NCI IMAT — Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies

NCI IMAT R61 & R33

Supports translational cancer technology from concept proof to advanced development through NCI.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The NCI Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) program funds early-stage development of novel analytical technologies for cancer research, issued as paired R61 and R33 mechanisms under annual RFAs by NCI's Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives. The FY25 cycle comprised four RFAs: RFA-CA-25-001 (R61 for molecular and cellular analysis technologies), RFA-CA-25-002 (R33 for advanced development of molecular/cellular technologies), RFA-CA-25-003 (R61 for biospecimen science technologies), and RFA-CA-25-004 (R33 for advanced biospecimen science development). All four were archived February 7, 2026; FY26 successor RFAs (RFA-CA-26-xxx) are expected on the program's annual cycle. IMAT has funded annual grants since 1998 and has contributed to foundational technologies including liquid biopsy, spatial-omics, single-cell analysis, and PROTACs.

The R61 mechanism supports proof-of-concept at $150,000 direct costs per year for up to three years, with no preliminary data required. The R33 funds advanced development and validation where major feasibility gaps have already been overcome, at $300,000 direct costs per year for up to three years, with supportive preliminary data required. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under any of the four IMAT RFAs. TRL eligibility spans early-stage through proof-of-concept (roughly TRL 1–5). Eligible applicants include domestic universities, nonprofit research organizations, and for-profit companies; individuals cannot apply without institutional affiliation.

Applications must include quantitative performance measures in the Research Strategy section — a distinctive requirement that distinguishes IMAT review from standard investigator-initiated review. NCI program officers at the CSSI evaluate both scientific merit and the degree to which the proposed technology addresses a genuine gap in cancer research capability. Teams with technologies developed for non-cancer applications who believe their platform has direct cancer research utility should contact the IMAT program office before applying to confirm fit. The IMAT annual PI Meeting, held every year since 1999, provides a networking and feedback venue for active grantees.