Closed
Source verified August 11, 2026
CACHE Challenges
Computational drug discovery competition
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Latest source updateLast Update: October 11, 2026Latest change: The CACHE challenge now targets the SETDB1 triple Tudor domain, with a new application window of May 8 to June 23, 2024.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 11, 2026
Latest change: The CACHE challenge now targets the SETDB1 triple Tudor domain, with a new application window of May 8 to June 23, 2024.
CACHE Challenge #6 updated to SETDB1
The challenge topic changed from CBLB TKB-domain ligands to SETDB1 triple Tudor-domain ligands, and the target description now focuses on finding chemically novel ligands that bind the histone binding groove of SETDB1 TTD. The application window is now shown as May 8, 2024 to June 23, 2024, replacing the previous March 9, 2023 to May 8, 2023 dates. The page also now points to the CACHE Terms of Participation at a different terms link, and the prior cost-sharing language is no longer shown.
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Academic labs, biotech and pharma companies, and software developers with computational hit-finding methods.
See full eligibility
Overview
CACHE Challenges invite computational chemists and AI-savvy scientists from academia, biotech and pharma to predict small molecules that bind predefined disease-associated protein targets. Each competition includes hit-finding and hit-expansion rounds, with experimental validation and public release of all data, including chemical structures.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 20 employees maximum
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Predict small molecules that bind to predefined disease-associated protein targets.
- Take part in hit-finding and hit expansion rounds of prediction and experimental testing.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Computational approach description
- Participant and organization information
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Academic labs, biotech and pharma companies, and software developers with computational hit-finding methods.
Eligible expenses
- Compound procurement.
- Direct labour.
- Equipment costs.
Eligible geographic areas
- International
- Canada, for specific funding support
Selection criteria
- Hit rate.
- Binding affinity.
- Physico-chemical properties.
- Performance relative to pooled selections.
- Expert peer review assessments.
How to apply
- Applications for each challenge are submitted via the CACHE website.
- Applications can be edited and resubmitted any time until the official submission deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a double-blind peer review process supervised by the CACHE Applications Review Committee.
- Selected participants are informed by email.
- By submitting their application, participants accept the Terms of Participation on their own behalf and on behalf of their organization.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CACHE Challenges Program
What is the CACHE Challenges?
CACHE Challenges invite computational chemists and AI-savvy scientists from academia, biotech and pharma to predict small molecules that bind predefined disease-associated protein targets. Each competition includes hit-finding and hit-expansion rounds, with experimental validation and public release of all data, including chemical structures.
How much funding can be received?
CACHE Challenges Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
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?
Predict small molecules that bind to predefined disease-associated protein targets.
Take part in hit-finding and hit expansion rounds of prediction and experimental testing.
Who can I contact for more information about the CACHE Challenges?
You can contact Conscience by email at dakota.treleaven@conscience.ca.
Where is the CACHE Challenges available?
The CACHE Challenges program is available across Canada.
Who are the financial supporters of the CACHE Challenges?
CACHE Challenges is funded by Conscience