Test Bed: Toward a Network of Programmable Cloud Laboratories

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering a funding opportunity through its program "Test Bed: Toward a Network of Programmable Cloud Laboratories." This initiative aims to revolutionize research capabilities by developing and operationalizing a network of distributed autonomous laboratory facilities. These laboratories, referred to as Programmable Cloud Laboratory (PCL) Nodes, will be remotely accessible and interconnected to foster the integration of artificial intelligence-driven workflows in scientific experimentation. This initiative is poised to catalyze transformative advances across multiple scientific domains by leveraging automation, standardization, and AI capabilities to support self-driving lab experiments. The PCL Test Bed is designed to address the limitations of current autonomous laboratory technologies and to expand their scale, functionality, and interoperability. While existing pilot efforts demonstrate promise, this program aims to enable scalable and reliable programmable cloud labs that are capable of addressing complex research questions with trustworthy outcomes. Challenges being addressed include the availability of automated lab infrastructure, data interoperability standards, AI advancements in experimental design, and establishing best practices across the scientific community. Key program objectives include enhancing reproducibility, data exchange, and training for the next generation of researchers. The test bed will support high-throughput and autonomous experimentation across scientific disciplines such as materials science, biotechnology, and chemistry. Each proposal must include well-defined science drivers—such as materials synthesis, biotechnology engineering, or catalyst development—that benefit from programmable lab access and guide protocol standardization. A distinctive feature of this program is its emphasis on community engagement and capacity building through User Recruitment and On-Boarding Workshops. These events will target a diverse range of institutions including R2 universities, Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs), and two-year colleges, aiming to democratize access to advanced research tools and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, the test bed will be open to both academic and industry researchers, including past and current SBIR/STTR awardees. Eligibility is open to U.S.-based for-profit entities with robust scientific capabilities, non-profit organizations directly involved in research or education, and accredited institutions of higher education. Proposals involving international branches of U.S. institutions must justify their role in the overall project. Awarded projects are expected to implement sustainability plans to ensure long-term operational viability post-funding. Applications must be submitted by November 20, 2025. The total anticipated funding for this opportunity is $100 million, with a minimum award size of $2 million. Up to six awards are expected. While no cost-sharing is required, competitive proposals should present a compelling case for how their proposed PCL Node will address the program’s goals. Contact information for submission support is available via the NSF Grants.gov support team at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

Ensure proposals include well-defined science drivers and demonstrate infrastructure readiness. Strong justification required for international campus use.