Deadline: 27-May-2026
The Nordic Innovation is offering grants of up to NOK 2,000,000 to support projects that attract and retain skilled talent in critical technology sectors across the Nordic region. The programme targets areas like AI, quantum, and space technologies and requires at least 50% co-funding. Consortia must include partners from at least three Nordic countries and demonstrate strong industry relevance.
Overview
This programme supports innovative solutions to address talent shortages in critical technology sectors in Nordic countries.
It aims to:
- Improve access to highly skilled talent
- Strengthen innovation capacity of Nordic companies
- Position the Nordic region as a global talent hub
Key Focus Areas
1. Talent Attraction & Retention
- Strategies to attract global talent
- Retention programs for skilled professionals
- Employer branding and regional promotion
2. Skills Development & Training
- Upskilling and reskilling initiatives
- Industry-relevant training programs
- Workforce readiness for emerging technologies
3. Mobility & Exchange
- Cross-border mobility schemes
- Mentorship and exchange programs
- Talent circulation within Nordic countries
4. Industry–Academia Collaboration
- Joint innovation projects
- University–industry partnerships
- Applied research and talent pipelines
Priority Technology Areas
Projects must focus on at least one of the following:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Quantum Technologies
- Space Technologies
These align with critical technologies identified by the EU.
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: NOK 2,000,000 per project
- Total project budget: ~NOK 4,000,000
- Co-funding requirement: Minimum 50%
- Project duration: Up to 18 months
- Number of projects: 2
State Aid Conditions:
- Max €300,000 per organisation over 3 years
- Only Nordic partners receive funding
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants:
- Cluster and ecosystem organisations
- Innovation organisations
- Companies and startups
- Universities and higher education institutions
- Research institutes
- Training providers
- Public sector organisations
- Employer/employee organisations
Consortium Requirements:
- At least 3 partners
- From 3 different Nordic countries
- Strong industry involvement required
Note:
- Non-Nordic partners can participate but are not funded
What Projects Should Include
Strong proposals must demonstrate:
- Clear objective and problem definition
- End-user involvement (companies/talent)
- Defined activities and timeline
- Measurable outcomes
- Relevance to Nordic industry needs
How the Program Works
- Build a Nordic consortium
- Identify talent challenges in critical tech
- Design solutions (training, mobility, attraction strategies)
- Implement activities over 18 months
- Deliver measurable outcomes
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Form a consortium:
- Minimum 3 Nordic partners
- Define project focus:
- AI, quantum, or space tech
- Develop proposal:
- Talent strategy
- Activities and timeline
- Budget with 50% co-funding
- Ensure compliance with state aid rules
- Submit application to Nordic Innovation
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be assessed on:
- Relevance to talent challenges
- Innovation and impact potential
- Feasibility and implementation plan
- Industry engagement
- Cross-border collaboration strength
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak industry involvement
- Not meeting 3-country consortium requirement
- Lack of co-funding clarity
- Vague objectives or outcomes
- Misalignment with critical tech areas
Why This Funding Matters
This initiative addresses a major barrier in innovation: access to skilled talent.
It helps:
- Strengthen Nordic competitiveness globally
- Support growth in emerging technologies
- Enable cross-border collaboration
- Build sustainable talent ecosystems
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Involve industry partners early
- Focus on practical, scalable solutions
- Clearly define talent impact metrics
- Ensure strong cross-country collaboration
- Align with real workforce needs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Consortia of organisations from at least three Nordic countries.
2. How much funding is available?
Up to NOK 2,000,000 per project.
3. Is co-funding required?
Yes, at least 50%.
4. Which sectors are prioritized?
AI, quantum technologies, and space technologies.
5. Can non-Nordic partners participate?
Yes, but they cannot receive funding.
6. How long can projects run?
Up to 18 months.
7. How many projects will be funded?
Two projects.
Conclusion
The Nordic Talent Attraction and Retention Call offers a strategic opportunity to tackle talent shortages in critical technology sectors. By funding collaborative, cross-border initiatives, the programme strengthens innovation ecosystems and positions the Nordic region as a leading destination for global talent.
For more information, visit Nordic Innovation.