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) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) applications from small business concerns (SBCs) that seek additional funding to support the next stage of development for cancer-relevant projects. The purpose of this NOFO is to facilitate the transition of SBIR or STTR Phase II projects to the commercialization stage. Proposed projects may address preclinical and/or clinical stages of technology development. Key aspects of the opportunity include: • The NOFO will utilize the R44 activity code. • Clinical trials may be proposed as appropriate but are not required. • Applicants must submit a Commercialization Plan, which should include details on any independent third-party investor funding that has already been secured or is anticipated during the Phase IIB Bridge Award project period. • The level of independent third-party funding should be equal to or greater than the NCI funds being requested throughout the Phase IIB Bridge Award project period.