Cancer Research Horizons runs this four-month accelerator for scientists and founders advancing oncology therapeutics. It combines a virtual curriculum, in-person days, office hours and mentor clinics.
Up to five teams develop scientific, commercial, regulatory, IP and founder capabilities toward a commercialisation roadmap. UK-based applicants are the core audience, while non-UK applicants are considered individually.
Benefits & funding
- Each team receives a £40,000 non-dilutive grant, typically paid to its host institution, for the project and training period.
- Up to 10 shortlisted teams receive expert due-diligence feedback whether or not they join the accelerator.
- Teams may pitch for one of two £250,000 awards on commercial terms that may include equity or revenue share.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be late-stage PhD students, post-docs, principal investigators or independent founders working on an oncology therapeutic.
- UK-based teams may apply; non-UK applicants are considered case by case.
- Projects need validated science and a clear therapeutic rationale; any therapeutic modality is eligible if oncology-focused.
- Cancer Research UK funding, an academic affiliation and an incorporated company are not required.
- Other IP owners must provide a formal support letter; spin-outs also need support from other founding academics and the technology transfer office.
Can you apply?
Check who can apply
No nationality, residency, education, experience, gender or age limit is listed. The other conditions are under Eligibility.
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Application process
- 1Prepare one application around a validated oncology therapeutic concept, as an individual or team.
- 2Obtain a formal support letter if other parties own the underlying IP.
- 3If applying as a spin-out, also secure support from other founding academics and the technology transfer office.
- 4Submit one form per team through the portal by 11:59 p.m. BST on 11 October 2026.
Program timeline
Application deadline
11 October 2026
Application review
October–December 2026
Decisions
December 2026–January 2027
Program starts
January 2027
Demo day
May 2027