Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The Regenerative Medicine Catalyst Grant Programme provides catalytic funding to accelerate translational regenerative medicine research and support the development of stem cell-based therapies toward clinical application. The programme aims to strengthen the Nordic regenerative medicine ecosystem by supporting innovative research that addresses key scientific and technological challenges in cell therapy development.
With a total funding allocation of DKK 100 million for 2026–2027, the programme supports both individual and international collaborative projects focused on advancing regenerative medicine and improving the pathway from research to clinical use.
About the Grant Programme
The programme is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical implementation of regenerative medicine solutions. It supports research that can improve the safety, effectiveness, scalability, and clinical readiness of stem cell-based therapies.
A major objective is to strengthen collaboration across the Nordic region while fostering innovation in cell therapy development, manufacturing, quality assessment, and clinical translation.
Programme Objectives
The grant programme aims to:
- Accelerate the clinical development of regenerative medicine therapies
- Advance stem cell-based treatment approaches
- Strengthen the Nordic regenerative medicine ecosystem
- Support translational and clinically relevant research
- Improve manufacturing and quality assessment methods
- Promote international scientific collaboration
- Develop innovative solutions for cell therapy challenges
- Enhance the clinical readiness of regenerative medicine technologies
Projects should demonstrate strong potential to advance regenerative medicine toward practical healthcare applications.
Priority Research Areas
Allogeneic Cell Therapy Development
A key focus of the programme is the advancement of donor-derived allogeneic cell therapies.
Research may include:
- Development of allogeneic stem cell therapies
- Strategies to improve cell therapy effectiveness
- Approaches that enhance clinical applicability
- Platform technologies for scalable cell therapy development
- Novel therapeutic applications for regenerative medicine
Projects should address barriers that currently limit the widespread use of allogeneic therapies.
Immunogenicity and Immune Rejection
The programme prioritizes research aimed at overcoming immune-related challenges associated with donor-derived therapies.
Relevant topics include:
- Reducing immunogenicity in allogeneic therapies
- Preventing immune rejection
- Cell engineering approaches
- Immune-evasive cell technologies
- Gene-editing strategies for cell therapies
- Platform solutions with broad therapeutic applications
Research in this area is expected to improve the long-term success and accessibility of regenerative treatments.
Analytical Methods for Stem Cell-Based Medicines
The programme supports the development of improved tools for evaluating stem cell-based products.
Priority areas include:
- Analytical testing methods
- Functional assessment tools
- Quality control technologies
- Product characterization approaches
- Validation methods for regenerative medicine products
- Research and manufacturing assessment systems
Improved analytical tools can strengthen confidence in the safety and effectiveness of emerging therapies.
Potency Testing and Quality Assessment
Funding is available for projects that enhance evaluation methods for stem cell-based medicines.
Examples include:
- Potency testing technologies
- Functional performance assessment
- Quality assurance systems
- Standardization approaches
- Manufacturing quality evaluation
- Clinical-grade product validation
These tools are critical for both research applications and future regulatory approval processes.
Biomaterials Engineering
The programme encourages research into advanced biomaterials for regenerative medicine.
Potential areas include:
- Biomaterial design and development
- Tissue engineering applications
- Cell delivery systems
- Regenerative scaffolds
- Bioengineered therapeutic platforms
- Materials supporting tissue repair and regeneration
Projects should demonstrate relevance to regenerative medicine applications.
Clinical Development of Cell Therapies
The programme supports activities that move therapies closer to clinical implementation.
Research may focus on:
- Translational studies
- Clinical development strategies
- Preclinical validation
- Clinical readiness activities
- Therapy optimization
- Evidence generation for future clinical use
Projects should have a clear pathway toward clinical impact.
Funding Available
The total programme budget is:
- DKK 100 million for the 2026–2027 funding period
Funding is available through two project categories.
Standard Projects
Applicants may request:
- Up to DKK 5 million
- Project duration of up to three years
These projects are intended for individual research groups addressing key regenerative medicine challenges.
