Lunch & Learn: Unlocking NCI SBIR/STTR Funding for Cancer Innovation
Are you developing a promising cancer-focused technology and seeking funding to advance it toward commercialization? Join the National Cancer Institute’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Development Center for an in-person informational session on how early-stage companies, academic spinouts, and entrepreneurial researchers can access funding and commercialization support from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are important sources of non-dilutive federal funding for early-stage companies. NCI’s SBIR/STTR programs provide approximately $200 million annually to U.S. small businesses advancing innovative cancer technologies, including therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, digital health tools, and research technologies. In addition to funding, the NCI SBIR Development Center offers a range of commercialization resources to help small businesses bring their products to market.
Join us to learn about:
- SBIR/STTR grant programs at the National Cancer Institute
- Funding opportunities for startups and academic spinout companies
- Tips for writing competitive SBIR/STTR grant proposals
- Commercialization resources available to applicants and awardees
Interested in a One-on-One Meeting?
If you’re conducting cancer-related research and would like to meet individually with either speaker, please contact Eleanor Wagoner at ewagoner@gmu.edu to arrange a meeting.
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Looking for your registration confirmation?
We are currently experiencing a system issue that is preventing us from sending an immediate confirmation email. Our team will send reminder emails with additional event details as the event approaches.
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Where should I park?
Please park in the Tower Lot (Zone 4902), located beyond the Hylton Performing Arts Center, or the Discovery Parking Lot (Zone 4903), located beside the pond across from Discovery Hall. Parking fees can be paid through the ParkMobile app or by calling (877) 727-5758.
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Date
- Nov 18 2026
Time
- 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Location
- 10920 George Mason Cir, Manassas, VA 20109
Speakers
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Julianne TwomeyProgram Director, NCI SBIR Development CenterDr. Julianne Twomey joined the NCI Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Development Center as a Program Director in January of 2025. Dr. Twomey manages a portfolio of small businesses focused on developing anticancer therapeutics. Prior to joining the NCI, Dr. Twomey served as a Senior Research Scientist and Product Quality Assessor for 10 years within the U.S. FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research-Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research. Her research focused on cancer biomarkers, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and bioassay development. She received her Ph.D. in Bioengineering in 2014 from the University of Maryland, College Park.
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Swamy TripuraniProgram Director, NCI SBIR Development CenterDr. Swamy Tripurani is a Program Director at the NCI SBIR Development Center. He manages a portfolio of small businesses developing innovative cancer therapeutics, digital health technologies, and therapeutic devices for oncology applications. Before joining NCI, Dr. Tripurani worked as a Senior Staff Fellow and CMC product quality at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for eight years. He earned his Ph.D. in Genetics and Developmental Biology from West Virginia University and completed postdoctoral training in gynecologic cancers and reproductive disorders at Baylor College of Medicine.
