The National Cancer Institute (NCI), through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, is offering the Innovative Concept Award, a funding opportunity for U.S.-based small businesses developing groundbreaking technologies to improve research, prevention, detection, or treatment in pediatric and rare cancers.

This opportunity is designed for small businesses (under 500 employees) with high-risk, high-reward biotech innovations that could establish new scientific paradigms. The award offers up to $300,000 in contract funding and requires participation in the NIH I-Corps program for entrepreneurial training. The final proposal deadline is October 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Learn more here.