Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Distinguished Innovator Grant supports senior researchers in Nordic countries to transform innovative academic research into commercially viable technologies in health sciences, sustainability, and quantum technologies. The grant provides up to DKK 7.6 million for three years to accelerate research-based innovation, technology development, scaling potential, and future commercialisation.
Overview of the Distinguished Innovator Grant
The Distinguished Innovator Grant is designed to help experienced researchers and faculty members move advanced research discoveries from academic environments toward real-world applications.
The programme supports breakthrough innovations that can create:
- New products
- Advanced technologies
- Medical solutions
- Sustainable systems
- Technology platforms
- Research-based commercial opportunities
The grant aims to strengthen innovation culture within universities and research institutions by supporting researchers with proven experience in academic entrepreneurship, patents, and spin-out development.
Purpose of the Distinguished Innovator Grant
The main objective of the grant is to accelerate the development and commercialisation of high-impact research.
The programme supports researchers who can:
- Translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions
- Develop technologies with strong market potential
- Build pathways toward commercialisation
- Create innovations that improve health outcomes or sustainability
- Encourage innovation among future generations of researchers
Applicants are expected to act not only as innovators but also as leaders who promote a stronger culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within academia.
Key Research Areas Supported
The Distinguished Innovator Grant supports projects under three major areas:
Sustainability Innovation
The Sustainability track supports technologies that contribute to environmental solutions and the green transition.
Eligible areas include:
- Sustainable agriculture
- High-yielding agricultural systems
- Sustainable food production
- Healthy food solutions
- Industrial biotechnology
- Environmental biotechnology
- Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)
- Technologies reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Climate change mitigation solutions
- Technologies addressing methane and nitrous oxide emissions
Projects should demonstrate potential to create scalable solutions for global sustainability challenges.
Health Innovation
The Health track supports research that can improve healthcare outcomes and patient wellbeing.
Supported areas include:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical technology
- Medical devices
- Disease prevention
- Diagnostic methods
- Healthcare technologies
- Industrial biotechnology
- New therapeutic approaches
- Preventive health solutions
Priority may be given to innovations addressing:
- Cardiometabolic diseases
- Infectious diseases
- Stem cell-based medicine
- Related preventive healthcare solutions
Quantum Technologies
Quantum technology projects may also be supported if they demonstrate a clear application in:
- Health sciences, or
- Sustainability
Eligible quantum technology areas may include:
- Quantum sensing
- Quantum imaging
- Quantum communication
- Quantum computing applications
Projects must show a realistic connection between quantum technology development and health or sustainability outcomes.
Funding Amount and Duration
The Distinguished Innovator Grant provides:
- Maximum funding: DKK 7.6 million
- Project duration: 3 years
The overall Pioneer and Distinguished Innovator Grant programme has an annual budget of:
- DKK 190 million
Funding is available across both Health and Sustainability tracks.
Why This Grant Matters
Many academic discoveries require significant resources before they can become practical technologies.
The Distinguished Innovator Grant helps bridge the gap between:
- Academic research and commercial application
- Scientific discovery and market-ready innovation
- Laboratory development and real-world impact
The programme supports researchers who can create technologies that contribute to:
- Better healthcare
- Sustainable development
- Climate solutions
- Economic growth
- Innovation ecosystems
Who Is Eligible?
The grant is open to senior researchers and faculty members who meet specific innovation and institutional requirements.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be employed at a research institution or hospital in a Nordic country
- Be based in:
- Have a strong record of academic innovation
- Demonstrate experience in technology development and commercialisation
Required Applicant Experience
Applicants should demonstrate achievements such as:
- Development of patents
- Creation of academic spin-outs
- Successful innovation projects
- Translation of research into practical applications
- Leadership in innovation activities
Applicants should also show commitment to encouraging innovation among other researchers.
Eligible Institutions
The grant must be administered by a:
- University
- Research institution
- Hospital
- Other eligible non-profit research organisation
Funding cannot be provided directly to established companies.
Role of Co-Applicants
Co-applicants are optional.
They may come from:
- Nordic research institutions
- International universities
- Hospitals
- Research organisations
Collaborators should contribute meaningful expertise to the project.
Project Eligibility Requirements
Eligible projects must:
- Originate from an academic research environment
- Have potential for future scaling
- Demonstrate commercialisation potential
- Address health improvement or sustainability challenges
- Remain academically anchored
Projects may be at any:
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
However, they must not directly benefit an already established company.
University Incubator and Intellectual Property Projects
Projects connected with university incubators or university-owned intellectual property may apply if:
- The university administers the grant
- The project remains connected to academic research
- No registered company has been established before application
If a company is created during the grant period:
- The foundation must be informed
- Remaining funds must be returned after company registration
How the Distinguished Innovator Grant Works
Step 1: Develop an Innovation Concept
Researchers should identify a research-based innovation with:
- Clear societal value
- Commercial potential
- A pathway toward scaling
Step 2: Demonstrate Innovation Track Record
Applicants should highlight:
- Previous patents
- Spin-outs
- Research translation achievements
- Innovation leadership experience
Step 3: Define the Technology Development Plan
The proposal should explain:
- Research objectives
- Development activities
- Commercialisation strategy
- Scaling opportunities
Step 4: Show Long-Term Impact
Applications should demonstrate how the innovation can contribute to:
- Improved patient outcomes
- Sustainable solutions
- New technologies
- Future economic and societal benefits
Assessment Considerations
Applications are expected to be assessed based on:
- Scientific and technological quality
- Innovation potential
- Commercialisation opportunities
- Researcher leadership experience
- Scaling potential
- Contribution to health or sustainability goals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing research without commercial potential
- Submitting projects unrelated to health or sustainability
- Applying without evidence of innovation leadership
- Failing to explain scaling opportunities
- Supporting technologies that only benefit existing companies
- Establishing a company before maintaining academic eligibility
Tips for a Strong Application
Researchers can strengthen applications by:
- Clearly explaining the innovation opportunity
- Demonstrating previous commercialisation success
- Showing market and societal relevance
- Providing a realistic technology development pathway
- Highlighting collaboration opportunities
- Explaining long-term sustainability or health benefits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Distinguished Innovator Grant?
The Distinguished Innovator Grant supports senior researchers in developing and commercialising innovative research-based technologies in health, sustainability, and relevant quantum technology fields.
How much funding does the grant provide?
The grant provides up to DKK 7.6 million for a three-year project period.
Who can apply for the grant?
Senior faculty members and researchers employed at eligible research institutions or hospitals in Nordic countries can apply.
Which countries are eligible?
Eligible applicant institutions must be located in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden.
Can companies apply directly?
No. Funding cannot be awarded directly to established companies. The grant must be administered by a non-profit organisation.
Are quantum technology projects eligible?
Yes. Quantum projects are eligible if they have a clear application in health or sustainability.
What happens if a company is created during the project?
The foundation must be informed, and remaining grant funds must be returned after company registration.
Conclusion
The Distinguished Innovator Grant provides major support for senior researchers working to transform academic discoveries into impactful technologies. By funding innovation in health sciences, sustainability, and applied quantum technologies, the programme helps accelerate solutions that can improve public health, protect the environment, and create future-ready technologies.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.