OICR Cancer Therapeutics Innovation Pipeline

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR)’s CTIP program funds preclinical drug discovery projects focused on developing First-in-Class (FiC) or Best-in-Class (BiC) cancer therapeutics. The goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of validated targets and novel molecules that can attract further investment for clinical development. This call supports projects at three stages: Early Validation (EV), Early Accelerator (EA), and Late Accelerator (LA).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be from Ontario academic centres, hospital research institutes, or government research institutions.

• Funding is only tenable within Ontario.

• For-profit entities are not eligible to apply.

Funding Details:

1. Early Validation (EV) Projects

   • Goal: Validate cancer-associated targets using knowledge bases and functional assays

   • Amount: Up to 150,000 CAD/year for 2 years

2. Early Accelerator (EA) Projects

   • Goal: Develop a validated primary assay and demonstrate screening readiness

   • Amount: Up to 150,000 CAD for 1 year

3. Late Accelerator (LA) Projects

   • Goal: Conduct validated screening to identify Hit1 molecules

   • Amount: Up to 500,000 CAD/year for 2 years

Deadline:

• Applications open: April 7, 2025

• Information session: April 23, 2025 (2:00–3:00 PM ET)

• Notice of Intent / Letter of Intent: May 13, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)

• Full Application Deadline: August 7, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)

• Notification of Decision: October 2025

• Funding Start Date: December 1, 2025

Where to go for further information:

• OICR Funding Opportunities Page

• Questions: Email [email protected]

• Applications via ReportNet