DeSantis opens $70 million cancer research round after Florida awards $60 million to innovators
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida’s cancer research push is getting larger by the year. What began with a $20 million innovation fund in 2023 has now grown into a program preparing to distribute $70 million in its next round alone.
The expansion comes as cancer remains the state’s second leading cause of death and nearly 40 percent of Floridians are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.
Earlier this week, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $60 million in Florida Cancer Innovation Fund awards for Fiscal Year 2025-26 while opening applications for the next funding cycle. Fiscal Year 2026-27 will offer $70 million, $10 million more than the previous round.
“Today, I was proud to announce the winners of this year’s Florida Cancer Innovation Fund awards and the opening of applications for next year’s awards. This promising initiative now has $70 million in funding for groundbreaking cancer research projects, $10 million more than the previous cycle,” said Governor DeSantis.
“Congratulations to the awardees, and thank you for all you do to make Florida a beacon of hope in cancer research and treatment.”
The latest awards followed a competitive review process and went to researchers and institutions working on new approaches to cancer prevention and treatment. Recipients range from established research organizations to emerging innovators across Florida.
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For the newly opened 2026-27 cycle, funding can support work involving preventive nutrition, emerging medical treatments, data infrastructure and patient-centered solutions aimed at improving outcomes.
The program represents one piece of a much larger state investment. Since 2019, Florida has put more than $1.4 billion into cancer research and treatment, according to the governor’s office. Funding for cancer research programs has increased by more than 175 percent during that period. Nearly $228 million has been committed to cancer research and innovation for Fiscal Year 2026-27 alone.
The Cancer Innovation Fund was created in 2023 to support Florida-based researchers, institutions, startups and other organizations pursuing new ideas in cancer prevention, treatment and potential cures. State officials say nearly 150 projects have now received funding.
Florida is also supporting research through the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Cancer Connect Collaborative and other targeted efforts intended to encourage cooperation between institutions and speed the development of treatments.
A full list of the 2025-26 awardees and information about applying for 2026-27 funding is available online.
