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)
About
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) is a federal funding opportunity from National Institutes of Health. This forecasted grant opportunity (FOR-CA-25-086) is available nationwide for eligible applicants.
The Forecast to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity for SBIR Phase IIB Bridge Awards is designed for small businesses developing innovative cancer-relevant technologies ready for commercialization. This National Institutes of Health program supports entrepreneurs and small research companies transitioning promising cancer research from the laboratory to the marketplace. Phase IIB Bridge Awards accelerate the path to commercialization by providing critical funding during the bridge between traditional Phase II research and Phase III clinical development. The program is particularly valuable for companies with cancer-fighting technologies—including diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices, and digital health solutions—that have demonstrated feasibility but require additional support to reach commercial viability. With the clinical trial optional component (R44), applicants have flexibility in study design. This nationwide funding opportunity encourages innovation in cancer care while helping small businesses overcome the challenging funding gap that often exists between research validation and market launch. Entrepreneurs should apply if they have a validated cancer technology, a clear path to commercialization, and the capacity to advance their innovation toward FDA approval or market entry. This program represents a unique opportunity to access federal resources specifically designed to de-risk development and accelerate cancer-fighting innovations to patients.
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle - see official Notice of Funding Opportunity
Grant Type
Federal - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Application Cycle
Forecasted - Monitor for official release and application deadlines on grants.nih.gov
Best For
Small businesses developing cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, medical devices, digital health solutions, and other cancer-relevant innovations ready for commercialization
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for 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)?
This is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, so eligible applicants are typically small businesses that meet federal SBIR size standards and meet the NIH definition of a small business. For complete and current eligibility requirements, including company size thresholds, ownership structure, and other criteria, visit the official NIH notice of funding opportunity (FOR-CA-25-086) on the NIH website.
How much funding does 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) provide?
The specific funding amount varies by cycle and is not specified in the current forecast. For exact funding ranges and budget information for this opportunity, check the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (FOR-CA-25-086) when it is published on grants.nih.gov.
How do I apply for 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)?
Applications for NIH SBIR Phase IIB Bridge Awards are submitted through Grants.gov using the NIH eRA Commons system. Since this is currently a forecasted opportunity, monitor grants.nih.gov and the NIH Notice of Funding Opportunity (FOR-CA-25-086) for the official release date, application deadlines, and submission portal information. Applicants should register with eRA Commons in advance.
What can 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) funding be used for?
Funding is intended to accelerate development of cancer-relevant technologies toward commercialization. This may include research and development, technology validation, feasibility studies, preliminary clinical data generation, manufacturing scale-up, regulatory pathway planning, and other activities advancing your cancer technology toward market launch or FDA approval. Clinical trials are optional under this mechanism. For specific allowable costs, refer to the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Last updated: March 1, 2026