# Cancer Mission — Microbiome Tools for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

**Funder:** European Commission
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states
**Official call:** https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/horizon-miss-2026-02-cancer-02
**Last updated:** 2 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Horizon Europe EU Cancer Mission topic (HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-02). Funds development of validated microbiome tools for cancer prediction/prevention before disease onset, using AI risk modelling, large cohorts/registries, and comparison with liquid biopsy tests. Successful project must join the 'Prevention and Early Detection' cluster and include budget for networking and joint Mission activities.

## Summary

Horizon Europe's Cancer Mission funds consortium projects developing microbiome-based tools for cancer prevention and early detection, with emphasis on AI-driven risk prediction and validation against liquid biopsy methods. Applicants must form consortia of at least 3 entities across 3 EU member states and commit to joining the Mission's Prevention and Early Detection cluster. The call prioritizes work on large patient cohorts and registries, with funding earmarked for participation in joint Mission networking activities.

## Who should apply

- Consortia of 3+ organizations across 3+ EU member states
- Research groups and SMEs with expertise in microbiome analysis and cancer epidemiology
- Teams with access to large patient cohorts, biobanks, or disease registries
- Projects combining AI-driven risk modelling with molecular validation
- Applicants prepared to integrate work into the EU Cancer Mission ecosystem

## Key dates

- Deadline: verify exact date on HORIZON portal for HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-02
- Minimum consortium: 3 entities from 3 different EU member states

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium strength is scrutinized: ensure each partner brings distinct expertise (e.g. microbiome lab, epidemiology, AI, clinical validation) rather than parallel capacity.
- Mission funding includes mandatory participation in cluster activities and networking; budget these costs visibly and estimate realistic person-months for coordination meetings.
- Reviewers prioritize feasibility of AI risk model validation against existing liquid biopsy benchmarks, include comparison data or commitments from diagnostic partners early.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the Cancer Mission Microbiome Tools call funding?

This is a Horizon Europe Cancer Mission topic (HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-02) that funds development of validated microbiome-based tools for cancer risk prediction and early detection, including AI risk models and comparison with liquid biopsy methods.

### Do I need a consortium for the Cancer Mission Microbiome call?

Yes, you must form a consortium of at least 3 organizations from 3 different EU member states.

### What must the winning project do?

The successful project must join the EU Cancer Mission's Prevention and Early Detection cluster and participate in joint Mission networking and coordination activities with dedicated budget.

### What research approach does the call expect?

Projects should use large patient cohorts or registries, develop AI-driven risk prediction models, and validate results by comparing microbiome findings with liquid biopsy test outcomes.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/european-commission-cancer-mission-microbiome-tools-for-cancer-prevent-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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