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CACHE Challenges - Canada
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CACHE Challenges

Open competition advancing computational drug discovery through expert collaboration
Conscience
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : November 10, 2025
Location
Canada

Overview

The CACHE Challenges program provides funding up to CA$75,000 for Canadian SMEs and CA$50,000 for Canadian academics to support the procurement of compounds in open competitions advancing computational hit-finding for drug discovery. The initiative aims to accelerate the identification of drug-like molecules that target disease-relevant proteins, with eligible activities including computational prediction and experimental validation of new molecular hits.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 75,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Closing date : November 10, 2025

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Manufacturing
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Health care and social assistance
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Higher Education
  • Research
  • International Activities
  • Business Associations
  • Professional Associations
Target groups
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofits / charities
  • Academia / students
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • National
  • International

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Participation in open competitive challenges to accelerate drug discovery through computational hit-finding.
  • Prediction of novel small molecules that bind to disease-associated protein targets for drug discovery.
  • Experimental validation of computational predictions by a designated laboratory.
  • Collaborative research aimed at the identification of selective inhibitors or ligands for predefined biological targets.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Biotech companies
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Software companies
  • Academic institutions
  • Nonprofit research organizations

Eligible expenses

  • Testing costs for selected teams (covered up to approximately CA$100,000 per team).
  • Reimbursement of 50% of the costs of procuring compounds for each round (up to CA$50,000 for Canadian academics and up to CA$75,000 for Canadian SMEs).

Eligible geographic areas

  • International (no specific geographical restrictions mentioned)
  • Specific additional funding available for Canadian academics and Canadian SMEs

Additional information

  • Benchmarking results and all chemical structures generated during the competition are openly shared without patent restrictions.
  • Testing costs for selected teams are covered, valued at approximately CA$100,000 per team.
  • Participating teams have the option to remain anonymous when results are made public.
  • Related networking and knowledge-sharing events, such as symposiums, are organized as part of the program.

Frequently Asked Questions about the CACHE Challenges Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CACHE Challenges. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the CACHE Challenges?

The CACHE Challenges program provides funding up to CA$75,000 for Canadian SMEs and CA$50,000 for Canadian academics to support the procurement of compounds in open competitions advancing computational hit-finding for drug discovery. The initiative aims to accelerate the identification of drug-like molecules that target disease-relevant proteins, with eligible activities including computational prediction and experimental validation of new molecular hits.

How much funding can be received?

CACHE Challenges Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $75,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the CACHE Challenges program?

To be eligible for the CACHE Challenges program, you must: Open to biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and software developers. SMEs in Canada may be eligible for partial cost reimbursement.

What expenses are eligible under CACHE Challenges?

Participation in open competitive challenges to accelerate drug discovery through computational hit-finding. Prediction of novel small molecules that bind to disease-associated protein targets for drug discovery. Experimental validation of computational predictions by a designated laboratory. Collaborative research aimed at the identification of selective inhibitors or ligands for predefined biological targets.

Where is the CACHE Challenges available?

The CACHE Challenges program is available across Canada.

Is the CACHE Challenges a grant, loan, or tax credit?

CACHE Challenges is a Partnering and Collaboration

Who are the financial supporters of the CACHE Challenges?

CACHE Challenges is funded by Conscience

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