Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Accelerator

Forging founders faster

Join our oncology-specific accelerator and access expertise, funding and training to translate your novel therapeutic.

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In this section

Unmatched oncology expertise to take your therapeutic idea further

Breakthroughs in cancer science too often fail to reach the people who need them most. Not because the science isn’t good enough, but because turning a promising discovery into a therapeutic takes more than great science — it requires the right expertise, guidance and network.  

Our Therapeutic Accelerator is designed to provide exactly that. Over four months, you'll receive hands-on support to progress your therapeutic and lead its development with confidence, whatever path your science takes. 

Apply by 11 October 2026.

Explore the programme and learn more 

What we offer

5

teams

Cohort size

Up to five teams supported by the programme.

4

months

Programme length

Four-month founder-centric programme tailored to accelerate your therapeutic concept.

£40

k

Non-dilutive funding

£40k in funding awarded to each successful team to support participation in the programme and help translate your research.

£250

k

Awards

The opportunity to pitch at our demo day for one of two £250k awards.
CRUK logo for Accelerator pages

Backed by Cancer Research UK and Cancer Research Horizons' world-leading network

A world-leading network

From biological assets and clinical networks to datasets, patient insights, commercialisation expertise and investor relationships, you'll have the resources and network of one of the world's leading cancer research organisations behind your work.

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We go deep on oncology

Unmatched oncology expertise

Our curriculum, mentors and community focus exclusively on oncology therapeutics, giving you access to people who understand your science and what it takes to bring cancer therapies to patients.

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We help you take the right path for your project

Multiple pathways

Not all promising therapeutic research becomes a venture-backed company, and our model is built with that in mind — licensing, partnership, in-house development or our seed funding, we'll get behind the route that fits your science.

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You stay in control

No equity upfront

We offer £40k funding per participating team, plus the opportunity to pitch for one of two £250k awards. Investment and equity decisions come after the programme, giving you the space to learn, build and develop your science further.

Accelerate your science

Through tailored guidance, expert insight and a powerful network, we'll support you to translate your oncology therapeutic.

Apply by 11 October 2026.

Start your application

Interested in supporting the programme?

Get involved as a partner, sponsor or mentor. 

Contact us: [email protected]