$125m awarded to five visionary teams

In March 2025 we unveiled seven bold new challenges designed to push the boundaries of cancer research. From a record 227 Expressions of Interest from interdisciplinary teams worldwide, 12 were invited to develop full applications. After an in-depth review and rigorous interview process led by our Scientific Committee, we are excited to introduce the five exceptional teams chosen to confront five of cancer’s toughest challenges and propel cancer research into unchartered territory. Each team will receive up to $25m with the freedom to follow the science towards addressing the challenge. Their innovative approaches and wide-ranging expertise have the potential to profoundly reshape how we understand, prevent and treat cancer.  

Thank you to our coalition of visionary partners who make this research possible, including the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, Cancer Research Institute, Children Cancer Free Foundation (KiKa), KWF Dutch Cancer Society, Torrey Coast Foundation, and Yosemite (oncology-focused venture firm).

Team ATLAS will tackle the cancer avoidance challenge.

Team CAUSE will tackle the mechanisms driving mutational signatures challenge.

Team ILLUMINE will tackle the dark proteome challenge.

Team InteroCANCEption will tackle the nervous system and cancer challenge.

Team REWIRE-CAN will tackle the rewiring cancer cells challenge.