Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announce funding for Florida cancer initiatives and promote the success of Florida’s Cancer Innovation Fund

Press release from the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Florida International University to announce cancer initiatives included in the Governor’s proposed Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26. The Governor and First Lady also highlighted the success of Florida’s Cancer Innovation Fund, which is entering its third round of applications for this current fiscal year.

“Florida has made historic investments in cancer research and innovation, and we are looking forward to doing even more to fight this devastating disease,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This morning, First Lady Casey DeSantis and I highlighted our state’s cancer initiatives for 2025. We are committed to finding solutions that can transform cancer care, support patients and their loved ones, and ultimately save countless lives.”

The Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget includes historic funding for cancer research initiatives and builds off of previous years’ already historic investments in support of critical research. This year’s proposal includes:

• Continuing $60 million in funding for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund.
• $132.5 million for the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, which will fund grants and establish the Florida Cancer Research network to expand collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and facilities.
• $30 million invested to establish the new Cancer Connect Collaborative Incubator. This incubator will concentrate on specific areas of cancer research on a rotating basis every five years, aiming to enhance research capacity throughout Florida. Their initial focus will be on pediatric cancer research. 

The Governor and First Lady’s highlight of the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund comes as it gets set to enter its third application cycle for awards this fiscal year. The program’s first round opened in November 2024, and applications were accepted through December 13, 2024. After a thorough review process, the Cancer Connect Collaborative was proud to select First Ascent Biomedical as one of the program’s first award winners. This company was awarded $2 million to research Functional Precision Medicine, which will be used to help create personalized treatment plans for patients whose cancer has returned and will help cover the cost of medications. Round 2 awards are currently undergoing the selection process and will be notified around mid-April 2025. Next fiscal year, application cycles will open quarterly.

The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund was established as part of the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. This fund aims to provide funding for research projects that focus on innovative approaches to data infrastructure and best practices of disease treatment. Funding is for Florida-based institutions only.