Now in its third year, Florida repeated its commitment to the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund through the Department of Health. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced at the University of South Florida late last month that the state is now accepting applications for $60 million in grants to fund cutting-edge cancer research and treatment.
Applicants may propose new prevention and treatment models, including grants for clinical trials, studies focused on nutritional prevention, or plans to repurpose generic drugs.
The state says it will evaluate applications on scientific merit, innovation potential, strength of collaboration and ability to improve patient outcomes statewide. Applications will be accepted in three separate rounds: the first closes Oct. 27, the second runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 25 and the third from Nov. 26 to Jan. 9, 2026.
In the inaugural year, the fund awarded $20 million to 30 researchers. In year two, it again awarded $60 million to 65 researchers. Some of last year’s funded projects included investigations into fasting and exercise protocols. Working with the First Lady’s cancer research initiative, the Department of Health anticipates these grants will highlight Florida’s growing leadership in medical research while advancing outcomes for patients.
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