Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a forthcoming funding opportunity issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically through the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), released under number RFA-CA-26-002, is part of the broader Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) Program. It invites applications from research entities that aim to further develop and rigorously validate innovative technologies designed for use in cancer research. These technologies must demonstrate the potential to significantly advance areas such as cancer biology, early detection and screening, clinical diagnosis, treatment, control, epidemiology, or cancer health disparities. This funding opportunity is directed at projects that have already demonstrated feasibility through preliminary data and are now positioned for advanced development. Applications should focus on technologies that provide novel capabilities to target, probe, analyze, or perform quality control of biospecimens utilized in cancer research. Proposals that merely apply existing technologies to new biological or clinical questions without further development or innovation in the technology itself will not be reviewed under this funding mechanism. The grant will fund R33-stage projects, which typically support later-stage technology development, aiming to encourage adoption by the broader research community. Technologies submitted for consideration may have broad applicability, but their use and benefits must be clearly delineated in the context of cancer research within this proposal. NIH has specified that clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity. Eligible applicants span a wide range of organizations, including U.S.-based nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit entities, higher education institutions, independent school districts, tribal governments and organizations, and various units of state and local government. Additionally, foreign institutions and eligible federal agencies may apply. Faith-based, community-based, and regional organizations are also included. Eligibility has been structured to promote participation from a diverse set of entities capable of advancing the NCI’s technological priorities in cancer research. The expected total program funding is $4.5 million, with individual awards ranging between $50,000 and $300,000. NIH anticipates issuing approximately nine awards. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity. The forecasted application open date is November 30, 2025, and completed applications will be due by April 10, 2026. Awards will be issued by December 1, 2026, which is also the estimated project start date. For further information or questions regarding this NOFO, applicants are encouraged to contact Kelly Crotty, Ph.D., at the National Cancer Institute. She can be reached at 240-255-0917 or via email at Kelly.crotty@nih.gov.