NSF Test Bed: Toward a Network of Programmable Cloud Laboratories (Opportunity Kickoff)

Research Development Opportunity Kickoff events are introductions to specific funding opportunities or resources that enhance application competitiveness. Introductions provide an overview of requirements, advice and lessons learned from experienced faculty, and a chance to network with others. Sponsored by KE Research Development.

Programmable Cloud Laboratories (PCL) execute automated workstreams, including self-driving lab workflows, to efficiently move research goals through artificial intelligence (AI) enabled experiment design, laboratory preparations, data collection, data analysis and interpretation. Challenges of developing PCL include coordinated technological advances and an engaged research community, the availability of automated laboratory infrastructure, standardized approaches to data collection for interoperability, advances in AI for data interpretation and experimental design, and more. This solicitation aims to address such gaps and realize the potential of autonomous experimentation. 

The Test Bed: Toward a Network of Programmable Cloud Laboratories (PCL Test Bed) program seeks to establish and facilitate the operation of distributed autonomous laboratory facilities. These laboratories will combine technological and human capacity to enable integration, testing, evaluation, validation, and translation of cutting-edge technology solutions in automated science and engineering. The PCL Test Bed will consist of a set of Programmable Cloud Laboratory Nodes (PCL Nodes) that can be remotely accessed to run custom workflows specified and programmed by users, that are linked together via computational networking, shared science questions, and data and artificial intelligence (AI) standards.

Internal limited submission deadline of September 10, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. (Limited submission link)

Presenters: 

• Quyen Wickham, Capture Manager, Research Engagement, Knowledge Enterprise 
• Kyle Elliott, Proposal Manager, Research Development, Knowledge Enterprise 
• Tracy Lea, Director of Venture Development, Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute 
• Kendra Hillman, Opportunity Management, Research Development, Knowledge Enterprise