Forecast to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity for Small Business Transition Grant For Early Career Scientists (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), in partnership with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), is planning to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “Small Business Transition Grant For Early Career Scientists (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed).” This initiative represents a forward-looking investment in entrepreneurial development for early-career academic scientists, with the dual aim of promoting scientific innovation and facilitating the commercialization of academic research through small business ventures. The NCI, NHGRI, and NIBIB are all components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which plays a pivotal role in advancing biomedical research across the country. The core objective of this forecasted NOFO is to support early-career academic researchers as they transition into entrepreneurial roles by providing structured support for both mentoring and product development. The initiative emphasizes the transfer of promising scientific technologies from university laboratories into viable commercial enterprises, specifically small businesses. Acknowledging the common barriers in this transition—such as assembling effective leadership teams and securing funding for nascent technologies—the NIH intends for this grant to address both challenges concurrently. The funding will be made available through the SBIR and STTR programs, using the R41/R42 grant mechanisms, which are specifically designed for small business innovation research. Through these programs, early-career scientists will receive mentoring support from experienced entrepreneurs, in addition to financial backing to continue developing their technologies in a commercial context. Although exact award amounts are not yet available, the forecast anticipates approximately 20 awards being granted under this opportunity. No cost sharing or matching requirements are stipulated at this time. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad, including a wide range of public, tribal, nonprofit, and for-profit entities. Specifically, eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally and non-federally recognized tribal organizations, educational institutions (both public and private), small businesses, nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status, and public housing authorities. This wide eligibility pool underscores the inclusive nature of the initiative, aiming to foster innovation across diverse sectors of the research and entrepreneurial landscape. At this time, the NOFO remains in a forecasted state. It is expected to be officially published on August 29, 2025, with applications due by October 30, 2025. The anticipated award and project start dates are July 1, 2026. While applications are not currently being accepted, the publication of this forecast aims to give potential applicants ample time to identify partners, prepare collaborative proposals, and align their projects with the stated goals of the program. Interested parties are encouraged to begin their preparations in advance of the official NOFO release. For further details or specific inquiries, the designated contact for this grant opportunity is Dr. Saroj Regmi at the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Regmi can be reached at 240-276-7289 or via email at saroj.regmi@nih.gov. Applicants are advised to monitor Grants.gov and NIH communications for the formal release of the NOFO and any additional instructions or updates.