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NSF CloudBank

CloudBank is a service-based platform that facilitates access to commercial cloud resources for U.S. researchers and educators, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It currently provides access to AWS, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud and Microsoft Azure.

Features and Benefits​

  • CloudBank provides a user-friendly interface for managing cloud resources, making it easier for users to access and monitor their cloud usage and spending efficiently.
  • Through consolidated billing and budget management tools, CloudBank helps users manage their cloud expenses more effectively, ensuring that they maximize the value of their allocated cloud resources.
  • CloudBank offers educational materials and training resources tailored to the needs of researchers. These resources aim to improve the understanding and skills necessary to leverage cloud computing in research.

How It Works​

Access to CloudBank is available through two NSF programs:

  • ACCESS: U.S.-based researchers and educators can request CloudBank resources through the ACCESS allocations process. Research allocations include:
    • Explore: Up to $10,000 per year
    • Discover: Up to $37,500 per year
    • Accelerate or Maximize: Up to $75,000 per year
  • NAIRR Pilot: Researchers and educators who require access to AI-specific resources can request CloudBank through the NAIRR Pilot allocations process.

Both programs offer separate tracks for researchers and educators:

  • Research requests require a cloud cost estimate, supporting grant information (if applicable) and a CV or resume (max 3 pages) for the project lead and any co-leads.
  • Educators can request CloudBank Classroom, a cloud-hosted JupyterHub for teaching that provides each student with persistent storage, compute resources and seamless login using university credentials. See the ACCESS CloudBank for Classroom and NAIRR Pilot CloudBank for Classroom pages for details.

Getting Started​

  1. Estimate your cloud costs using the cost calculators provided by the supported cloud providers.
  2. Create an ACCESS account using your institutional email address. An ACCESS account is also required for NAIRR Pilot requests.
  3. Submit an allocation request through the ACCESS allocations portal or the NAIRR Pilot program, depending on your needs.

For more information on requesting access to commercial cloud resources, please visit the CloudBank website.