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119-s-2696119th CongressWALLET

Foundation for Enabling Biotechnology Innovation Act

Sponsored By: Senator Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a nonprofit foundation inside the National Science Foundation to accelerate commercialization of biotechnology in the United States. It would back public-private partnerships, convene stakeholders, run education and fellowship programs, and provide grants and direct support to Federal agencies.

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  • Federal agencies would get a new partner and potential funding flows. The Foundation can provide direct support to agencies and NSF would be authorized to transfer at least $4.0 million per year to the Foundation.
  • Industry, universities, and nonprofits would gain a coordinated hub for commercialization help. The Foundation would promote partnerships, run fellowships and short courses, convene experts, and fund studies and pilot projects to move biotech products toward market.
  • Governance and transparency rules aim to limit conflicts and foreign influence. A Board of at least five voting members from diverse nonfederal sectors would govern the Foundation, it must seek 501(c) tax-exempt status, publish annual reports and donor lists, and may not accept funds from specified foreign countries or entities of concern.

*Authorizes at least $4.0 million in NSF funding each year and directs transfers of at least $4.0 million annually to the Foundation, increasing federal outlays by at least $8.0 million per year.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Education and fellowship support

If enacted, the Foundation could run education and fellowship programs on biotech commercialization. Programs could include short courses, agency shadowing, and capstone projects. Selected participants could get stipends, travel, health insurance, and other support. You would get support only if chosen for a program.

New nonprofit to speed biotech

If enacted, NSF would set up a nonprofit Foundation to speed biotech commercialization. The Foundation would not be a federal agency and would not regulate products. A Board would run it and must name a CEO. Initial Board members must be appointed within 180 days. The Board must write IP ownership and licensing rules. The Foundation must have annual audits and publish yearly reports. It must file a strategic plan within one year to become self-sustaining within five years.

Rules for staff, conflicts, and hires

If enacted, officers, staff, and Board members must be U.S. citizens, refugees admitted under law, or lawful permanent residents. They could not take part in decisions that affect their own or relatives' financial interests. Chapters 5 and 10 of title 5 would not apply to the Foundation, changing some federal employment protections.

Annual NSF funding and donor limits

If enacted, NSF would transfer at least $4,000,000 each year to the Foundation starting in fiscal year 2026. Those funds must be kept in a separate account. The Foundation could not accept gifts from a foreign country or entity that is named a concern. This provides a recurring U.S. subsidy but limits some foreign funding sources.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 9/3/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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