RFA: Extramural Discovery Science Accelerator Award
This grant funds experiments to validate and de-risk cancer research technologies, supporting their path toward commercialization and licensing, with a focus on translational research ready for market.
Funder: American Cancer Society
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 | June 1, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 total costs for a one-year project; indirect costs are not allowed.
Summary: Supports commercialization-focused experiments to validate and de-risk ongoing cancer research technologies for future licensing.
Key Information: Applicants must propose commercially driven work with a clear technology licensing plan; only one Accelerator Award may be held at a time.
Description
The Extramural Discovery Science (EDS) Accelerator Award from the American Cancer Society aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercialization in cancer research. This grant funds key experiments needed to validate and de-risk technologies developed in ongoing cancer research projects, with the goal of advancing these technologies toward commercialization and licensing. The program is not intended for launching new projects or for new research directions within existing projects. Awardees join an entrepreneurial learning community and receive support and educational programming from the ACS BrightEdge team.
Typical areas of supported research include, but are not limited to:
- Dosing, toxicity, and/or efficacy testing
- Clinical outcome correlations using patient samples (e.g., biopsies)
- Development and validation of healthcare delivery technologies
A successful application must clearly articulate a commercialization plan, including intended licensing (to a company or start-up) if the proposed experiments are successful.
