Children with brain tumors deserve the brightest and most imaginative minds working on the next research breakthrough, but funding for untested bold ideas can be hard to find.

The National Cancer Institute’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program works with small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop novel therapies, devices, diagnostic tools, and preventative strategies for cancer patients, and they’re offering an upcoming funding opportunity for high-risk/high-innovation projects in pediatric and rare cancers.

SBIR’s Innovative Concept Award will provide up to $300,000 in Phase I contract funding to demonstrate proof of concept for technologies and devices that will improve the treatment, detection, diagnosis, or prevention of pediatric and rare cancers. Applications focusing on rare cancers with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50% are especially encouraged.

If you have a radical idea to transform cancer care for children facing the deadliest childhood disease, SBIR wants to talk to you. Here are the 2 steps to apply:

1. Submit a 2-3 page White Paper by May 5, 2023 to indicate your intent to propose. NCI will provide feedback on whether the proposed idea falls within the solicitation’s scope. More information about the White Paper can be found in section 7.1 of the NCI’s solicitation.
2. Submit a full proposal by August 22, 2023, 5 p.m. ET. Preliminary data is not required; however, the ideas should have sound scientific premise either based on the applicant’s own research or literature evidence. Additional information can be found in the NCI’s program announcement or by emailing Cherie Wells at [email protected].

Small businesses and entrepreneurs interested in learning how this award can make a difference during the commercialization journey can register for SBIR’s upcoming informational webinar and Q&A office hour on April 13, 2023, 2 p.m. ET and April 26, 2023, 2 p.m. ET. Additional information about the award can be found here.

Through our research funding, advocacy and family support, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is leading the way to a world without childhood brain cancer. The largest patient advocacy funder of pediatric brain tumor research, we fund and advocate for innovative projects that lead to vital discoveries, new clinical trials, and better treatments — all bringing us closer to a cure. If you’re interested in learning more about pediatric brain cancer research and upcoming funding opportunities, sign up today for updates.