The NordForsk has launched a major research initiative titled “Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges” to fund transformative scientific projects.
This joint call seeks to support interdisciplinary work that uses cutting-edge innovation to reshape global systems and solve complex societal issues.
At the heart of the search is “disruptive technologies,” defined as any innovation that radically replaces or alters existing behaviors and processes.
Whether developing entirely new tools or applying existing tech in novel contexts, the goal is to trigger paradigm shifts with significant economic impact.
Every proposal must align with at least one of the seventeen United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By focusing on these specific targets, the initiative aims to offer novel solutions that accelerate global progress toward a more sustainable future.
The titled “Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges” demands an interdisciplinary approach, requiring expertise that spans the natural sciences, health, and engineering as well as the social sciences and humanities.
Teams are encouraged to work across academia, government, and the private sector to ensure their findings lead to real-world implementation.
Funding and benefits
Successful Nordic partners can apply for a maximum funding amount of up to 17.1 million Norwegian Krone (MNOK) for their project proposals.
The initiative expects to provide this support to approximately 12 high-impact research projects involving Nordic participation.
Beyond the primary grants, the program offers a global platform for researchers to connect with partners in Canada, Brazil, and throughout Europe.
This collaborative environment is managed by NordForsk in partnership with several national research councils across the Nordic region.
Application requirements and eligibility
To qualify, project teams must be international and eligible for funding from at least three of the participating global organizations.
Critically, at least one of these partner organizations must be Canadian, ensuring a strong transatlantic research link for every selected project.
For those seeking funds from NordForsk, the team must include research partners from at least two different Nordic countries.
Eligible regions include Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and the Åland Islands.
One member of the Nordic team must also be designated as the Co-Principal Investigator for the broader international project team.
This requirement ensures regional leadership and accountability within the large-scale collaborative framework.
Deadline
The application process begins with a mandatory Notice of Intent (NOI), which must be submitted through the official portal by 3 March 2026. Following this, full applications will be processed later in the year, with a final submission deadline scheduled for 3 November 2026.
Visit the NordForsk call page for the disruptive technologies challenge to apply. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
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