The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is preparing to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IIB Bridge Awards aimed at accelerating the development of cancer-relevant technologies toward commercialization. This funding opportunity is designed for small business concerns (SBCs) that have previously received SBIR or STTR Phase II awards from any Federal agency and are seeking additional funding to transition their projects to the commercialization stage. The initiative emphasizes the importance of fostering partnerships between awardees and third-party investors to support the capital-intensive steps necessary for bringing new products and services to market. While applications are not currently being solicited, the NOFO is expected to be published in Summer 2025, with an anticipated application due date in Fall 2025. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Jonathan Franca-Koh, Ph.D., M.B.A. at 240-618-0984 or via email at francakohjc@mail.nih.gov.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) applications from small business concerns (SBCs) that seek additional funding to support the next stage of development for cancer-relevant projects that were previously funded under SBIR or STTR Phase II awards from any Federal agency. The purpose of this NOFO is to facilitate the transition of SBIR or STTR Phase II projects to the commercialization stage. This NOFO is expected to promote partnerships between Federally-funded SBIR or STTR Phase II awardees and third-party investors and/or strategic partners to facilitate and accelerate the capital-intensive steps that are required to commercialize new products and services. Applicants must submit a Commercialization Plan, which should include details on any independent third-party investor funding that has already been secured or is anticipated during the Phase IIB Bridge Award project period. It is expected that the level of this independent third-party funding will be equal to or greater than the NCI funds being requested throughout the Phase IIB Bridge Award project period. Proposed projects may address preclinical and/or clinical stages of technology development. Clinical trials may be proposed as appropriate but are not required.Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the R44 activity code. The NOFO is expected to be published in Summer 2025 with an anticipated application due date in Fall 2025.

Forecast to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity for SBIR Phase IIB Bridge Awards to Accelerate the Development of Cancer-Relevant Technologies Toward Commercialization (R44 Clinical Trial Optional)

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