Join us on Tuesday, July 28th, as we welcome Dr. Monique Pond and Dr. Melissa Li, Program Directors from the SBIR Development Center at the National Cancer Institute, to Chapel Hill for an overview of the NCI's 2026 SBIR/STTR programs and funding opportunities. 

This event is co-organized by UNC's Office of Research Development and Innovate Carolina to connect UNC researchers with federal translational funding opportunities and resources that support the commercialization of innovative cancer technologies.? 

Whether you are considering commercialization of your research, planning a startup, or interested in translational funding, this session will provide valuable insights into NCI's small business funding programs, current priorities, and the application process. 

Location 
Innovate Carolina Junction Room 050 
136 E. Rosemary Street 
Chapel Hill, NC 
Just steps from UNC’s campus! 

Agenda 
9:00–9:15 a.m. – Networking 
9:15–9:30 a.m. – Welcome and Innovate Carolina overview 
9:30–10:15 a.m. – Presentation by NCI SBIR Development Center Program Directors 
10:15–10:45 a.m. – Q&A 

Who Should Attend? This event is open to UNC faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and research staff working in oncology or cancer-related fields who are interested in commercialization, entrepreneurship, or federal translational funding opportunities. 

One-on-One Meetings: Following the presentation, a limited number of 15-minute individual meetings with the NCI Program Directors will be available. If you are interested in reserving one of these sessions, please contact Mireya McKee (mireya@email.unc.edu). Appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.