The Innovative Research in Cancer Nanotechnology funding opportunity, issued by the National Cancer Institute, supports research exploring nanotechnology’s applications in cancer biology and oncology. The focus is on fundamental mechanistic studies that expand understanding of interactions between nanomaterials or nano-devices and biological systems. Projects should address significant challenges in cancer biology or oncology, such as nanoparticle delivery, intracellular trafficking, tumor microenvironment monitoring, or improving diagnostic sensitivity. Proposals should emphasize the innovative application of nanotechnology to solve these challenges, rather than developing new nanomaterials or devices themselves. Clinical translation or trials are not within the scope of this opportunity.

Nanotechnology approaches considered under this program must feature functional components engineered at scales of 300 nanometers or smaller, with unique properties or functions designed at the nanoscale. Examples of research directions include designing nanoparticles with conditional therapeutic activation, developing tools to enhance cancer immunotherapy, and integrating artificial intelligence or simulation techniques for nanomaterial design. Projects should focus on one or two specific tumor types, leveraging databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas for molecular characterization, and may utilize resources like NCI’s Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory and caNanoLab for data sharing and characterization.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local and tribal governments, and federal entities. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply. Applications are limited to $475,000 in direct costs per year, with a maximum project period of five years. Proposals must include clear milestones, such as benchmarks for nanoparticle delivery efficacy or diagnostic sensitivity improvements, to evaluate progress toward project goals.

Applicants must comply with NIH policies on data sharing, human subjects research, and animal studies. The program encourages multidisciplinary approaches integrating biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Proposals will be evaluated for their significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and alignment with program priorities. Non-responsive proposals, such as those involving unmodified naturally occurring materials or AIDS/HIV research, will not be reviewed.

The first application deadline is May 5, 2025, with subsequent deadlines in November 2025 and May 2026. Applicants are encouraged to engage with NCI program staff during proposal development and attend the annual meeting of investigators in NCI’s nanotechnology programs. This funding opportunity represents a significant effort to advance nanotechnology-based cancer research and its potential transformative impact on cancer detection and treatment.