post and at least one co-applicant ≥75% employed at a Danish institution.

Can for-profit companies or industry partners receive funding?

No, for-profit product development is ineligible. However, industry partners may collaborate and contribute in-kind or as partners, provided they do not receive direct grant funding.

What type of diagnostics research is in scope?

Early-stage proof-of-concept research on rapid, minimally invasive, affordable point-of-care diagnostics for lower respiratory tract infections, anchored at a research institution or non-profit.

Is this a recurring call?

No, the Challenge Programme 2027 is a one-off call. There is no indication of future rounds at this time.

amr-diagnosticslower-respiratory-infectionpoint-of-carenovo-nordiskconsortium-requiredproof-of-conceptearly-stagedanish-partnership

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.

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