Transforming Cancer Innovation.
Manifesting Hope Into Belief.
Building the Arizona Cancer Center of Excellence to reshape innovation, access, and outcomes.
About novi
Who We Are
“Our potential is found not only in what we know, but what we are willing to learn.”
The novi Foundation for Cures along with the AZ Cancer Center of Excellence will revolutionize the cancer ecosystem and deliver better outcomes for patients everywhere.
We are a nonprofit incubator and accelerator focused on transforming cancer innovation in Arizona and beyond.
Turn HOPE into BELIEF
3 of the most deadly cancers: Pancreatic, Lung and Colorectal deny life to over 250,000 Americans annually which amounts to 40% of cancer patient deaths annually.
The Problem We're Solving
Why Change Is Urgent
The current system is broken. Disease has become a revenue stream. Innovation is stifled by bureaucracy, cost, and fragmentation. We’re here to change that.
Americans will die from cancer this year
0
in 5 People will face cancer in their lifetime.
Up To $475K
per patient for treatment and trials
Only 2%
of promising research gets approved
Arizona Cancer Center of Excellence
Why Arizona?
Arizona is a rising med-tech hub with world-class institutions. The AZCCoE will serve as a national model for collaborative cancer innovation.
Our Approach
A New Operation Model
We’re building a collaborative pipeline — connecting researchers, institutions, and funders to accelerate life-saving solutions.
Our 5 Pillars
Biomarker Identification & Early Detection
We support the discovery and analysis of key biomarkers and measurable signals in the body that can reveal cancer earlier, faster, and more accurately. By advancing diagnostic tools and detection strategies, we aim to shift cancer stages sooner, improve survival rates, and reduce the burden on patients and families.
Stage Shifting Strategy
We focus on moving cancer diagnoses from late-stage to early-stage where treatment is more effective, survival rates are higher, and costs are lower. By supporting innovations in screening, diagnostics, and community access, we aim to shift the timeline of care and give patients a better chance at recovery from the start.
Clinical Trial Expansion in Arizona
We’re working to increase access, volume, and visibility of clinical trials across Arizona, connecting patients with cutting-edge treatments and accelerating innovation. By strengthening infrastructure and partnerships, we aim to make Arizona a national leader in trial participation, helping more people benefit from life-saving research.
Drug & Pharma Development Support
We help accelerate the creation and delivery of new cancer therapies by supporting pharmaceutical innovation in Arizona. Through strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and funding pathways, we aim to reduce barriers for drug developers and bring promising treatments to patients faster and turning research into real-world impact.
Policy Advocacy for Access & Prevention
We champion policies that remove barriers to cancer care from cost and coverage to education and early detection. By engaging with state and federal leaders, we advocate for smarter incentives, streamlined approvals, and preventative strategies that prioritize outcomes over bureaucracy. Our goal: a system where every patient has a fair chance at survival.
Get Involved
Be a Part of the Cure
We’re building a collaborative pipeline connecting researchers, institutions, and funders to accelerate life-saving solutions.
- Community Membership
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Donor Opportunities
- Volunteer & Advisory Roles
- Advocate for Policy Change
From the Founder’s Desk
Lessons in Resilience and the Path to a Cure
Every breakthrough starts with a story. Rob’s Substack is a window into the lived experience of a pancreatic cancer survivor and the driving force behind The Novi Foundation. Explore his latest thoughts on advocacy, health, and the future of cancer care.
- Economics, Empathy, and the Egregious Inequity of Cancer Treatment.
“In the presence of increasing returns, the attempt to exploit increasing returns by the pricing mechanism leads to non-optimality.” Kenneth J. Arrow, Economist
- Know they are weeping…
They weep for all they have provided …and all that we’ve wasted.
- A Brief History of Pancreatic Cancer: A 324 Year Journey of Discovery, Hope and Frustration
This disease, takes from us, our loved ones who rarely have time to say goodbye. Over 70% of patients diagnosed die within the first year and only 13% survive past five years.