The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) is one of the largest state-funded cancer research programs in the world, authorized to award up to $6 billion in grants over its lifetime. While CPRIT is best known for academic research grants, the program also provides substantial product development grants to Texas businesses commercializing cancer-related technologies. If your Texas business is developing cancer diagnostics, therapeutics, devices, or prevention technologies, CPRIT product development grants may provide significant non-dilutive funding.
CPRIT Product Development Programs
Product Development Research Grants
CPRIT awards product development grants to Texas-based companies developing cancer-related products with commercial potential. Awards have ranged from $1 million to $20 million depending on the stage and scope of development. These grants support preclinical and clinical development, regulatory preparation, manufacturing scale-up, and commercialization activities.
Company Relocation Awards
CPRIT provides grants to cancer-related companies willing to relocate to Texas. These awards help offset relocation costs and establish Texas operations, effectively using grant funding as an economic development tool to build the state's cancer research and commercialization ecosystem.
Texas Company Awards
Grants specifically for Texas-based companies focus on advancing cancer-related products through development milestones. These awards typically include milestone-based payment structures tied to regulatory, technical, and commercial progress.
Eligibility
Business Requirements
The company must be a for-profit entity with its principal office or significant operations in Texas (or willing to relocate). The product being developed must have direct application to cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, or treatment. The company must demonstrate technical feasibility, commercial potential, and a capable management team.
Product Requirements
CPRIT product development grants support a range of cancer-related technologies including small molecule therapeutics, biologics, medical devices, diagnostics, imaging technologies, digital health platforms, and prevention tools. The product must address a cancer-related need with clear clinical and commercial pathways.
Application Process
CPRIT issues Requests for Applications (RFAs) on a published schedule. Applications undergo rigorous peer review by external scientific and business experts. The review process evaluates scientific merit, commercial potential, management capability, and Texas economic impact. Awards are approved by the CPRIT Oversight Committee. CPRIT grants for biotech companies.
Complementary Programs
- SBIR/STTR from NIH/NCI: Federal research grants complement CPRIT funding for cancer-related R&D. NIH SBIR grants.
- R&D Tax Credit: Cancer research expenditures typically qualify for federal R&D tax credits.
- Texas Enterprise Fund: Companies receiving CPRIT grants and making significant Texas investments may also qualify for TEF support.
Find Programs That May Fit Your Business
CPRIT is one component of the funding landscape for cancer-related businesses. Our free screening report identifies all matching programs including CPRIT, SBIR, and other relevant programs. Start your free screening →