Challenge Programme 2027 - Unravelling electron transfer mechanisms in hybrid bio-electrocatalysis

The Challenge Programme 2027 is a multi-year research grant competition supporting interdisciplinary fundamental and applied electro-biotechnology research on hybrid bio-electrocatalysis. It funds consortia that combine biological components with synthetic materials to study and improve electron transfer mechanisms for applications such as sustainable chemical production and clean energy. Projects must address TRL 1–3 and emphasise mechanistic understanding, with encouragement for integration of data science approaches. Grants are intended to enable scientific depth, collaboration and long-term research programmes.

Multi-year project grant funding of DKK 30–75 million per awarded project (6-year projects); support for research consortium activities and collaboration.

The programme supports consortia of 2–4 research groups (main applicant plus 1–3 co-applicants). The main applicant must be an independent tenured or tenure-track researcher employed at a European (European Union, Schengen Area plus United Kingdom) university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation, with at least 75% commitment and guaranteed salary for the project period. Co-applicants may be located globally. At least one applicant (main or co-applicant) must be at least 75% employed and have their research group at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation at the time of submission. Industry partners may collaborate but cannot receive funding.

Consortia of 2–4 research groups apply; applicants may submit only one proposal as main applicant; apply via the Novo Nordisk Foundation application process and submit required proposal documentation as specified in the programme guidelines.