Acceleration Initiative Awards
Acceleration Initiative Awards support research teams advancing pediatric cancer therapies through translational and preclinical studies, with the goal of reaching clinical studies within three years.
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Funder: CureSearch for Children's Cancer
Due Dates: October 7, 2026 (LOI, 11:59 pm) | November 10, 2026 (Full application invitations) | January 19, 2027 (Full application) | March 2027 (Earliest award notification) | May 1, 2027 (Earliest start)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1 million over three years for the 2026/27 cycle, including 10% indirect costs
Summary: Supports innovative translational and preclinical research addressing high unmet needs in pediatric cancer and advancing therapies toward clinical studies within three years.
Key Information: Independent investigators at nonprofit academic institutions may apply; applicants cannot hold an active CureSearch grant or apply to another CureSearch program in the same cycle.
Description
CureSearch’s Acceleration Initiative supports innovative, evidence-based translational and preclinical research that addresses major barriers and areas of high unmet need in pediatric oncology. The 2026/27 solicitation seeks projects designed to lead to clinical studies of therapies for children within three years. Its goal is to improve therapeutic options, treatment outcomes, and cure rates through collaborative, interdisciplinary research that produces measurable results.
The program encourages teams spanning institutions, disciplines, consortia, nationalities, and biotechnology or pharmaceutical partners. Scientific review considers both research quality and the pathway to patient impact, including clinical application, commercialization, and regulatory approval. Projects must define rigorous, time-dependent milestones and deliverables; continued support depends on successful progress.
