NHS Cancer Programme - Innovation Open Call 4

NHS England's NHS Cancer Programme is running the fourth round of its Innovation Open Call. It funds market-ready innovations that help the NHS meet Cancer Waiting Times and work more productively. It also funds innovations that support earlier detection and diagnosis of cancer.

There are two strands. Strand 1, Real-World Implementation and Evaluation Funding, pays to deploy and independently evaluate a proven innovation across multiple NHS sites in England. It suits innovators in the UK or EU from the private, public, academic and third sectors. Projects can get 100% of costs, up to £3m excluding VAT, over a maximum of 24 months. Strand 2, Innovation Spread Funding, helps Integrated Care Boards and Cancer Alliances in England spread innovations that already have strong evidence. It offers up to £5m excluding VAT for the first two years of a project lasting up to 36 months. The ICB must fund year three in full.

You choose one of two challenges. Challenge 1 covers productivity, such as better triage, faster diagnosis and more efficient treatment planning. Challenge 2 covers earlier detection, such as blood, saliva, urine or breath tests, wearables and more local diagnostics.

The page states that the application portal will be open from 14 October 2026. Applications close on 1 December 2026 at 1pm GMT. Contracts are expected to start no later than 30 April 2027.

Your innovation must already be market-ready. It needs a CE mark or equivalent regulatory approval where required, plus prospective evidence of safety and clinical utility from at least one healthcare site for the same cancer-related use. Early-stage ideas, treatments, workforce training and wellbeing apps are excluded. Costs must reflect fair market value and cannot include profit.

Official source: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/nhs-cancer-programme-innovation-open-call-4/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 28 October 2026.