Israel’s BIRD Foundation selects two US-Israel partnerships for $1.5 million grants

The Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation has announced that it has awarded funding to two homeland security projects, each between a U.S and an Israeli company. The projects were selected by the U.S Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T), the Israel Ministry of Public Security (MOPS), and were approved by the BIRD Foundation’s Board of Governors.

The first project that was approved for a grant was a partnership between Israel’s Ciconia and Washington-based Sagetech Avionics. Together, the companies will develop a mid-air conflict management and collision avoidance system for first responder aerial platforms. The second partnership is between Israel’s Carbyne and Florida-based CentralSquare Technologies, which will develop a real-time multimedia emergency call communication for public safety and first responders.

“We are pleased to announce the 2021 BIRD HLS grantees with projects that will enable safer air traffic in emergency situations and a more effective first response to emergency events,” said Dr. Eitan Yudilevich, Executive Director of the BIRD Foundation. “In this sixth year of the BIRD HLS program, the fruitful collaboration between the BIRD Foundation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Israel Ministry of Public Security has resulted in successful projects that will serve first responders and improve public safety.”

Since 2016, both DHS S&T and MOPS have partnered to fund technology collaborations between Americans and Israeli R&D companies. The aim is to address the homeland security needs of both countries. It supports technologies in cybercrime, critical infrastructure, safe cities, border protection, and more. In addition to the grants, the Foundation also helps find strategic partnerships and helps with the introductions of the companies.

“DHS S&T is happy to once again partner with the BIRD Foundation and the Israel Ministry of Public Security for the sixth year of the HLS program,” said Ms. Megan Mahle, Director of DHS S&T Industry Partnerships. “The projects selected represent areas of mutual interest between the U.S. and Israel in support of essential missions, and we are looking forward to the successful collaboration of the grantees.”

Dr. Gad Frishman, Chief Scientist, Israel Ministry of Public Security, added: “Based on the completion of a thorough and professional review process, we have selected two new innovative projects that will aid emergency and rescue forces in Israel and in the U.S. As we embark on the sixth year of the BIRD HLS program, we are hopeful that we will see a positive return on our investment. Some of the technologies developed as a result of this program are already providing capabilities that aid in a more efficient emergency management.”

Each project submitted for consideration is reviewed by representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Israel Innovation Authority, and from the Israel Ministry of Public Security. The BIRD Foundation does not receive equity or IP rights and does not require repayment if the projects do not reach the sales stage.