Novo Nordisk Foundation
CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2027 – Harnessing novel Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies
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The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 funds large consortia developing novel Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies, with grants of €4-10 million over six years. Open to established research leaders internationally working at technology readiness levels 1-3 (fundamental to applied research), applicants must propose cross-organisational teams with a shared research vision aligned to the Foundation's strategic priorities. This is a one-off call emphasizing fundamental innovation in materials science for sustainability.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | DKK 30-75 million per grant |
| Deadline | 7 October 2026 |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Consortium | Required — leading researchers forming a consortium united by a clear vision and mission |
| Application | 2-stage: Stage 1 results December 2026 → Stage 2 results June 2027 |
| TRL | 1-3 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | DK |
Recently updated
catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: Oct date was not the published Stage-1 deadline per NNF
Eligibility & scope
Funds consortia of leading researchers to develop innovative solutions to major scientific challenges in Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies, contributing to Danish and European research ecosystems. Open internationally to established research leaders in natural sciences.
Who Should Apply
- •Established research leaders (professor-level or equivalent) with track record in natural sciences
- •Researchers internationally based, with consortium partners in Denmark or co-hosting arrangements
- •Multidisciplinary teams tackling major scientific challenges in materials science and sustainability
- •Projects addressing innovation at early TRL stages (1-3) with potential for downstream application
- •Consortia with a coordinated, shared research vision explicitly aligned to Novo Nordisk Foundation strategy
Key Dates
- •Stage 1 (expression of interest) deadline: December 2026; Stage 1 results December 2026
- •Stage 2 (full proposal) deadline: June 2027; Stage 2 results June 2027
- •Six-year project duration upon funding
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Consortium formation is mandatory, proposals must evidence a clear, written shared vision and mission linking all partners; reviewers screen for substantive research integration, not loose affiliation lists.
- ✓Align explicitly to Novo Nordisk Foundation's strategic priorities in sustainability and health; include a strategic-alignment section in your Stage 1 expression to signal fit early.
- ✓Early-TRL projects (1-3) are the target; avoid over-mature technology development. Focus your narrative on fundamental scientific innovation rather than near-market pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 fund?
Grants range from €4 million to €10 million per consortium over six years.
What is the deadline for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027?
Stage 1 (expression of interest) deadline is December 2026; Stage 2 (full proposal) deadline is June 2027. Confirm exact dates on the funder's website.
Who can apply for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027?
Established research leaders (professor-level or equivalent) working internationally in natural sciences, applying as part of a required consortium with a shared research vision.
Is a consortium required for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027?
Yes, consortium formation is mandatory. Applications must involve multiple research partners with a clear, shared vision and mission.
What research stage does the Challenge Programme 2027 fund?
The programme targets technology readiness levels 1-3, supporting fundamental and early-stage applied research in Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies.
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.
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