The MSK Therapeutics Accelerator is accepting applications to its 2026 Cohort Program from pharmaceutical and biotech companies eager to accelerate and de-risk the development of innovative therapeutics for people with cancer. Scheduled to begin in June, the 2026 Cohort Program will facilitate tailored mentorship with MSK faculty, while providing access to MSK’s drug development expertise, resources, and a pathway for future collaboration in the MSK Therapeutics Accelerator.
“The MSK Therapeutics Accelerator provides selected projects with access to MSK’s extensive expertise across all stages of drug development, including preclinical research, product co-development, and clinical trial resources,” said Eileen Flowers, PhD, Director of Technology & Licensing in the MSK Office of Entrepreneurship & Commercialization (OEC). “We are excited to open applications to the 2026 Cohort Program, building on the success of our inaugural program launched last year.”
The 2026 Cohort’s theme is “Pathway to the Clinic,” seeking proposals that leverage MSK’s expertise to devise development plans and de-risk the advancement of innovative external therapeutics into the clinic. The MSK Therapeutics Accelerator also has a particular interest in advancing the development of new treatments for rare cancers. The program is open to startups as well as larger and more mature biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Apply to the 2026 Cohort Program here. Applications will be accepted until Monday, March 30th, 2026. (Note: To access the application, please create an external applicant account first.)
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The MSK Therapeutics Accelerator connects industry partners to MSK’s valuable institutional expertise and resources, including potential access to thirty-three state-of-the-art core facilities. MSK cores provide state-of-the-art scientific technology and research support services, enabling rapid turnaround time and cost-effective operations.
The Cohort Program aims to define a concrete workplan for co-developing innovative external therapeutic assets at MSK, as well as opportunities to advance select projects to formal participation in the MSK Therapeutics Accelerator.
Selected companies are matched with MSK faculty according to scientific and clinical needs. These companies benefit from one-on-one mentorship with a faculty sponsor and structured introductions to MSK’s translational and clinical facilities. Cohort programming includes pitch development, media coaching, and in-person pitch showcases to boost awareness in the broader MSK research community and key external stakeholders.
Applications will be evaluated for the potential impact of the therapy, the company’s overall capabilities and resources, and the feasibility of project co-development at MSK.
2026 Cohort Program Application and Selection Timeline
- Monday March 30th, 2026: Deadline for online applications
- April through May 2026: Outreach to shortlisted teams, including follow-up discussions.
- Friday May 29th, 2026: All teams will be notified about the final selection decision.
- June 2026: Cohort program will officially launch with an in-person kickoff on site at MSK.
For more information on the MSK Therapeutics Accelerator Program, including 2026 opportunities or previous cohorts, please email Jonathan Dow, PhD, at [email protected]