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

The National Cancer Institute is inviting grant applications for early-stage development of innovative technologies aimed at advancing cancer research and clinical care through the R61 funding mechanism, which prohibits clinical trials. The focus is on proof-of-concept or pilot studies that demonstrate the technical feasibility of novel tools, assays, platforms, or instruments capable of measuring, analyzing, modeling, or interrogating cancer-related biological systems. Eligible projects must exhibit high technical innovation with the potential to significantly accelerate progress in cancer biology, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, control, or epidemiology. Examples include advanced molecular and cellular analysis systems, multi-omic and spatial profiling methods, next-generation imaging and sensing technologies, immuno-engineering platforms, and improvements in biospecimen handling and quality assessment. While the technologies may have broad applicability, the proposal must center exclusively on cancer-related applications. This opportunity is part of the NCI’s Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) Program, designed to foster breakthroughs in molecular and analytical methods critical to cancer science. Applications must be submitted under the designated notice, which was posted on July 14, 2026, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Human Services. Prospective applicants should direct inquiries to the IMAT Program Contact listed at nci-imat@nih.gov or by phone at 240-255-0917. The funding opportunity targets early-stage innovation and does not support later-stage development or clinical validation, ensuring resources are allocated to high-risk, high-reward projects that could transform foundational approaches in cancer diagnostics and research.