Forecast to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity for SBIR Phase IIB Bridge Awards to Accelerate the Development of Cancer-Relevant Technologies Toward Commercialization (R44 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is forecasting a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IIB Bridge Awards. These awards aim to expedite the development and commercialization of cancer-relevant technologies. The NOFO is designed to solicit applications from small business concerns (SBCs) that have previously received SBIR or STTR Phase II awards from any federal agency and are seeking additional support to advance their technologies toward market readiness. This funding opportunity is intended to bridge the gap between the end of Phase II and the commercialization phase by encouraging partnerships between federally funded small businesses and third-party investors or strategic collaborators. The emphasis of this initiative is on promoting the transition from research to marketable products, services, or tools that address critical needs in cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention. Projects can be in the preclinical or clinical development stages. Clinical trials may be proposed if appropriate, but are not mandatory under this opportunity. To be eligible, applicants must provide a comprehensive Commercialization Plan. This plan must include details of any independent third-party investor funding that has already been secured or is anticipated during the award period. Importantly, the level of third-party funding must match or exceed the federal funding requested for the project. The initiative is designed to support capital-intensive projects and expects strong collaboration between the awardee and outside investors to drive innovation toward viable commercial solutions. The forecasted NOFO will utilize the R44 activity code and is expected to be published on August 29, 2025. Applications will be due by October 30, 2025. The anticipated award and project start date is July 1, 2026. The program does not have a matching requirement and no total program funding, award ceiling, or floor has been specified in the forecast at this time. Because this is a forecasted opportunity, applications are not being solicited yet; rather, this advance notice is provided to allow interested parties ample time to prepare responsive proposals and secure necessary partnerships. The funding opportunity falls under the discretionary category and is supported by two assistance listings: 93.394 (Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research) and 93.395 (Cancer Treatment Research). The forecast does not specify the number of awards expected. A wide array of applicant types is eligible to apply, including nonprofits, for-profit organizations, state and county governments, tribal entities, school districts, public housing authorities, and both public and private institutions of higher education. Small businesses and other eligible organizations are particularly encouraged to apply. Interested applicants seeking further information can contact Dr. Jonathan Franca-Koh at the National Cancer Institute. He can be reached via email at francakohjc@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 240-618-0984. The opportunity is classified as forecasted and is not yet accepting applications.