Industrial PhD Scheme – Doctoral Projects in Industry 2026
Industrial PhD Scheme – Doctoral Projects in Industry 2026 supports company-employed doctoral candidates undertaking research to strengthen innovation and long-term expertise in Norwegian industry.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: Rolling (Applications) | January 9, 2026 (Webinar) | August 10, 2026 (Earliest start) | January 4, 2027 (Latest start) | January 3, 2031 (Latest completion)
Funding Amounts: NOK 145.8 million call budget; up to 50% of approved costs for three- or four-year projects
Summary: Supports company-employed doctoral candidates conducting research with degree-conferring institutions to strengthen innovation and long-term expertise in Norwegian industry.
Key Information: A named candidate with an approved master’s degree and no existing doctorate is required at application.
Description
The Research Council of Norway’s Industrial PhD scheme supports doctoral research addressing companies’ R&D needs and long-term competence development. Projects are planned and carried out jointly by a company and a Norwegian or foreign degree-conferring institution. The scheme aims to recruit doctoral candidates into business, strengthen research-based innovation, and build closer connections between companies and research communities.
The call supports basic and industrial research, with funding for 40 projects without thematic restrictions and up to 16 additional earmarked projects. Priorities cover defence capability, security and preparedness, deep technologies, quantum technology, circular economy, and maritime research. Funding is awarded administratively, in receipt order, to applications meeting all criteria while funds remain, rather than through a competitive ranking.
