National Cancer Institute

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a principal agency of the U.S. federal government and part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), serves as the leading entity for cancer research and training. Unlike traditional venture capital firms that make equity investments, NCI operates as a grant-making organization, providing funding to academic institutions, research centers, and small businesses across the United States and internationally. Its core mission is to advance scientific knowledge and accelerate research to reduce the burden of cancer, encompassing basic laboratory science, clinical trials, population-based studies, and technology development.

NCI's funding mechanisms are primarily competitive grants and cooperative agreements, supporting a vast array of projects aimed at understanding cancer biology, developing new prevention and treatment strategies, and improving the lives of cancer patients and survivors. For instance, NCI's budget for fiscal year 2023 was approximately $7.3 billion, demonstrating its substantial commitment to cancer research. This funding supports thousands of investigators and projects annually, driving innovation from fundamental discoveries to their application in clinical practice and public health.

The "check sizes," or more accurately, the grant award amounts, from NCI vary significantly based on the project's scope, duration, and mechanism. Smaller exploratory or developmental research grants (e.g., R21s) might provide total direct costs around $275,000 over two years, serving as initial funding for high-risk, high-reward ideas. Larger, multi-year research project grants (R01s), which are the bedrock of NCI's portfolio, can range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million or more over a typical five-year period. Additionally, NCI supports small businesses through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, with Phase I awards typically up to $300,000 and Phase II awards potentially reaching $2 million. In fiscal year 2022, NCI supported over 4,000 research grants, underscoring its broad impact on the cancer research landscape. These grants are not designed for equity returns but rather for the public good, fostering scientific progress and ultimately improving human health outcomes.