Innovative Developmental and Exploratory Award (IDEA)
The IDEA grant from the University of California - Office of The President funds innovative, high-risk breast cancer research in California with required advocate involvement.
Funder: University of California - Office of The President
Due Dates: October 16, 2026 (IDEA LOI) | March 4, 2027 (IDEA Full application, by invitation)
Funding Amounts: Up to $200,000 direct costs for 18 months (higher cap for animal/human research); indirect costs allowed.
Summary: Funds high-risk, early-stage, and transformative breast cancer research in California with required advocate involvement.
Key Information: PI and institution must be California-based; advocate involvement is mandatory.
Description
The Innovative Developmental and Exploratory Award (IDEA) supports speculative, high-risk/high-reward projects in breast cancer research that may be too novel or early-stage for traditional funding. Administered by the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP), IDEA is designed to encourage bold, transformative approaches that challenge current paradigms or represent new research directions. Both established and new investigators are eligible, provided that research is primarily conducted in California and includes substantive involvement from breast cancer advocates at all stages.
