What CANSEARCH Foundation does

CANSEARCH Foundation is a Swiss non-profit foundation established in 2011 by Prof. Marc Ansari to finance pediatric oncology and hematology research within the Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit (UOHP) of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG). The foundation operates through a public-private partnership with HUG and the University of Geneva, where it established the CANSEARCH Research Laboratory as the first dedicated pediatric onco-hematology research platform in Geneva. Its core technical capabilities center on multi-omic pharmacogenomics, transcriptomics, and CRISPR/Cas9 functional genomics for personalized medicine in pediatric cancer treatment, anchored by the BaHOP biobank (over 12,000 samples from 2,767+ patients) and the BISKIDS national germline DNA biobank. The biobank infrastructure holds VITA and NORMA certifications from the Swiss Biobanking Platform and is listed in the BBMRI-ERIC directory.

The foundation's product portfolio spans translational research programs (BuPGPK individualized therapy, RELIVE liver tumor registry, SWISSLIVERRE, HGG International Registry, neuroblastoma project), patient support initiatives (CANpalliative, CANsurvive, CANhelp, CANhypnosis, CANdrepano), clinical infrastructure (CANchimio computerized chemotherapy management), and fellowship/conference programs (CANmove, CANconnect, Visiting Doctor, Fellowship). Revenue is generated through charitable donations, peer-to-peer fundraising via the CANdo program, biennial charity galas (raising CHF 750K-1M per event), and competitive grants from SNSF, Swiss Cancer League, HUG Private Foundation, and the European Commission. Since 2011, CANSEARCH has published over 376 scientific manuscripts and 411 conference abstracts, contributed to a 20% improvement in 10-year survival rates for pediatric stem cell transplant recipients, and supported a 94% survival rate at the HUG pediatric oncology unit.

The foundation serves multiple stakeholder groups: pediatric cancer and blood disease patients treated at HUG, families requiring financial and logistical support, an international network of 200+ hospitals across 38+ countries collaborating on research, and individual donors and corporate sponsors (including Julius Baer, Novartis, and Roche). Strategic positioning is reinforced by the 2024 Swiss HSM national designation making HUG the centralized Swiss center for pediatric allogeneic HSCT and AML treatment, alongside competitive SNSF grants of approximately CHF 1 million awarded in 2025 for the FRESCO ototoxicity project.

Name

CANSEARCH Foundation

Legal name

CANSEARCH Foundation

Website

https://cansearch.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CANSEARCH Foundation is a Swiss non-profit funding pediatric oncology and hematology research at Geneva University Hospitals through pharmacogenomics, biobanking (12,000+ samples), and international clinical trials, serving children with cancer across 200+ hospitals in 38+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pediatric Oncology Research Foundation

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)

akta.pro primary industry

Pediatric Hematology & Oncology (HLAKAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rare Pediatric & Congenital Disorder Therapies (HLAIAIAN), Cell Banking & Viral Seed Services (MCB/WCB/VSB) (HLAGAGAD), Genetic & Prenatal Testing Laboratories (HLAFAMAH), Toxicology & Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Laboratories (HLAFAMAF)

Keywords

• Pediatric oncology research
• Childhood cancer research
• Pharmacogenomics research
• Pediatric biobanking
• Charitable research foundation

Headquarters

HQ city

Geneva

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Charitable Donations: The foundation raises funds primarily through individual donations via its online donation platform (pay.cansearch.ch), bank transfers, and standing orders. Donations are tax-exempt as the foundation is a recognized charity. The foundation explicitly states it does not provide individual or private support and does not accept spontaneous solicitation.
2. Charity Gala Events: Annual charity evening events (galas) serve as major fundraising vehicles. Ticket sales range from CHF 400 per individual to CHF 10,000 per support table. Past galas have raised CHF 750,000 (2013), CHF 850,000 (2015), nearly CHF 1,000,000 (2017, 2019). The 7th gala is planned for September 17, 2026.
3. Corporate and Institutional Grants: The foundation receives co-funding and project accreditation from prestigious institutions including the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Swiss Cancer League, HUG Private Foundation, Kinder Krebs Schweiz, and Swiss Biobank Platform. Competitive SNSF grants were obtained in 2025 for FINESS, FRESCO (GECCOS ototoxicity sub-project, ~1 million CHF), and a HUG relève grant.
4. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors support the annual charity galas and fundraising initiatives. Past sponsors include Julius Baer, Novartis, Roche, and others from the pharma, finance, and luxury sectors.
5. CANdo Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Volunteer-organized fundraising activities (sporting challenges, community events) through the CANdo program and the GivenGain platform, enabling supporters to organize their own donation campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

CANSEARCH Foundation funds and operates a pediatric oncology and hematology research platform embedded within the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the University of Geneva. It conducts translational research using pharmacogenomics, transcriptomics, and CRISPR-based functional genomics to personalize treatments for children with cancer and blood diseases, maintains the BaHOP biobank with over 12,000 samples, and runs patient-support programs (CANpalliative, CANsurvive, CANhelp, CANhypnosis, CANdrepano) and international clinical registries (RELIVE, SWISSLIVERRE, HGG).

