Industrial PhD Scheme – Doctoral Projects in Industry 2026
Industrial PhD Scheme – Doctoral Projects in Industry 2026 supports companies and doctoral candidates through collaborative research that builds long-term expertise and research-based innovation in Norwegian industry.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: Rolling (applications, while funds remain) | 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 presumed available; 36–48 months; funding capped at 50% of approved project costs
Summary: Supports company-based doctoral research that strengthens research-based innovation and long-term competence in Norwegian industry.
Key Information: A named candidate with an approved master's degree and no doctorate is required at application.
Description
The Research Council of Norway’s Industrial PhD scheme supports collaborative doctoral projects between companies and Norwegian or foreign degree-conferring institutions. Research must address the company’s R&D needs and be planned and carried out jointly. The scheme aims to build long-term expertise through recruiting doctoral candidates into companies, strengthen research-based innovation, and bring business and research communities closer together.
The call supports basic research and industrial research, with funding for 40 projects without thematic restrictions and up to 16 additional projects in earmarked areas. These cover defence capability, security and preparedness, deep technologies, quantum technology, circular economy, and maritime research. Funding is not awarded through a competitive ranking: qualifying applications are processed in receipt order while funds remain. Applications seeking earmarked funding are also assessed against unrestricted funds.
