Closed
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000
Timeline
- Closing date : November 10, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
CACHE Challenges are open competitions focused on computational hit-finding for drug discovery, with experimental validation of predicted molecules. For some challenges, funding can cover up to 100% of testing costs and partial compound procurement costs for eligible Canadian academics and Canadian SMEs.
/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
- Computational prediction of small-molecule hits for predefined protein targets.
- Experimental validation of predicted compounds.
- Hit-finding and hit-expansion rounds within a benchmarking challenge.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Computational approach description
- Participant and organization information
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Academic labs
- Biotech companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Software developers
- Nonprofit research organizations
Eligible expenses
- Experimental testing of compounds.
- Compound procurement or synthesis costs.
- Direct labour and equipment costs for eligible Canadian academics and SMEs, where applicable.
Eligible geographic areas
- International
- Canada, for specific funding support
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are pre-screened by CACHE for qualifications and fit.
- Eligible applications go through double-blind peer review.
- Applications are then reviewed by an independent committee or review committee for participant selection.
- Selected participants are notified and the challenge proceeds to experimental testing.
Additional information
- Applications can be updated and resubmitted until the deadline.
- Selected participants are notified by email.
- Results are shared with participants before public release.
- Some challenges have a three-month embargo before public disclosure.
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?
CACHE Challenges are open competitions focused on computational hit-finding for drug discovery, with experimental validation of predicted molecules. For some challenges, funding can cover up to 100% of testing costs and partial compound procurement costs for eligible Canadian academics and Canadian SMEs.
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:
Qualified research group or company.
Application submitted in full.
Terms of Participation accepted.
What expenses are eligible under CACHE Challenges?
Computational prediction of small-molecule hits for predefined protein targets.
Experimental validation of predicted compounds.
Hit-finding and hit-expansion rounds within a benchmarking challenge.
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