Product overview

CANSEARCH Foundation operates as a charitable research foundation supporting pediatric oncology and hematology through a portfolio of interconnected programs. The core offering is the CANSEARCH Research Platform, which coordinates multi-omics research including pharmacogenomics, transcriptomics, and genomic analysis for personalized medicine. Supporting infrastructure includes BaHOP Biobank for biological sample storage and management. The foundation funds patient support initiatives (CANpalliative, CANsurvive, CANhelp, CANhypnosis, CANdrepano), clinical training programs (Fellowship, Visiting Doctor, CANmove), knowledge-sharing platforms (CANconnect conferences), and investigator-initiated research grants (CANcure). Research registries including RELIVE (liver tumors), SWISSLIVERRE, HGG International Registry, and Neuroblastoma Project collect data to advance understanding of pediatric cancers. The computerized CANchimio system manages chemotherapy administration. Together these offerings form a comprehensive ecosystem from patient care through translational research to international collaboration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CANpalliative: Pediatric palliative care program offering specialized follow-up for young cancer patients at end of life, as well as their parents and siblings.
• CANsurvive
• CANhelp
• CANhypnosis
• CANdrepano
• CANchimio
• CANcURE
• CANmove
• CANconnect
• Visiting Doctor
• Fellowship
• BaHOP

Products and services

• CANpalliative Pediatric palliative care program providing specialized follow-up for young cancer patients at end of life, including parents and siblings through palliative care consultations at the UOHP of HUG.
• CANsurvive Cancer survivor fellowship program funding long-term weekly consultations for pediatric cancer survivors, focused on early detection of treatment side effects, prevention programs, and fertility preservation.
• CANhelp Emergency support fund for families of children with cancer to access treatments and medications not covered by insurance, including housing assistance, funeral financing, therapeutic support, and aid for Ukrainian children with cancer arriving in Switzerland.
• CANhypnosis Hypnotherapy program in pediatric oncology launched in November 2025, designed to transform children's experience of invasive procedures, reduce fear and pain, and restore a sense of control during treatment.
• CANdrepano Sickle cell disease (drepanocytosis) program aimed at improving care for children with this hereditary genetic blood disorder affecting hemoglobin and requiring sustained medical follow-up.
• CANchimio Computerized chemotherapy management IT system implementing secure and traceable prescription, distribution, and administration of chemotherapeutic treatments in the pediatric oncology and hematology unit, optimizing patient safety.
• BaHOP Biobank Geneva pediatric biobank for onco-hematology research (Banque genevoise pédiatrique pour la recherche en onco-hématologie), storing over 12,000 samples from more than 2,767 patients, with VITA and NORMA accreditations and international listing in BBMRI-ERIC directory.
• Individualized Therapy (BuPGPK Study) Personalized conditioning regimen research for busulfan-based myeloablative treatments before pediatric stem cell transplantation, using pharmacogenomics, transcriptomics, and in vitro functional analyses to identify genetic markers for optimal drug dosing.
• RELIVE Registry International multicenter registry database for pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory hepatoblastoma or hepatocellular carcinoma, developed at HUG and deployed across 15 countries with secure data entry access for 64 participating centers.
• HGG International Registry International registry for high-grade gliomas in children and infants, systematically collecting epidemiological, clinical, and molecular data to improve knowledge and treatment of pediatric brain tumors.
• SWISSLIVERRE Registry Swiss national registry for pediatric patients with malignant liver tumors, standardizing therapeutic strategies through a national tumor board coordinated across 9 Swiss pediatric oncology institutions.
• CANmove (Mobility Fellowship) Mobility fellowship for pediatric oncology researchers or clinicians in French-speaking Switzerland to complete training abroad and return to share expertise, stimulating scientific dynamism in the region.
• CANconnect (Conference Program) International congress and symposium organization program facilitating collaboration between specialists to implement multinational studies and expand research networks in pediatric oncology and hematology.
• CANcURE Research Grant Biennial CANSEARCH Research Grant awarded to researchers across Switzerland studying pediatric oncology and hematology, with double selection by the Swiss Cancer League and CANSEARCH scientific committees.
• Visiting Doctor Fellowship International physician-researcher fellowship engaging renowned experts at the CANSEARCH research platform, oriented 80% research and 20% clinical at the UOHP of HUG.
• Neuroblastoma Project Neuroblastoma research program using CRISPR/Cas9 library screening technology to identify synergistic genetic targets, combined with established therapies including eprenetapopt (PRIMA-1MET), ALK inhibitors, and cisplatin, with investigation of synthetic lethality approaches.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94% survival rate at the HUG Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• HUG (Geneva University Hospitals) - Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit (UOHP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation's primary institutional partner. CANSEARCH funds research within the Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit (UOHP) of the Department of Child and Adolescent of the Geneva University Hospitals. This public-private partnership provides a center for personalized and highly specialized pediatric onco-hematology medicine.
• University of GenevacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CANSEARCH Research Laboratory is embedded within the University of Geneva, providing academic research infrastructure and enabling faculty appointments (Prof. Marc Ansari was appointed Professor at the Medical Faculty of Geneva in November 2015).
• Gustave Roussy Institute (France)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Europe's most renowned oncology centers in Villejuif, France. Close collaboration accelerates access to innovative therapies and improves clinical protocols. Dr. Brice Fresneau, physician-researcher, has been regularly involved in the CANSEARCH research platform since October 2025, contributing to the ototoxicity project.
• Swiss Biobanking Platform (SBP) / SwissRDLcoreTechnology or IntegrationBaHOP is accredited by SBP (VITA, NORMA) and listed in biobankSQAN and BBMRI-ERIC directories. SwissRDL at ISPM University of Bern manages the Trust Center for data linkage across BISKIDS participants, ensuring secure BioLink ID-based matching.
• Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group (SPOG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network of 9 Swiss pediatric oncology institutions (Aarau, Bern, Basel, Bellinzona, Geneva, Lausanne, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Zurich) participating in data collection for SWISSLIVERRE and other studies.
• ISPM University of BernmajorTechnology or IntegrationThe Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at University of Bern manages BISKIDS clinical data through SwissRDL and hosts the national tumor board coordination for SWISSLIVERRE. The platform connects biobank resources across Switzerland.
• SIOP (International Society of Paediatric Oncology)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational society providing scientific collaboration, conference participation, and knowledge sharing. CANSEARCH participates annually in SIOP congresses and contributes to international study networks.
• EBMT (European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean society for blood and marrow transplantation. CANSEARCH presents studies at EBMT congresses (e.g., EBMT 2023 in Paris) and participates in EBMT working groups on pediatric HSCT.
• SIOPEL (International Society of Paediatric Oncology for Liver Tumours)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational society focused on pediatric liver tumors. CANSEARCH received Horizon 2020 funding to open the SIOPEL research program in Switzerland. RELIVE and PHITT studies are conducted in partnership with SIOPEL.
• CITB and CRTOH / Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCANSEARCH is affiliated with the Centre facultaire d'Investigation Translationnelle en Biomarqueurs (CITB) and the Centre Translationnel de Recherche en Oncologie et Hématologie (CRTOH), which is itself affiliated with the Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL).
• International Research Centers for RELIVE (15 countries)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRELIVE registry active in 15 countries: Switzerland, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Germany, UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, with 64 hospitals participating and over 360 children enrolled.
• BuGenes International Centers (19 centers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuGenes study, CANSEARCH's flagship project, opens 19 centers across Europe (including UK), the Middle East, and Australia/New Zealand. Three additional centers in India, China, and Europe have expressed interest.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Institut Curie: Historic French cancer research and care institution with pediatric oncology activities; broader scope than CANSEARCH but highly comparable in translational research and patient care integration.
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Research Institute: Largest US children's hospital research enterprise; operates its own pediatric biobank and oncology trials. Much larger scope but operates comparable biobank and registry infrastructure.

