# Diagnostics and Early Detection

**Funder:** Cancerfonden
**Budget:** Up to SEK 10 million per year, max SEK 30 million per grant
**Duration:** 3-5 years
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant (PI); collaborators and research group must be described but applicant applies alone
**Application:** Single stage
**TRL:** 4-9
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** SE
**Official call:** https://www.cancerfonden.se/forskning/for-forskare/sok-anslag-for-forskare/guidelines-early-detection
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Swedish national call for early detection of primary cancer (not metastatic/recurrent disease). Category A: new diagnostic methods; Category B: validation of methods at TRL≥4. Applicant must be employed (≥20% FTE) at a Swedish university or healthcare institution and hold a PhD since ≤31 Dec 2021 (i.e. experienced researcher). Application must be in English.

## Summary

Cancerfonden's Diagnostics and Early Detection grant funds experienced cancer researchers in Sweden to develop or validate new early detection methods, with up to SEK 10 million per year over 3-5 years (maximum SEK 30 million per grant). The call targets two pathways: novel biosamples, imaging, or AI-driven detection tools (category A), and validation of methods already at TRL 4 or higher (category B). Applicants must hold a PhD awarded by 31 December 2021 and be employed at least 20% at a Swedish university or healthcare institution.

## Who should apply

- Experienced PIs with PhD awarded by 31 December 2021
- Researchers employed at least 20% at a Swedish university or healthcare institution
- Projects developing novel early cancer detection methods (biosamples, imaging, AI/data-driven approaches)
- Validation studies of detection methods already at technology readiness level 4 or above
- Researchers focusing on primary detection, not prognostic biomarkers or metastatic disease

## Key dates

- Single-stage application; check the Fenix portal and call page for the current deadline date and time
- Requires digital signatures from Head of Department (and clinical head if applicable) via BankID before submission
- Project duration: 3-5 years

## Tips for applicants

- Pre-submission coordination is essential: secure signatures from your Head of Department and clinical lead (if applicable) well in advance via BankID, as these are mandatory before you submit and cannot be obtained after the deadline passes.
- Clearly designate your project as category A (novel method development) or category B (TRL ≥4 validation); mixing or ambiguity will weaken scoring.
- Write your application and research programme in English, but include a Swedish popular science summary; the panel weighs both, and the lay summary is used for public outreach.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Cancerfonden's Diagnostics and Early Detection grant pay?

Up to SEK 10 million per year, for a total of SEK 30 million maximum per grant over 3-5 years.

### Who is eligible for Cancerfonden Diagnostics and Early Detection?

Experienced PIs with a PhD awarded by 31 December 2021, employed at least 20% at a Swedish university or healthcare institution.

### What kinds of early detection projects does Cancerfonden fund?

Projects developing novel detection methods (category A) using biosamples, imaging, or AI/data approaches, and validation studies of methods at TRL 4 or higher (category B); prognostic biomarkers and metastatic disease detection are out of scope.

### Is the Cancerfonden Diagnostics and Early Detection grant one-stage or multi-stage?

Single-stage application, but requires digital signatures from the Head of Department (and clinical head if applicable) via BankID before submission.

### Where do I find the application deadline for Cancerfonden Diagnostics and Early Detection?

The deadline date and time are shown at the top of the call page and in the Fenix portal; check these directly as the deadline varies by call round.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancerfonden-diagnostics-and-early-detection-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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