Deadline: 15-Sep-2025
The Novo Nordisk Foundation has introduced the Distinguished Innovator Grant to support the commercialisation of research discoveries and the development of new technologies in the areas of sustainability and health. This grant targets senior faculty members or researchers with a strong innovation background, including experience in academic innovation, patents, and academic spinouts.
The Sustainability stream of the grant supports cutting-edge research in agriculture, food, industrial and environmental biotechnology, carbon capture and storage, and emissions reduction technologies. Projects focusing on sustainable, high-yield agriculture, healthy food systems, and climate mitigation will be prioritised.
The Health stream funds innovation in med-tech, pharmaceuticals, industrial biotechnology, and quantum technologies. It encourages ideas that can lead to new medical treatments, diagnostics, disease prevention, and healthcare technologies. Special attention is given to projects addressing cardiometabolic and infectious diseases and related preventative solutions.
For 2025, a combined budget of DKK 190 million has been allocated for both the Distinguished and Pioneer Innovator Grants. Each Distinguished Innovator Grant may provide up to DKK 7.6 million for projects running over three years.
Eligible expenses include salaries for research staff at all levels, including technicians, PhD students (with tuition up to DKK 80,000 per year), and project consultants. Funding may also cover operating costs such as materials, lab access, clinical trials, and infrastructure use. Equipment may be funded up to DKK 200,000 per year.
Applicants may also request funds for outreach activities like conferences or publications, travel related to project work, and commercialisation costs like licenses or patent fees. Administrative costs of up to 5% of the total funding are allowed. Legal IP counsel and project supplements (for Danish universities only) may also be included. However, the grant does not cover salaries for the main applicant or co-applicants, overheads, or general business activities.
Projects that have already secured funding from other sources must disclose this to avoid budgetary duplication. If additional funding is received after submission, the Foundation must be informed immediately.
To be eligible, the main applicant must be a senior researcher or faculty member at a research institution or hospital in the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden. Applicants must show a proven track record in innovation and must also demonstrate a commitment to promoting innovation in academia and mentoring younger researchers.
Co-applicants are optional and may be from the same or different institutions, including those outside the Nordic region. The hosting institution must be a non-profit organisation. The grant cannot be awarded directly to companies. Projects linked to incubator programs or where intellectual property is held by a university are eligible, provided the project remains academic and no company has been formally established.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.
