September 24, 2025 — World Cancer Research Day

Cape Town, South Africa — In honor of World Cancer Research Day, the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Microgrant Program, in partnership with Bio Usawa, Inc. This initiative provides seed funding for early-career African researchers working on health systems innovation in cancer care.

With grants of up to USD $5,000 each, the program supports novel, equity-focused ideas aimed at strengthening cancer care delivery across the continent.

“On a day dedicated to cancer research worldwide, we are thrilled to invest in African innovation for African solutions,” said Dr. Miriam Mutebi, President of AORTIC. “This program creates new opportunities for early-career researchers to lead the charge against cancer in their communities.”

Echoing this commitment, Dr. Menghis Bairu, Co-founder, President and CEO of Bio Usawa, added that “BioUsawa is invested in building capacity in Africa and is committed to supporting local researchers to develop real world solutions for the gaps in care in our setting.”

About the Program:

Eligibility: Early-career researchers (within 5 years of completing their terminal degree), based in or affiliated with African institutions.

Duration: 12 months (November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026)

Funding Use: Project design, tools, small pilots, and materials (not for salaries, large equipment, or non-integral travel)

Program Management: Bio Usawa

Awardees will also be invited to present findings at AORTIC events and submit their research to the AORTIC Journal for publication consideration.

Key Dates:

Call for Proposals Opens: October 1, 2025
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
Award Notification: November 1, 2025
Project Period: November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026

Application Details:

Interested applicants must submit:

Research title and abstract (max 250 words)
Project narrative (max 1,500 words)
Budget with justification
Timeline
CV (max 2 pages)

How to Apply:

Email applications to [email protected]

Subject line: AORTIC Microgrant Application – [Your Full Name]
Deadline: October 15, 2025 (11:59 PM GMT)

AORTIC extends its sincere thanks to Bio Usawa for their generous partnership in launching this important new program. Together, we aim to catalyze a new wave of evidence-based, Africa-led research to transform cancer care on the continent.

About Bio Usawa, Inc.

Bio Usawa is Rwanda's leading biotechnology company dedicated to democratizing access to life-saving biopharmaceuticals across Africa. Founded on the principle that geographic location should not determine healthcare outcomes, the company specializes in developing and manufacturing affordable, high-quality monoclonal antibodies targeting cancer, diabetes complications, infectious diseases, and autoimmune conditions.

About AORTIC: 

AORTIC is an African non-governmental organization dedicated to cancer control research in Africa. Its mission is to improve cancer outcomes through research, education, and collaboration with national health ministries and global partners. AORTIC also plays an active role in training and uniting cancer professionals, with a focus on strengthening cancer care systems in African countries.