Life Sciences Hub Wales and the Academy of Medical Sciences have launched their Cancer Care Accelerator Fund. Up to £10,000 in seed funding alongside bespoke support is now available for UK-based organisations working on collaborative cancer innovation projects.
Improving cancer outcomes is an urgent priority in the UK. Better treatment, earlier diagnosis, and improved patient experience can reduce pressure on the NHS and help people live healthier, happier lives. Now in its second year, the initiative is offering funding and support for projects that address these challenges using cross-sector collaboration.
Last year’s seed funding focused on developing innovative solutions to improve outcomes and experiences for women affected by cancer. Successful applicants included CanSense and Swansea University.
Professor Dean Harris, Clinical Director at CanSense, said:
"Thanks to funding from the Innovation in Women’s Cancer Accelerator Fund, we’ve launched an ambitious public and patient involvement (PPI) project focussed on developing a novel blood test (liquid biopsy) for the early detection of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
"We’re grateful to Life Sciences Hub Wales and the Academy of Medical Sciences for helping us take meaningful steps toward transforming how ovarian and endometrial cancers are diagnosed in the UK. We enthusiastically encourage other innovators, research teams, and clinicians to consider applying!"
Professor Deya Gonzalez, Professor of Molecular and Translational Medicine at Swansea University, said:
“By combining patient insight, rigorous research, and health system planning, we’re using the seed funding from the Innovation in Women’s Cancer Accelerator Fund to create a roadmap for home-based bone health monitoring that’s accessible, inclusive, and sustainable."
Applications open on 10 September 2025 and close at 12:00pm on 28 November 2025.
The seed funding is open to UK-registered organisations, including project teams or departments. Projects must demonstrate cross-sector, multidisciplinary collaboration, and include at least one Wales-based partner.
In addition to financial backing, awardees will receive tailored support from both Life Sciences Hub Wales and the Academy of Medical Sciences. This could include guidance on partnership development, access to further funding opportunities, sector intelligence and dedicated project support.
Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said:
“The Cancer Care Accelerator Fund will help to deliver life-changing solutions for people in Wales and beyond affected by cancer.
“This initiative reinforces our commitment to early diagnosis, improved treatment, and better patient outcomes. We welcome this approach to working together to seek advancements in medical sciences.
“I look forward to seeing how it can help drive innovation.”
Cari-Anne Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, Life Sciences Hub Wales said:
“We understand the importance of improving diagnosis, treatment, experience, and ultimately the lives, of people affected by cancer. Life Sciences Hub Wales is proud to be delivering the Accelerator Fund for the second time with the Academy of Medical Sciences to help achieve this ambitious goal through transformative projects with collaboration at their core. We look forward to receiving all applications and offering vital funding and innovation support to successful awardees.”
Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci, Vice President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:
“Cross-sector collaboration is essential if we want to find new solutions in cancer care. Tackling complex and urgent health challenges requires partnerships that bridge industry, academia and healthcare sectors, bringing together diverse disciplines and expertise. By working closely with Life Sciences Hub Wales, we are connecting researchers, healthcare professionals and innovators, providing the seed funding and mentorship needed to bring transformative ideas to life. The Accelerator Fund is designed to do just this, and we are proud to champion projects that deliver real benefits for patients, the NHS and wider society.”
If you’re interested in applying, take a look at our Guidance Document for detailed information on eligibility, scope, and available support. Applications can be submitted in Welsh or English and should be sent to hello@lshubwales.com before the deadline.
