CRT projects are comprehensively researched to expand and deepen the scientific understanding around the initial invention and to enable the strongest clinical and market position to be established. CRT business managers will usually propose a course of project development that may involve further experiments in the scientist's laboratory, or more industrially-orientated development work to add value to the invention. The business manager will recommend whether this should be undertaken within CRT's Development Laboratory, the host institution or in collaboration with a commercial partner.

Development funding is available through the Development Fund, a joint initiative with Cancer Research UK.

For potential novel therapeutic inventions, CRT can help scientists access the Cancer Research UK Drug Development Office.