The NCI Early-Stage Development of Informatics Technologies for Cancer Research and Management program supports the creation of innovative informatics tools and resources addressing important needs across the cancer research continuum.
Projects may involve initial development of entirely new technologies or substantial modification of existing tools for new cancer research applications. Priority is given to technologies with novel capabilities, clear potential impact, strong engagement with end users, and realistic development milestones. (Simpler Grants)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education.
- Small businesses and other for-profit organizations are eligible.
- Foreign subawards or subcontracts are not permitted under this NOFO.
- Any investigator with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to conduct the proposed research may serve as PD/PI.
- Multiple-PD/PI applications are permitted.
- Applicant organizations may submit multiple applications provided each is scientifically distinct.
Funding Details:
- Maximum funding: $300,000 in direct costs per year.
- Maximum project period: 3 years.
- A project funded at the maximum level for all three years could therefore receive up to $900,000 in direct costs.
- Simpler.Grants.gov lists an individual award range of $50,000–$300,000.
- NCI plans to commit approximately $2.4 million in FY2027.
- Approximately 5 awards are expected.
Deadline:
- NOFO posted: May 21, 2026.
- Applications opened: June 1, 2026.
- Next application deadline: October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. local time of the applicant organization.
- Additional deadlines: June 11, 2027 and October 19, 2027.
- For applications submitted by October 19, 2026, scientific merit review is expected in March 2027.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
Further Information:
- Eligible technology areas include machine learning and deep learning, clinical decision-support tools, clinical-trial matching, data mining and visualization, multimodal data integration, statistical and mathematical methods, data standards, workflow platforms, and personalized modelling and simulation.
- This opportunity is specifically intended for early-stage technology development, including initial tool creation or substantial modification of existing tools for new applications. Projects primarily applying existing analysis methods are not responsive.
- Data generation cannot exceed 15% of the project budget in any single year, and applicants must include plans for end-user engagement, software/model sharing, development milestones, and participation in the NCI ITCR program.
- Application and full announcement: View the official Simpler.Grants.gov opportunity and complete RFA-CA-27-019 announcement. Applications may be prepared through NIH ASSIST or Grants.gov Workspace.
- Program contact: Questions may be directed to the NCI Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives at nciitcr@mail.nih.gov. Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-CA-27-019.