S. 2676: Cloud Labs to Advance Biotechnology Act of 2025

The Cloud Labs to Advance Biotechnology Act of 2025 aims to establish a network of cloud laboratories to enhance biotechnology research and innovation in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Definition of Key Terms

The bill defines several key terms:

• Cloud Laboratory: A laboratory equipped with research tools and robots that can be operated remotely by scientists for ongoing experiments.
• Authorized Researcher: A person who has been allowed to access data from the cloud laboratories.
• Biological Data: Information gathered from biological systems for analysis.
• Director: Refers to the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Establishment of a Cloud Laboratory Network

The bill mandates the NSF Director to set up a pilot program to create a cloud laboratory network. This network will:

• Coordinate efforts among both NSF-funded cloud laboratories and those operated by industry or academia.
• Track capabilities at each laboratory.
• Connect researchers with the resources they need for their research projects.
• Facilitate collaboration on data sharing and best practices.

Phased Implementation

The initiative will unfold in phases:

• Phase I: The NSF Director must establish the network within 360 days after the bill's enactment and create a detailed implementation plan.
• Phase II: After two years, the NSF will make competitive grants to establish at least two operational cloud laboratories.
• Phase III: In four years, further grants will fund at least three additional cloud laboratories.

Research and Data Management

Each cloud laboratory will focus on:

• Generating high-quality biological data through automated experiments.
• Providing access to necessary experimental tools for researchers involved in biotechnology.

Advisory Board

An advisory board will be formed to guide the development and operation of the cloud laboratories. This board will consist of:

• NSF employees and representatives from other federal agencies.
• Academic researchers from various biotech disciplines.
• Industry representatives in biotechnology.
• Experts in biosafety and ethics.

The board will help set priorities for data collection, ensure usability, and recommend practices to prevent misuse of laboratory resources.

Reports and Evaluation

The NSF Director will be required to submit annual reports to Congress evaluating the progress and success of the cloud laboratories and their impact on biotechnology research, starting one year after the establishment of the Phase II laboratories.

Duration and Funding

The bill specifies a span of 12 years for the provisions, after which the establishment and operation of the cloud laboratory network would conclude unless extended or renewed by Congress.

Relevant Companies

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