US-Israel Foundation To Invest $8M In 10 Projects In Digital Health, Auto Tech, Cybersecurity

The Israel-US Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation is set to invest $8 million in 10 joint projects in areas such as health tech, cybersecurity, automotive tech, and life sciences. The initiatives will also have access to private sector funding of approximately $20 million, according to the announcement on Monday. 

The BIRD foundation was created in 1977 to foster collaboration between Israeli and American industries and provide grants for approved projects. The organization also works with companies to build strategic partnerships. Over its 43-year history, the foundation has invested over $350 million in joint US-Israeli projects in various sectors.

All projects are reviewed by evaluators from the Israel Innovation Authority, the US Department of Commerce, and the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The foundation makes a number of announcements per year detailing investments. On Monday, it said the following initiatives would receive funding:

• Yavne-based Aeronautics Defense System, the developer of unmanned systems for defense and civilian applications, will work with PreVision Corp, an Edgewood, NM company developing 3D mapping solution, to develop a Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) sensor with an automated interface to an electro-optics payload on a UAS (unmanned aerial system) platform.
• Tel Aviv’s AEYE Health, a digital health company focused on automated, AI-based diagnostic screening solutions for retinal imaging, will collaborate with the University of Massachusetts Medical School on the system.
• Datumate, a Yokne’am Illit company developing an advanced tech platform for the construction industry, will work with Texas’ Heavy Construction Systems Specialists to develop a construction site management collaboration framework.
• Firedome, a Tel Aviv IoT cybersecurity company, is partnering with Olibra, Cresskill, NJ firm, to develop traditional consumer electronics devices into connected cybersecurity “guardians.”
• Genoox, a Tel Aviv company that developed a genomic data platform will work with Austin-based ASPiRA Labs, a Vermillion Company to develop an AI-based, dynamic, and affordable genetics testing technology transfer.
• Redler Technologies, a Netanya-based company that develops motion control and navigation equipment is partnering with Martin Technologies, a Hudson, MI company, to develop an advanced automotive electronic power distribution module.
• Senso Medical Labs, a Nazareth company and developer of neurotechnology devices, and Haystack Diagnostics, Brookline, MA, will partner to develop a multi-electrode device to advance electrodiagnostic medicine. 
• Serenus.AI, a Tel Aviv startup developing AI platforms for medical professionals, will work with Denver-based HealthTrio. 
• VayaVision, an Israeli developer of a sensor-based platform for autonomous vehicle perception, and Trimble, based in Sunnyvale, CA will develop a perception-based autonomous-driving system for vehicles and heavy machinery in the agriculture, construction, and mining markets. VayaVision is being acquired by Canadian ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) company LeddarTech.
• XRHealth, an Israeli company that makes VR platforms for health management, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston will work together to develop a perioperative VR platform designed to distract patients from pain while undergoing medical procedures.