Direct peers

• Children's Oncology Group (COG): The world's largest cooperative pediatric cancer research network running multi-site clinical trials. CANSEARCH participates in COG-adjacent networks (SIOP, SIOPEN, PHITT) and runs analogous registries (RELIVE, BuGenes).
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Major US pediatric cancer research hospital with extensive biobanking, translational research, and international collaborations. Closest global analog to CANSEARCH in mission and scope, though at materially larger scale.
• Great North Children's Hospital / Newcastle University: UK pediatric oncology center where Prof. Roderick Skinner (CANSEARCH advisor) is honorary professor. A directly comparable UK pediatric onco-hematology research group.
• Gustave Roussy Institute: Leading European comprehensive cancer center in Villejuif, France; named CANSEARCH partner with Dr. Fresneau collaborating on ototoxicity research. Closest continental peer in pediatric onco-hematology research and trial participation.
• Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto: Leading Canadian pediatric research hospital; named collaborator (Dr. Waespe's training background, Valentine Pradet from CHU Sainte-Justine affiliated). Comparable in pediatric oncology/hematology research mission.
• Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group (SPOG): National network of 9 Swiss pediatric oncology institutions coordinating studies such as SWISSLIVERRE. CANSEARCH is an embedded research sponsor and SPOG board member; near-perfect operational peer in the same Swiss footprint.
• SIOPEL (International Childhood Liver Tumours Strategy Group): International society running pediatric liver tumor trials (PHITT, RELIVE). CANSEARCH has a Horizon 2020 grant to run SIOPEL's Swiss program, making it both a peer and an operational partner.

Others

• SIOP (International Society of Paediatric Oncology): Global scientific society coordinating pediatric oncology research; not a direct operational peer but the field's primary scientific convocation where CANSEARCH publishes and recruits collaborators.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@cansearch1882
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cansearch
• Instagraminstagram.com/fondationcansearch

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CANSEARCH Foundation