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

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, has released a forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity titled Early-Stage Innovative Technology Development for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed), under opportunity number RFA-CA-26-001. This program is designed to support early-stage projects focused on developing and testing innovative technologies applicable to cancer research. The emphasis is on proof-of-concept and pilot studies that evaluate the feasibility of new methods, tools, assays, platforms, or instruments with the potential to advance cancer biology, early detection and screening, clinical diagnosis, treatment, cancer control, epidemiology, and research related to cancer health disparities. The funding opportunity falls under the broader Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) Program sponsored by NCI. Applications must propose highly innovative technologies that can improve the handling, analysis, targeting, probing, or quality control of biospecimens used in cancer research and clinical settings. While technologies may have broad potential applicability, applicants must ensure their proposals specifically address cancer-related applications. Projects are expected to demonstrate a high degree of technical innovation with the potential to accelerate or enhance research outcomes in cancer-related fields. The scope of this funding is discretionary and focuses on health-related activities. It is designed to fund projects that aim to address unmet needs in cancer research, particularly those where existing methods are insufficient or ineffective. Acceptable spending under this grant will be limited to advancing proof-of-concept and pilot development projects, with the ultimate goal of producing tools and technologies that can later be validated for wider adoption in cancer research or clinical practice. As this is an R61 mechanism, clinical trials are not permitted under this funding opportunity. Eligibility for this grant is broad and includes a wide range of organizations. Eligible applicants include for-profit entities other than small businesses, small businesses, nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status, institutions of higher education (both public and private), independent school districts, public housing authorities, Native American tribal governments and organizations, state, county, city, township, and special district governments, as well as faith-based and community-based organizations, U.S. territories, regional organizations, eligible federal government agencies, and foreign institutions. This broad eligibility ensures diverse participation in advancing cancer research technologies. The opportunity is forecasted with an estimated posting date of November 30, 2025. The application due date is April 10, 2026, with an estimated award date of December 1, 2026, which also marks the anticipated project start date. The estimated total program funding is $4,700,000, with an expected number of 17 awards. The maximum award ceiling is $150,000, and the minimum award floor is $50,000. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants. The assistance listing number associated with this grant is 93.394, which relates to Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research. Applicants seeking further information are directed to contact Kelly Crotty, Ph.D., at 240-255-0917 or via email at kelly.crotty@nih.gov. As this is a forecasted opportunity, interested applicants should monitor Grants.gov for the official release and final application package. The forecast provides potential applicants with ample time to prepare and align their research proposals with the goals of the NCI IMAT Program. By fostering innovation at the earliest stages of technology development, this opportunity aims to accelerate advancements in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately contributing to reducing the burden of cancer.