International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges
This grant funds international, interdisciplinary research using disruptive technologies to solve global challenges and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Funder: Research Council of Finland
Due Dates: March 3, 2026 (Notice of Intent) | June 9, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | November 3, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Nordic partners: up to NOK 17.1 million (~€1.44M) per project; Finland portion: up to €5M total; project duration up to 36 months.
Summary: Funds interdisciplinary research using disruptive technology to address global societal challenges and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Information: Requires consortia eligible for funding from at least three participating agencies, including one Canadian; Nordic consortia must include partners from at least two Nordic countries.
Description
This international initiative supports transformative, interdisciplinary research projects that harness disruptive technologies to address major global challenges and accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program is managed by Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) and coordinated for the Nordic region by NordForsk, with the Research Council of Finland as a key partner. Projects must involve international consortia and foster collaboration across disciplines and sectors, engaging stakeholders in the co-development and implementation of solutions. Research may focus on developing, implementing, or assessing the impact of disruptive technologies—defined as innovations that radically change systems, processes, or behaviors with significant societal or economic outcomes.
