Cloud LAB Act of 2025

This bill requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a cloud laboratory network pilot program to coordinate cloud laboratories, generate biological data for AI models, and provide researcher access to automated experimentation. Sec. 2, Definitions: Defines key terms including "artificial intelligence," "authorized researcher," "biological data," "cloud laboratory" (a physical lab with remotely controlled robots and instruments), "Director" (NSF Director), "phase II cloud laboratory," "phase III cloud laboratory," and "Under Secretary" (NIST Director). Sec. 3, Cloud Laboratory Network Pilot Program: Authorizes the Director, with the Energy Secretary and Under Secretary, to create a pilot program establishing a cloud laboratory network to track capabilities, connect researchers, and share best practices. Phase I requires the Director to set up the network within 360 days, submit an implementation plan to Congress covering assessments, location decisions, data storage and access, intellectual property, security, and costs, and establish an advisory board with members from federal agencies, academia, industry, and security fields to advise on priorities, usability, and safeguards. Phase II authorizes competitive grants for at least 2 cloud laboratories, operational within 3 years, with awards for at least 8 years. Phase III authorizes competitive grants for at least 3 additional cloud laboratories, separate from Phase II, with awards for at least 6 years. The Director must submit annual progress reports to Congress starting one year after all Phase II awards are made. The program sunsets 12 years after enactment.