The Homestake AI Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Energy to establish an extremophile whole genome sequencing initiative . This initiative aims to collect, catalogue, and sequence the whole genomes and metabolites of animals, plants, fungi, and microbes found in unique and extreme locations. The primary goals are to facilitate new genomic data collection for scientific discovery and to support the development of novel healthcare treatments, particularly for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and dementia. Under the initiative, the Secretary must establish or utilize a database for this genomic data, ensuring it is accessible to persons in the United States while implementing safeguards against sharing with adversary nations. Within one year, a plan must be developed for a new long-term storage facility designed to remain operational during catastrophic incidents, with considerations for underground and remote locations. The bill mandates the selection of at least five collection locations, including a deep mine with an underground science facility, prioritizing sites with unique properties or those at risk of destruction. The initiative emphasizes leveraging existing data standards to ensure high-quality, usable, and interoperable data, along with robust cybersecurity and access safeguards. The Secretary is authorized to coordinate with various entities, including other federal agencies, academia, and private sector entities, and to establish a working group with allied countries to align research efforts and minimize duplication. A foundation will also be established to receive private sector contributions to support the initiative and the storage facility's operation. The collection of new samples under the initiative is limited to five years after the bill's enactment.