Novo Nordisk Foundation
Distinguished Innovator Grant
14:00 Copenhagen time
Last updated:
The Distinguished Innovator Grant from Novo Nordisk Foundation awards up to DKK 7.6 million for senior researchers with a track record of translating research into commercial innovation (patents, spinouts) in sustainability or health. Applicants must be based at institutions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland. The foundation runs this call annually, and from 2027 onwards it will fund only one award per year.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | Up to DKK 7.6 million per grant |
| Deadline | 15 September 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2027-04 |
| Eligible countries | DKSENOFIIS |
Eligibility & scope
Aims to accelerate commercialisation of research findings and development of novel technologies in health sciences, sustainability, and quantum technologies with application to health/sustainability. Open to applicants based in Nordic Countries (incl. Denmark).
Who Should Apply
- •Senior faculty or researchers with a proven track record of innovation (patents, spinouts, licences)
- •Applicants hosted at institutions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland
- •Researchers with clear commercialisation plans for health or sustainability research
- •Teams with demonstrated ability to translate fundamental research into applied impact
Key Dates
- •Deadline 15 September 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time; call opens 1 August 2026
- •Single-stage application
- •From 2027, only one award granted per year
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Lead with concrete evidence of commercialisation track record, patents, spinouts, or licensing agreements carry more weight than publications alone.
- ✓Align your innovation pathway with either sustainability or health; unfocused applications across both domains score lower.
- ✓Highlight the Nordic added value, consortia spanning multiple Nordic countries may strengthen competitiveness, though not required for this call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Novo Nordisk Distinguished Innovator Grant pay?
Up to DKK 7.6 million per grant.
Who is eligible for the Distinguished Innovator Grant?
Senior faculty or researchers with a proven track record of innovation (patents, spinouts) hosted at institutions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Iceland.
What research areas does the Distinguished Innovator Grant fund?
Commercialisation of research in sustainability or health, with emphasis on translating research into real-world innovation.
Is the Distinguished Innovator Grant recurring?
Yes, the call runs annually. From 2027, only one award per year will be granted.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
Similar grants
Pioneer Innovator Grant
Novo Nordisk FoundationDeadline: 15 Sept 2026Up to DKK 1.2 millionLaureate Research Grant
Novo Nordisk FoundationDeadline: 27 Oct 2026Up to DKK 60 millionTandem Programme
Novo Nordisk FoundationDeadline: 21 Jan 2027Up to DKK 13 mio. per grantGrants for Clinical and Translational Research
Novo Nordisk FoundationUp to DKK 4,500,000 (max DKK 1,500,000/year); DKK 76 million total availableIndustry-oriented Quantum Technology
Research Council of NorwayDeadline: 14 Oct 2026
Browse Related
Could Distinguished Innovator Grant be right for you?
Deadline in 2 days. See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →