Marking World Cancer Research Day, the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), in partnership with Bio Usawa, Inc., has announced a landmark initiative to fuel homegrown innovation: the inaugural AORTIC Microgrant Program.
The program is designed to provide crucial seed funding-grants of up to USD $5,000-to early-career African researchers developing novel solutions to strengthen cancer care systems across the continent. The focus is on equity-focused ideas that can directly improve cancer care delivery.
“On a day dedicated to cancer research worldwide, we are thrilled to invest in African innovation for African solutions,” said Dr. Miriam Mutebi, President of AORTIC. “This program creates new opportunities for early-career researchers to lead the charge against cancer in their communities.”
Dr. Menghis Bairu, Co-founder, President and CEO of Bio Usawa, echoed this commitment, stating, “Bio Usawa is invested in building capacity in Africa and is committed to supporting local researchers to develop real world solutions for the gaps in care in our setting.”
The microgrants aim to support practical, pilot-stage projects over a 12-month period, from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026. Funding can be used for project design, tools, small pilots, and materials.
Beyond funding, awardees will gain visibility by being invited to present their findings at AORTIC events and will be encouraged to submit their research to the AORTIC Journal for publication consideration. The program will be managed by Bio Usawa.
The program is open to early-career researchers who have completed their terminal degree within the last five years and are currently based in or formally affiliated with an African institution.
The call for proposals officially opens on October 1, 2025, and the final deadline for all applications is October 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM GMT. Successful applicants will be notified on November 1, 2025, with the funded project period running for exactly twelve months, from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026.
