Innovative Developmental and Exploratory Award (IDEA)
The IDEA grant funds high-risk, early-stage breast cancer research in California that pursues bold, transformative science involving advocate participation.
Funder: University of California - Office of The President
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Letter of Intent) | March 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $200,000 direct costs for 18 months (higher cap for projects with animal/human subjects).
Summary: Supports high-risk, high-reward early-stage breast cancer research projects with transformative potential in California.
Key Information: California-based research and advocate involvement are required.
Description
The Innovative Developmental and Exploratory Award (IDEA) is designed to fund speculative, high-risk/high-reward projects in breast cancer research that have the potential for major impact but may be too novel or early-stage for traditional funding. Administered by the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP), IDEA encourages bold, transformative approaches that challenge existing paradigms or represent new research directions. Both established and new investigators are eligible, provided the research is primarily conducted in California and involves substantive advocacy participation.
