Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites grant applications proposing exploratory research projects focused on further development and technical validation of emerging technologies offering novel capabilities for the molecular or cellular characterization of cancer or for improved handling and quality control of biospecimens used for basic, clinical, or epidemiological cancer research. This NOFO solicits R33 applications where major feasibility gaps for the technology or methodology have been overcome, as demonstrated with supportive preliminary data, but still require further development and rigorous technical validation to encourage adoption by the research community. Well-suited applications must propose the development of technologies that offer the potential to accelerate and/or enhance research in the areas of cancer biology, early detection and screening, clinical diagnosis, treatment, cancer control, epidemiology. Technologies proposed for development may have potential for widespread applicability but must be focused in this proposal on cancer-relevant use cases. Projects proposing to apply or use existing technologies for hypothesis-driven research where the novelty resides in the biological or clinical target/question being pursued are not responsive to this solicitation and will not be reviewed. This funding opportunity is part of a broader NCI-sponsored Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) Program.
The Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) grant, offered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is designed for researchers and research organizations developing innovative technologies and methodologies that advance cancer research capabilities. This funding opportunity supports projects that have moved beyond initial feasibility stages but require further development and rigorous technical validation before widespread adoption by the research community. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, research organizations, and biotech companies with expertise in molecular characterization, cellular analysis, biospecimen handling, and quality control technologies relevant to cancer research. The grant funds technology development focused on cancer biology, early detection and screening, clinical diagnosis, treatment, cancer control, and epidemiology applications. Applicants should note that this R33 mechanism explicitly excludes clinical trial applications. If your organization has preliminary data demonstrating that major feasibility gaps have been overcome, and you're ready to validate your emerging technology for cancer research applications, this grant provides the resources to accelerate development and increase adoption potential within the research community. This opportunity is part of the broader NCI-sponsored Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) Program. Both domestic and international organizations are eligible to apply.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
November 10, 2026
Award Amount
Up to $300K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $300K
Deadline
2026-11-10
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (Next deadline: November 10, 2026)
Best For
Research organizations, academic institutions, and biotech companies developing emerging cancer research technologies
Eligibility
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligibility includes domestic U.S. organizations and foreign organizations. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations and foreign components are also eligible. Applicants must be capable of developing emerging technologies for cancer research applications. For comprehensive eligibility requirements, refer to Section III of the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the NIH website.
How much funding does Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
Funding awards range from the grant program's specified amount up to $300,000. The exact award amount may vary based on your project scope and the NCI's funding decisions in each cycle. Check the official NOFO for current funding details and any applicable indirect cost policies.
How do I apply for Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications are submitted through the NIH grants system (Grants.gov). Prepare an R33 grant application with preliminary data demonstrating that major feasibility gaps have been overcome, detailed technical validation plans, and evidence of cancer research relevance. The next deadline is November 10, 2026. For step-by-step application instructions and submission requirements, visit the official NCI NOFO page or Grants.gov.
What can Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
Funding supports further development and rigorous technical validation of emerging technologies that characterize cancer at molecular and cellular levels, or improve biospecimen handling and quality control. Technologies must demonstrate potential for cancer research applications in areas including cancer biology, early detection and screening, clinical diagnosis, treatment, cancer control, and epidemiology. Note: Clinical trial applications are not allowed under this R33 mechanism.
Last updated: July 5, 2026