Stacy L ChinFounder, KeepYourEquity · I get the government to write you checks

Government Funding for Advanced Therapeutics: Cancer & Rare Diseases

27 Feb 2026 · 1 min

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1:25

In this presentation Stacy Chin outlines how federal agencies are stepping in to fund startups developing precision medicine and advanced therapeutic platforms, especially in cancer, neurodegeneration, and rare diseases. She explains that traditional venture capital is drying up, making non‑dilutive government funding a critical lifeline. Chin details the major funding sources—NIH, the Department of Defense (DOD), and ARPA‑H—and highlights specific programs such as ARPA‑H’s THRIVE, NIH’s Alzheimer’s and Cancer Moonshot initiatives, and DOD’s interest in cell therapies and regenerative medicine for dual‑use applications. She busts the myth that only academic institutions can apply for NIH R01 or R21 grants, emphasizing that startups with strong science and a clear translational roadmap are welcome. The talk then maps a strategic grant pathway: using SBIR Phase I to de‑risk technology, leveraging R21 or R01 awards to generate compelling scientific data, and progressing to Phase II or larger awards to secure substantial funding. Overall, the content serves as a guide for biotech entrepreneurs to navigate and capitalize on non‑dilutive federal funding when private investment wanes.

Chapters

Number 2 is precision medicine and advanced therapeutics. And this is especially a hot topic with Celgene and RNA-based platforms. Now, I know what you're thinking. Isn't VC funding a better fit for these advanced therapies? Perhaps, but they're also drying up, and that's why the federal government is stepping in. So NIH, DOD, and ARPA-H are actively funding startups that can deliver curated therapies, especially in cancer, neurodegeneration, and rare diseases. And here's a myth I need to bust. You don't have to be an academic to also go for an R01 or R21 because NIH is also funding startups through these vehicles, and they're very interested if your science is strong and your roadmap is translational. And here's some other examples of funding vehicles. ARPA-H's THRIVE program is developing one-shot cures for rare genetic diseases. NIH's Alzheimer's and Cancer Moonshot programs are growing rapidly despite even tighter budgets this coming year. And DOD is interested in funding cell therapies, regenerative medicine, and trauma solutions for dual-use applications. So if you are developing a therapeutic platform that has real curative potential, even niche indications, you're in the zone. Use SBIR Phase I to de-risk your tech, use R21s or R01s to get killer scientific data, and then unlock Phase IIs or bigger, better applications to unlock those bigger dollars. Because here, non-dilutive could be your lifeline, especially when private investors are backing out.