This round closed on 7 October 2026. The details below are from that round.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme guide lists the next deadline if Novo Nordisk Foundation announces one.
Novo Nordisk Foundation
Challenge Programme 2027 – Harnessing novel Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies
14:00 Copenhagen time
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The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 funds large consortia of 2-4 research groups working on Earth-abundant materials for sustainable technologies, with DKK 30-75 million (ca. EUR 4-10 million) available over six years. The main applicant must be an independent tenured or tenure-track researcher at a European university, hospital or non-profit research organisation, with at least one applicant based at a Danish institution. The call targets early-stage (TRL 1-3) fundamental research and allows global co-applicants and industry collaboration, though industrial partners cannot receive funding.
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 online panel discussion |
| TRL | 1-3 |
| Frequency | Annual |
Recently updated
catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: Oct date was not the published Stage-1 deadline per NNF
Eligibility & scope
Main applicant must be an independent tenured/tenure-track researcher employed ≥75% at a European (EU, Schengen Area plus UK) university, hospital or non-profit research organisation; at least one applicant 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
- •Independent tenured or tenure-track researchers employed at least 75% at a European institution
- •Consortium main applicant plus 1-3 co-applicants, with at least one team member at a Danish institution
- •Co-applicants may be based anywhere globally
- •Researchers working on early-stage (TRL 1-3) materials science for sustainable technologies
- •Teams open to industry collaboration without channeling funding to industrial partners
Key Dates
- •Stage 1 expression of interest deadline listed as 7 October 2026, 14:00 Copenhagen time (verify exact date on the NNF site, as this may not match the published Stage 1 deadline)
- •Two-stage process: expression of interest followed by full proposal with online panel discussion
- •Six-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Form the consortium early, the main applicant must be European and at least one applicant must be at a Danish institution, so confirm partner eligibility before Stage 1.
- ✓Keep the Stage 1 expression of interest focused on the Earth-abundant materials angle and the sustainability case, since it gates entry to the full proposal stage.
- ✓If involving industry, plan the collaboration structure carefully, as industrial partners can participate but cannot receive funding from the grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the NNF Challenge Programme 2027 fund?
DKK 30-75 million, roughly EUR 4-10 million, per consortium over six years.
Who can be the main applicant for this Challenge Programme?
An independent tenured or tenure-track researcher employed at least 75% at a European university, hospital or non-profit research organisation.
Does a consortium need a Danish partner?
Yes, at least one applicant in the consortium must be employed at least 75% at a Danish institution.
Can industry partners receive funding under this call?
No, industrial partners may collaborate but cannot receive funding from the grant.
What application stages does this call use?
A two-stage process: an expression of interest followed by a full proposal with an online panel discussion.
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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