Improving Actionable Biomarker Testing Through Technology-Enabled Solutions

Pfizer Inc., in collaboration with Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation, is offering a competitive grant opportunity focused on improving actionable biomarker testing through technology-enabled quality improvement (QI) projects. This grant initiative is part of Pfizer’s External Research & Grants (ER&G) program and is powered by Conquer Cancer's EveryGrant platform. It supports organizations that use evidence-based, sustainable, and patient-centered approaches to identify and close performance gaps in biomarker testing and guideline-based cancer care, especially in colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Eligible organizations include academic institutions, hospitals, cancer centers, and healthcare delivery systems based in the United States. Projects must aim to enhance the timely use and effectiveness of biomarker testing by leveraging technology, data, and QI frameworks such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Teams should include representatives from pathology, oncology, and health information, and proposals must demonstrate baseline gaps, a plan to collect and analyze diagnostic data, and sustainable interventions to improve outcomes. The focus of funded projects includes reducing delays in testing, improving adherence to NCCN and ASCO guidelines, increasing access to diagnostics, and implementing systematic approaches to testing. Projects must be non-research in nature and instead apply established clinical knowledge to drive near-term quality improvements in a specific healthcare setting. Funding is available for projects lasting approximately 12 months and proposals must include a sustainability plan, measurable outcomes, and potential for transferability to other institutions. The total grant budget available is $1 million, with individual awards up to $250,000. Grants cover direct and indirect costs (capped at 28%), but may not be used for capital purchases, therapeutic agents, or infrastructure investments. Proposals are due by October 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Projects are expected to begin around December 2025 and conclude by December 2026. All applications must be submitted through the Pfizer CyberGrants portal, using the Competitive Grant Program selection: “2025 ONC US CCF ASCO QI Technology Solutions Biomarker Testing.” For further information, applicants may contact Amanda Stein (Amanda.J.Stein@pfizer.com) or Andrew L. Smith, PhD (andrew.smith@conquer.org) with the subject line “Technology Solutions QI RFP.”

Use PDSA or similar QI methods. Address local barriers using EMR data or AI. Sustainability and transferability are key evaluation criteria.