Early-Stage Innovative Technology Development for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Does this fit your business?

This is an NCI grant for early-stage development of new technologies for cancer research or clinical care, funding proof-of-concept and pilot studies that test whether a new tool, assay, platform, or instrument is technically feasible. It fits small businesses, for-profits, universities, and nonprofits building cancer-related measurement, imaging, analysis, or biospecimen technologies. If your product or research has no cancer application, or you need money to commercialize something that is far

Best for

Small businesses and for-profits building early-stage cancer research or clinical-care technologies, Universities and higher-ed institutions running proof-of-concept cancer tech studies, Nonprofits developing new cancer measurement, imaging, or analysis tools, State, local, and tribal governments with cancer technology R&D projects

Not for

Businesses with no cancer research or clinical-care technology angle, Late-stage projects that are past proof-of-concept and need commercialization or scale-up funding, Organizations outside the listed eligible applicant categories

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for

R&D, Research, Equipment

Who can apply

Small businesses, For-profit companies, Nonprofits, State and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations, Colleges and universities, Other applicants (see eligibility)

Award range

Up to $150,000

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?

June 4, 2027. The notice was posted July 14, 2026, so you have more than 60 days to prepare.

How much funding can an applicant receive?

The largest single award is $150,000. The NCI expects to make about 23 awards from a total program pool of $5,400,000.

Who can apply for this grant?

Small businesses, other for-profits, private and public institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, state, county, city, township, special district, and independent school district governments, federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations, public and Indian housing authorities, and other organizations listed in the notice. Foreign institutions, U.S. territories, faith-based and community organizations, regional organizations, and eligible federal agencies are also eligible under the notice's eligibility text.

Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?

The facts do not say. Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs are not named in the eligible applicant codes, so check the full NOFO or contact NCI before assuming you qualify.

Can a nonprofit apply?

Yes. Both nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are listed as eligible applicants.

Summary

NCI grants for early-stage development of innovative technologies for cancer research or clinical care, funding proof-of-concept/pilot studies testing technical feasibility of new tools, assays, platforms, or instruments. Eligible applicants include small businesses, other for-profits, universities, nonprofits, state/local/tribal governments, and other organizations.

About this grant

Who can apply

Topics and uses of funds

Program contact