The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) Technology Impact Award 2026–2027 supports bold, early-stage technology concepts with the potential to transform cancer immunotherapy. The program focuses on ideas that have not yet been fully developed or tested and could create entirely new tools, platforms, or therapeutic technologies.
Projects should address important barriers in cancer immunotherapy and generate proof-of-principle data that could lead to future clinical applications. The award provides up to $600,000 over 2–4 years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold a tenure-track position or equivalent.
- Applicants must be based at a nonprofit research center or institution.
- Researchers from both U.S. and international institutions may apply.
- Clinical cancer immunologists and technology developers are encouraged to collaborate.
- Projects must focus on new technological approaches relevant to cancer immunotherapy.
- Clinical trials are not eligible, although samples from independently funded clinical trials may be used for technology development.
Funding Details
- Funding: Up to $600,000
- Duration: 2–4 years
- Funding is intended as seed support for development of entirely new technologies.
Deadline
- LOI deadline: November 15, 2026
- Applicants notified regarding full proposals: approximately mid-February 2027
- Invited full proposal deadline: March 1, 2027
- Earliest award activation: July 1, 2027
- Applications are due by 11:59 PM ET.
Further Information
- Applications follow a two-stage process: Letter of Intent followed by an invited full proposal.
- The initial research concept is limited to 3 pages.
- Supporting documents include the applicant’s CV, bibliography, and information about participating team members where applicable.
- Applications must be submitted electronically through the CRI online application system.
- The Technology Impact Award does not fund clinical trials; CRI directs clinical trial proposals to its Clinical Innovator program.