Novo Nordisk Foundation

Distinguished Innovator Grant — Sustainability

Up to DKK 7.6 million3 years

Last verified: 1 July 2026

Is this grant right for you? Check your personalised match score. 30s, no email. See my matches →

The Distinguished Innovator Grant, Sustainability from Novo Nordisk Foundation funds senior researchers at Nordic institutions to commercialise innovation in sustainable agriculture, food systems, environmental biotech, carbon capture, and climate technology. Grants of up to DKK 7.6 million support three-year projects with clear pathways to market; applicants must have a track record of patents or spinouts. The call is annual and targets pre-revenue ventures hosted by non-profit institutions in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or 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 sustainable agriculture, food, environmental biotech, carbon capture, and climate tech. Projects must have clear commercialisation outlook; pre-CVR only. Non-profit host institution required.

Who Should Apply

•Senior faculty members or principal researchers at Nordic institutions (DK, FI, IS, NO, SE)
•Researchers with proven innovation credentials (patents, spinouts, or licensing deals)
•Projects in sustainable agriculture, food systems, environmental biotech, carbon capture, or climate technology
•Applicants with a clear commercialisation or market-entry plan
•Researchers at non-profit host institutions (universities, public research institutes, or hospitals)

Key Dates

•Annual deadline (verify exact date on Novo Nordisk Foundation website)
•Three-year project duration

Tips for Applicants

✓Lead with the innovation trajectory: emphasise your patent portfolio or past spinout experience, as the panel screens for proven ability to move from lab to commercialisation.
✓Frame the sustainability angle clearly, the funder prioritises climate and food-systems impact, not generic tech innovation.
✓Include a credible go-to-market plan with realistic costings for pre-revenue work; vague commercialisation intentions score poorly here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Novo Nordisk Distinguished Innovator Grant, Sustainability fund?

Up to DKK 7.6 million over three years per project.

Who can apply for the Distinguished Innovator Grant, Sustainability?

Senior faculty or researchers at Nordic (DK, FI, IS, NO, SE) universities, hospitals, or research institutions with a proven track record of innovation (patents, spinouts, licensing).

What research areas does the Novo Nordisk Distinguished Innovator Grant, Sustainability cover?

Sustainable agriculture, food systems, environmental biotech, carbon capture, and climate technology with clear commercialisation outlook.

Is the Distinguished Innovator Grant, Sustainability recurring?

Yes, Novo Nordisk Foundation runs this call annually.

novo-nordisksustainabilityclimate-techsenior-researchernordic-regioninnovation-commercialisationfood-systemsenvironmental-biotech

View full call →

Share ✉ Email X LinkedIn WhatsApp

Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.

More from Novo Nordisk Foundation

Browse all open grants →

Could Distinguished Innovator Grant — Sustainability be right for you?

See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.

See my matches free →