S. 3468 · On the floor · Science, Technology, Communications

National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network Act of 2025

What it does

Authorizes the National Science Foundation to designate up to six entities as operating nodes for a national programmable cloud laboratories network.
Requires at least one designated node to support biotechnology research, where practicable.
Directs NIST and NSF to establish network-wide interoperability standards, data-sharing protocols, and minimum technical and operating requirements.
Mandates designated nodes provide access to advanced scientific and manufacturing instruments and secure digital infrastructure.

Official summary

National Programmable Cloud Laboratories Network Act of 2025 This bill provides statutory authority for a national programmable cloud laboratories program established by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Programmable cloud laboratories allow researchers to remotely design and run experiments in an automated, artificial-intelligence-enabled laboratory. Under the bill, NSF, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), must designate up to six entities to operate cloud laboratories, called nodes, to comprise a national network. Eligible entities include institutions of higher education, private or nonprofit research entities, and groups thereof. In designating nodes, NSF must ensure, to the extent practicable, that at least one node can support biotechnology research. (On July 16, 2025, NSF issued a program solicitation seeking applicants to serve as nodes.) Designated nodes must provide access to advanced scientific and manufacturing instruments and a secure digital infrastructure. Where practicable, nodes must leverage commercially available hardware and software to minimize cost and accelerate deployment of automated capabilities. NIST, in…

Latest action

Jul 13, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 451.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation