About the programme
Our accelerator is a founder-centric translational programme that equips scientists with the skills, networks and expertise needed to advance promising oncology therapeutics.
You'll finish with a bespoke commercialisation roadmap, an active peer and mentor network and the readiness to lead your programme as a founder, taking your science towards patients.
Applications have closed. Sign up to our entrepreneurial newsletter for programme updates and to be the first to hear when the next application round opens. The 2028 cohort will open for applications in Summer 2027.
Five phases of support
Across five phases, our accelerator provides funding, expertise and hands-on support. From our Insight Session, which introduces the journey of oncology therapeutic development, through to ongoing alumni support, you'll gain the knowledge and connections needed to advance your therapeutic.
Insight Session
Gain insight into the oncology drug discovery and development pathway and learn how our accelerator can support you and your therapeutic.
Expert feedback
Be one of up to 10 applicants to receive bespoke deep-dive feedback from expert external consultants on your therapeutic.
Accelerator
Be one of up to 5 teams to participate in our founder-centric programme. You’ll receive tailored scientific, business and founder support to accelerate your new therapeutic.
Demo day
Showcase your start-up to investors and collaborators for the chance to receive 1 of 2 awards of £250k.
Alumni support
Become part of our alumni network and join our alumni events.
What we're looking for
Researchers, principal investigators and founders
Open to late-stage PhD students, post-docs and principal investigators working in oncology therapeutics, as well as founders operating independently of any academic or research institution.
Open funding base
Open to UK-based teams. You do not have to be Cancer Research UK-funded to apply. Non-UK applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Early concepts
Designed to support promising ideas from an early stage. You'll need validated science with a clear therapeutic rationale.
Modality agnostic
Modality agnostic, with a clear oncology focus. We welcome applications across small molecules, biologics, cell and gene therapies, radiopharmaceuticals and other therapeutic approaches.
Stay up to date
Applications have closed. Sign up to our entrepreneurial newsletter for programme updates and to be the first to hear when the next application round opens.
Join our pathway to success
The Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Accelerator is designed to help applicants develop their science, skills and networks. Along the way, there are opportunities to learn through our Insight Session, and up to 10 applicants can receive expert deep-dive application feedback to support their next steps.
August 2026
Applications period starts
Applications have now closed. Sign up to our entrepreneurial newsletter for programme updates and to be the first to hear when the next application round opens.
See our FAQs or contact [email protected] for more information.
2 October 2026
Insight Session
This interactive online session explored how oncology therapeutic discoveries are developed to reach patients and covered the oncology drug development journey, why promising therapies succeed or fail, how investors assess opportunities and what the shift from scientist to founder looks like.
October-December 2026
Application review
Applications are currently being reviewed and up to 10 teams will be shortlisted for in-depth due diligence by external experts.
Shortlisted teams may be invited to pitch to our Expert Advisory Group, which brings together specialists in drug discovery, drug development, entrepreneurship and commercialisation.
December 2026 – January 2027
Application outcome
Applicants will be informed whether they have been selected to join our accelerator programme.
We are committed to providing value throughout the application process. All proposals that undergo in-depth due diligence will receive detailed feedback, providing valuable insights to support the future development of their therapeutic.
January 2027
Accelerator programme starts
Successful applicants embark on the four-month programme. Alongside bespoke, founder-centred support, each participating team receives £40k to support its project.
May 2027
Demo day
Our demo day gives teams the opportunity to showcase their start-up to investors, entrepreneurs and drug development leaders, with the chance to secure one of two £250k awards. Teams can also build connections and explore potential partnerships across the oncology innovation community.
Curriculum
A virtual curriculum, in-person days, regular office hours and mentor clinics. These link across four pillars and support the progression of therapeutic concepts from early research towards patient impact.
Scientific excellence
Develop a strong, evidence-based therapeutic rationale and preclinical validation plan, to support translation strategy into first-in-human studies.
Commercial strategy
Build a clear, robust, value proposition grounded in market need, competitive positioning and viable commercial pathways. Position for start-up, partnership or licensing.
Regulatory and IP
Establish a robust regulatory and IP strategy, including investigational new drug (IND)-enabling plans and defensible freedom-to-operate.
Founder and team
Shape your entrepreneurial mindset. Strengthen leadership, team building and communication skills to effectively drive translation and engage investors and partners.
Frequently asked questions
UK-based late-stage PhDs, post-docs and principal investigators, as well as founders operating independently of any academic or research institution, with a therapeutic concept focused on cancer. You don't need to be Cancer Research UK-funded. If you are based outside of the UK, we will consider your application on a case-by-case basis.
Contact [email protected] to discuss your situation with the team in case we may be able to help.
Our accelerator is designed to support promising ideas from an early stage. You'll need validated science with a clear therapeutic rationale. We're also modality agnostic, with a clear oncology focus. We welcome applications across small molecules, biologics, cell and gene therapies, radiopharmaceuticals and other therapeutic approaches.
No. Applications are open to any cancer researcher, regardless of funding.
You do not need to be affiliated with an academic institution. However, you must receive support from any other owners of the underlying intellectual property. Please supply a formal letter to support your application.
No. Most of our teams won't have. You need validated science and a clear therapeutic rationale.
Yes. However, you must receive support from any other founding academics and the tech transfer office (TTO) in relation to any for the underlying intellectual property.
It's not compulsory to attend the Insight Session but we highly encourage you to attend.
It not only provides an excellent overview of the drug discovery and development journey in oncology, it also provides the information about the accelerator programme which will help you to decide if it is right for you.
Applications closed at 11:59 pm BST on 11 October 2026. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to learn when the next application round opens.
Up to 10 applications will be selected for due diligence by an external expert provider. Such evaluations may include market potential and competitive dynamics, gap analysis of underpinning science, clinical/patient selection, development path considerations and commercial strategy.
The due diligence will be provided to you to support your onward development even if you aren't selected to join this round of the accelerator.
No. It’s a non-dilutive grant awarded to each successful team, supporting the training period and the progression of your project.
The £40,000 award is made under Cancer Research UK terms and conditions, typically as a grant to your host institution.
The £250,000 funding is made on commercial terms, which may include equity or a revenue share. The mechanism depends on your circumstances — for example, direct investment where a company has been incorporated, or a grant-based award carrying the same commercial terms where one has not.
Teams will pitch to an audience of investors and commercial partners who may have interest in supporting onward development of the projects.
Not every team has to form a start-up. We help find the right path for each project and team.