Novo Nordisk Foundation
Distinguished Innovator Grant — Health
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The Distinguished Innovator Grant, Health provides up to DKK 7.6 million over three years for senior researchers at Nordic institutions to develop commercially viable med-tech, industrial biotech, or pharma projects with a focus on cardiometabolic and infectious diseases. Applicants must have a proven track record of innovation (patents, spinouts, or equivalent) and partner with a non-profit administrator. Co-applicants may be international, and the call is open across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | Up to DKK 7.6 million |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | DKFIISNOSE |
Eligibility & scope
Main applicant must be a senior faculty member/researcher at a Nordic research institution or hospital/clinic, with a proven innovation track record (patents, spinouts). Covers med-tech, pharma, industrial biotech, and quantum technologies; focus on cardiometabolic and infectious diseases. Projects must have clear commercialisation outlook; pre-CVR only. Non-profit host institution required.
Who Should Apply
- •Senior faculty and established researchers at Nordic academic or hospital institutions
- •Applicants with demonstrated innovation track record: patents, spinouts, or equivalent commercial traction
- •Med-tech, industrial biotech, pharma, or quantum-tech projects with cardiometabolic or infectious-disease focus
- •Projects designed for commercial translation and requiring non-profit administration
- •Teams willing to include optional international co-applicants
Key Dates
- •Annual deadline (check Novo Nordisk Foundation site for next round)
- •Single-stage written evaluation
- •Three-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Emphasize prior innovation assets (patents, licensing deals, spinout involvement), the panel weights track record heavily.
- ✓Articulate a clear commercialisation pathway and identify a credible non-profit partner for project administration upfront.
- ✓Cardiometabolic and infectious disease focus carries strategic weight; map your innovation to one of these priority areas explicitly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the Distinguished Innovator Grant, Health provide?
Up to DKK 7.6 million over three years per project.
Who is eligible for the Distinguished Innovator Grant, Health?
Senior faculty and researchers at Nordic (DK, FI, IS, NO, SE) academic or hospital institutions with a proven innovation track record such as patents or spinouts.
What research areas does the Distinguished Innovator Grant, Health fund?
Med-tech, industrial biotech, pharma, and quantum tech with a focus on cardiometabolic and infectious diseases, provided projects have commercial viability.
Can international researchers apply to the Distinguished Innovator Grant, Health?
The primary applicant must be based at a Nordic institution, but international co-applicants are permitted.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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