OpenFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesRFA-CA-27-001

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

National Institutes of HealthCloses Nov 10, 2026(28 days left)Up to $150,000

Does this fit your business?

This is an NCI/NIH R61 grant for early-stage proof-of-concept development of new technologies for molecular or cellular characterization of cancer or better biospecimen handling. It fits small businesses and research teams building novel tools, assays, or instruments for cancer-relevant uses. It is not for anyone applying existing technologies to hypothesis-driven research, and clinical trials are not allowed.

Best for
Small businesses and for-profits developing early-stage cancer research technologies, Universities and higher-ed institutions doing molecular or biospecimen tool development, Nonprofits and tribal organizations with cancer tech R&D projects, Research teams building proof-of-concept assays, platforms, or instruments for cancer characterization
Not for
Businesses using existing tools for hypothesis-driven research rather than developing new technology, Clinical trials or patient-care projects, Organizations outside health, science, or technology research
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Technology & SoftwareMatches your industry (technology, tech)
80
Strong Match
Healthcare & BiotechMatches your industry (clinical)
79
Strong Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to agriculture & farming
54
Possible Match
Arts & CultureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to arts & culture
54
Possible Match
Education & TrainingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to education & training
54
Possible Match
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Nothing in this notice points to energy & clean tech
54
Possible Match
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation
54
Possible Match
Finance & BankingLimit: Not clearly about your industry or what you need funding for; check the…
54
Possible Match
Food & BeverageLimit: Nothing in this notice points to food & beverage
54
Possible Match
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Nothing in this notice points to housing & real estate
54
Possible Match
ManufacturingLimit: Nothing in this notice points to manufacturing
54
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Nothing in this notice points to retail & e-commerce
54
Possible Match
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: Nothing in this notice points to social services & nonprofit
54
Possible Match
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Nothing in this notice points to transportation & logistics
51
Possible Match
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to construction & infrastructure
48
Possible Match

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
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?
The application deadline is 2026-11-10.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
The largest single award is $150,000, with about 20 awards expected from a total program funding of $5,100,000.
Who can apply for this grant?
Small businesses, other for-profit organizations, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), public and private institutions of higher education, state/local/tribal governments, public housing authorities, and foreign organizations may apply. Clinical trials are not allowed.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
The facts do not specifically address sole proprietors or single-member LLCs. For-profit organizations other than small businesses and small businesses are listed as eligible, but the NOFO's Section III should be consulted for details.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are both listed as eligible.

Summary

NIH/NCI R61 grants for early-stage proof-of-concept development of innovative technologies for molecular/cellular characterization of cancer or improved biospecimen handling and quality control. Open to small businesses, other for-profits, universities, nonprofits, governments, tribes, and foreign organizations; clinical trials not allowed.

About this grant

Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) solicits grant applications proposing to develop innovative technologies offering new capabilities for the molecular or cellular characterization of cancer or for improved handling and quality control of biospecimens for basic, clinical, or epidemiological cancer research. The NOFO solicits R61 applications for early-stage projects proposing proof-of-concept/pilot studies to test the technical feasibility of the proposed method, tool, assay, platform, or instrument. Technologies proposed for development may have potential for widespread applicability but must be focused for this program on cancer-relevant use cases. Projects proposing to apply or use existing technologies for hypothesis-driven research where the novelty resides in the biological or clinical target/question being pursued are not responsive to this solicitation and will not be reviewed.This funding opportunity is part of a broader NCI-sponsored Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) Program.

Who can apply

Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Health
  • Science
  • Technology

Program contact

National Institutes of HealthKelly.crotty@nih.gov301-402-2541

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