US-Israel Foundation To Invest $7.9M In 9 New Projects

The Israel-US Binational Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation announced this week that it will invest $7.9 million in nine new joint projects between Israeli and American companies in the fields of drones, energy efficiency, environment protection, medical devices, pharma, software, and AI.

The foundation, which was created in 1977 to foster collaboration between Israeli and American industries, said that the projects will also have access to private sector funding, which will bring the total amount of all projects to $20 million.

The organization works with all companies to identify strategic partners.  The projects are reviewed by evaluators from the Israel Innovation Authority and the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The nine projects are:

-Israeli firm Compentex, a medication safety systems developer, and Pittsburgh-based firm ChemImage Corporation will develop NurseSpace, a portable AI-powered error-preventing robot for automated identification, dispensing, and administration of medications.

-Tel Aviv-based firm Extreme Simulations, which trains people for emergency situations, and Florida-based firm SynDaver Labs will develop a modular mannequin for healthcare training that meets the needs of life-threatening events through the healthcare system.

-Beersheba-based firm Flyworks and Las Vegas-based company DelMar Aerospace will develop a novel high-performance unmanned aerial system (UAS) solution for detecting greenhouse gas emissions over large-scale energy infrastructure.

-Ra’anana-based firm High Lander and Baton Rouge-based firm Stephenson Technologies Corporation will develop an enhanced drone digital sensor dome providing domain awareness for critical infrastructures.

-Ramat Gan-based gaming platform Overwolf and Philadelphia-based firm Kidas will develop voice and text chat protection in gaming.

-Haifa-based firm Innosphere and the Houston-based Baylor College of Medicine will partner to develop and evaluate a wearable stimulation medical device for treating ADHD.

-The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Boston-based FIND Surgical Sciences firm will develop and commercialize a clinical decision support system for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

-Petach Tikva-based Wavelength Pharmaceuticals, a SEQENS company and Maryland’s On Demand Pharmaceuticals will advance the development and pilot of an on-demand medicine manufacturing system.

-Shaar Hanegev-based firm ZutaCore and World Wide Technology from St. Louis will develop technology for eco-friendly transformation and data centers: ESG compliance to net-zero carbon and water by revolutionizing and optimizing cooling energy and heat reuse.

“Our long-standing collaboration with the BIRD Foundation has yielded some spectacular technological innovations.  We are proud that the Foundation supports various technologies that will make a difference in the productivity and the standard of living for the people of both countries. In the post-COVID-19 world, these technologically groundbreaking projects will improve the health and quality of life for citizens of both countries as well as provide solutions that deal with the global climate crisis. We congratulate the awarded companies and look forward to the successful results of their innovative products,” said Dr. Ami Applebaum, Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Economy and Industry, Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority said in a press statement. 

 “The selected projects reflect a diverse group of technology sectors, company size, and U.S. geographical locations. This is very rewarding as it results from our continuous outreach efforts and close interactions with companies interested in U.S.-Israel R&D partnerships. We congratulate the winners and wish them much success in their innovative joint projects.” said Dr. Eitan Yudilevich, executive director of the BIRD Foundation.

“The diverse array of projects funded through the BIRD Foundation demonstrates how international cooperation can spur creative solutions and bring important solutions and services to the market. The BIRD Foundation brings together companies from Israel and the U.S. that possess a strong balance of technical expertise and commercial foresight. The challenges these projects seek to address-in patient care and therapeutics, energy efficiency, industrial services, and more, support essential sectors of our economy. We wish all the companies great success!” said Ms. Mojdeh Bahar, associate director for Innovation and Industry Services at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and co-chair of BIRD’s Board of Governors.

The night projects approved are the latest of over 1,000 projects which the BIRD Foundation has approved for funding during its 43-year history. To date, BIRD’s total investment in joint projects has been approximately $370 million, helping to generate direct and indirect sales of over $10 billion, the foundation says.

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