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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R61)

Early-Stage Innovative Technology Development for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research

Funds early proof-of-concept work testing whether a new cancer research tool, assay, platform or instrument is technically feasible at all.

A brand-new way to measure, image or analyse cancer usually starts as an idea nobody has proven works yet. Before it can go anywhere — before a lab adopts it, before a bigger validation study gets funded — someone has to test whether it is technically feasible at all.

That is what this funds: early-stage, proof-of-concept and pilot studies testing the feasibility of a new method, tool, assay, pla

Early-stage, proof-of-concept and pilot studies testing the technical feasibility of a new method, tool, assay, platform or instrument for cancer research or clinical care — including molecular and cellular analysis platforms, multi-omic and spatial profiling, imaging and sensing technologies, immuno-engineering, and biospecimen processing — judged on technical innovation rather than disease focus.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.4 Jun 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$5.4M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: RFA-CA-28-001Source: www.grants.gov