NCI/FNL 2026 Technology Showcase

Originally published in the 2026 Q4 NIH Tech Transfer Newsletter.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNL) hosted the 2026 Technology Showcase on September 9 at FNL’s campus, bringing together more than 150 members of the regional biohealth community. Supported by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, and the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, the event highlighted emerging technologies, licensing opportunities, and potential research and commercialization partnerships.

The program featured keynote speakers, expert panels, funding presentations, and technology showcases. Jeff Allen, President and CEO of Friends of Cancer Research and a former NIH researcher, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in developing new treatments and cancer cures, particularly through public-private partnerships.

Patient advocate Carlos Sandi also shared his family’s experience with cancer research at NIH. His son was the first pediatric patient to receive CAR T-cell therapy at the NIH Clinical Center. Sandi expressed gratitude for the research that made his son’s treatment possible and encouraged NIH and its partners to continue advancing technologies with the potential to save lives.

Attendees learned how companies and researchers can access FNL resources and capabilities, including the Patient-Derived Models Repository (PDMR) and the Antibody Characterization Laboratory. Two expert panels offered practical guidance on partnering with NCI and FNL and navigating the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s review process efficiently.

The showcase also connected attendees with potential funding sources. Representatives from state and federal agencies, private funders, and nonprofit organizations outlined available funding programs, explained application processes, and offered guidance to organizations seeking support for research and commercialization.

By bringing researchers, industry representatives, patient advocates, and funding experts together, the 2026 Technology Showcase helped strengthen connections across the regional biohealth community and highlighted opportunities to move promising technologies toward real-world applications.