Innovative Pilot Grants
Innovative Pilot Grants support researchers to develop the pilot data needed to secure further investment.
Introduction
Innovative Pilot Grants support researchers with novel research ideas to develop the pilot data needed to secure further investment from our larger grant schemes, other medical research funders or from industry. Our new call for applications is now open with and increased maximum budget of £50,000 per application.
Key dates
Round open: Monday 7th September 2026
Deadline for submission of applications: 3pm on Thursday 5th November 2026
Applicants notified of outcomes: March 2027
Grant amount
Grants are awarded for a duration of up to 12 months and for at a maximum of £50,000.
Remit and eligibility
We invite applications for innovative research projects that are in line with our overarching strategic aim of bringing forward the day when no one dies either of blood cancer or the side effects of its treatments, and that focus on at least one of the three priority research themes from our research strategy:
- Prevention
- Early detection and predicting outcomes
- Treatment
Applicants should clearly outline the potential impact for people affected by blood cancer. Early career researchers in particular are encouraged to apply.
Pilot grants are not for:
- supplementing or making up shortfalls in funding for ongoing research and staff funded by other awards
- bridging support between grants
- Biobank funding or other infrastructure costs
- research involving randomised trials of clinical treatments.
How to apply
All applications must be submitted via the new Blood Cancer UK Grants Portal. The form is now live on the Grants Portal.
Guidance on using the new portal can be found in the guidance document below.
No applications will be accepted after the deadline. Applicants must submit their application ahead of this deadline leaving sufficient time for the required signatories to approve the application.
Assessment criteria
All proposals submitted for this call will be reviewed by members of our Research Funding Committee and Research Involvement Network.
Recommendations from the Committee will be sent to our Board of Trustees for final approval.
More information on the assessment criteria can be found in the application guidance document.
Terms and conditions
Please make sure to read the application guidance document in full to ensure you have understood all of the requirements for this funding scheme.
Grants will be awarded in line with Blood Cancer UK’s Grant Terms and Conditions
Get in touch
If you have any queries regarding Innovative Pilot Grants, please contact [email protected]
The scheme's impact
Since launching Innovative Pilot grant scheme in 2023-2024 we have funded 17 new Innovative Pilot Grants at a total of £500,000. You could be the next researcher we support.
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12 Grants awarded last year
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£346,722 Total invested
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36% Applicant success rate
Our research
Our £500 million investment in research since 1960 has helped transform treatments and taken us to the point where beating blood cancer is now in sight. Our researchers are working to finish the job.
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