Collaborative Projects
International collaborative projects may receive:
- Up to DKK 10 million
- Project duration of up to three years
Collaborative applications must include at least one eligible international co-applicant.
Where one institution receives a larger share of funding, applicants must provide a clear justification for the budget allocation.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is limited to established investigators with an active research programme.
Applicants must:
- Be established investigators
- Hold primary employment at an eligible institution
- Lead an active research group
- Maintain salary coverage throughout the project period
- Be institutionally anchored for the duration of the project
Applicants should demonstrate the scientific expertise and resources necessary to complete the proposed work.
Eligible Institutions
Applicants must be based at:
- Universities
- Hospitals
- Non-profit research institutions
Eligible institutions must be located in:
Only institutions located within the Nordic region are eligible to host funded projects.
Collaborative Project Requirements
Collaborative applications must meet additional requirements.
Applicants must:
- Include at least one international co-applicant
- Collaborate with a partner from a different institution or country
- Clearly define scientific responsibilities
- Provide transparent budget allocations
- Demonstrate the value of the collaboration
The scientific contribution of each partner should be clearly described within the proposal.
Co-Applicant Rules
Collaborative project teams must comply with programme participation limits.
Key requirements include:
- Co-applicants may participate in a maximum of two applications
- Scientific roles must be clearly defined
- Budget responsibilities must be documented
- International collaboration must add scientific value
Failure to meet collaboration requirements may affect eligibility.
Industry Participation
Industry involvement is permitted under specific conditions.
Permitted activities include:
- Subcontracting services
- Technical support agreements
- Specialized service provision
- Industry collaboration supporting project delivery
However:
- Funding cannot be awarded directly to for-profit entities
- Commercial companies cannot serve as funding recipients
Applicants should clearly describe the role of any industry partners.
Ineligible Applications
The following are not permitted:
- Projects overlapping with existing funded projects under the same programme
- Direct funding to for-profit companies
- Applications that fail to meet collaboration requirements
- Proposals lacking institutional anchoring or salary coverage
Applicants should ensure full compliance with all eligibility rules before submission.
Why This Programme Matters
Regenerative medicine has the potential to transform healthcare by providing new treatments for diseases and conditions that currently have limited therapeutic options. However, significant scientific and technical challenges remain before many therapies can reach routine clinical use.
This programme helps:
- Accelerate translation from research to clinical application
- Advance stem cell-based therapies
- Strengthen Nordic scientific leadership
- Improve regenerative medicine infrastructure
- Foster international collaboration
- Enhance treatment innovation
- Support future clinical breakthroughs
By investing in translational research and collaboration, the programme contributes to the development of next-generation regenerative therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the Regenerative Medicine Catalyst Grant Programme?
The programme supports translational regenerative medicine research aimed at accelerating the development of stem cell-based therapies toward clinical application. - How much funding is available?
The total programme budget is DKK 100 million for 2026–2027. - How much can individual projects receive?
Standard projects may receive up to DKK 5 million, while collaborative projects may receive up to DKK 10 million. - How long can projects run?
Both standard and collaborative projects can be funded for up to three years. - Who is eligible to apply?
Established investigators with research groups at eligible universities, hospitals, or non-profit research institutions in Nordic countries. - Are international collaborations required?
International collaboration is required only for collaborative project applications seeking up to DKK 10 million. - Can industry partners receive funding?
No. Industry partners may participate through subcontracting or service agreements, but funding cannot be allocated directly to for-profit entities.
Conclusion
The Regenerative Medicine Catalyst Grant Programme provides significant support for translational regenerative medicine research across the Nordic region. With funding of up to DKK 10 million for collaborative projects and DKK 100 million available overall, the programme seeks to accelerate the development of stem cell-based therapies, improve analytical and manufacturing capabilities, and strengthen international collaboration. By supporting innovative research with strong clinical potential, the initiative contributes to the advancement of regenerative medicine and future healthcare solutions.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.