Launching X–Labs for Breakthrough Science Act

This bill establishes the "X-Labs Initiative" within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide long-term institutional awards for breakthrough biomedical research . Its core purpose is to enable innovative research institutions to conduct cutting-edge research and assist them in acquiring necessary R&D plant. The initiative introduces four distinct "XL-series" funding categories: XL01 funding for basic science and foundational discovery; XL02 funding for developing new scientific resources; XL03 funding for nonprofit entities regranting funds to high-risk, high-reward projects; and XL04 funding for planning new scientific institutions. Awards under XL01, XL02, and XL03 range from $5 million to $50 million annually for seven years, with a potential for one renewal. XL04 awards are smaller, $1 million to $5 million for one to three years, and are not renewable. Recipients of XL01, XL02, or XL03 funding are generally prohibited from receiving other federal research grants during their award period. The NIH Director will administer the program, requiring regular reporting on its establishment and periodic evaluations of scientific impact and effectiveness. Appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to foster transformative research and reduce administrative burden.