Innovative Molecular and Cellular Analysis Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit grant applications for exploratory research projects focused on the early-stage development of innovative technologies that provide novel molecular or cellular analysis capabilities for cancer research.

This initiative aims to support projects that enhance understanding and characterization of cancer biology, improve early detection and screening, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and address cancer health disparities. This funding opportunity is part of the broader Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) Program, which has been operational since 1998 and focuses on advancing innovative technologies in cancer research.

Grant Details
The grant supports exploratory research projects that propose the development of highly innovative technologies aimed at improving molecular and cellular characterizations of cancer biology. Applications must focus on:
1. The development of novel tools with substantial improvements over current approaches or new technical capabilities.
2. Technologies that can significantly impact laboratory, epidemiology, or clinical settings.
3. A rigorous study design with verifiable performance measures.
4. Projects must not pursue existing technologies without substantial modifications or focus primarily on biological questions without a novel technical component.
5. The proposed technology should target molecular or cellular features relevant to cancer biology and demonstrate potential for widespread applicability.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, public/state controlled institutions, private institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), local governments, state governments, tribal governments, federal agencies, foreign organizations, and other entities such as independent school districts and faith-based organizations. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
The total project period may not exceed 3 years. Specific timelines for application submission and award cycles are outlined in the grant announcement.

Grant Value
NCI intends to fund an estimated 17 awards totaling $4,200,000 for fiscal year 2026. Individual application budgets are limited to $150,000 per year in direct costs.