Defense Company Rafael, Ben Gurion University Sign Collaborative Research Agreement

Israeli defense technology company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and BGN Technologies, the technology transfer of Ben Gurion University of the Negev, announced on Tuesday the signing of a strategic multi-year research agreement in the fields of cybersecurity, smart mobility, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

BGN Technologies CEO Netta Cohen, and Dr. Ran Gozali, EVP, Rafael R&D and Engineering Division, took part in the signing ceremony held at the Cybertech 2019 conference in Tel Aviv.

The first two collaborative projects will look at the risks of cybersecurity breaches in sensors of autonomous vehicles. AI and machine learning techniques will be explored as means of identifying possible breaches, alongside ways of ensuring protection.

“Rafael’s decision to have a significant presence at the hi-tech park adjacent to BGU, together with the partnership signed today, is a clear indication of our researchers’ leadership in hardware and data related innovation,” Cohen said. “We are looking forward to closely working with Rafael, a world leader in advanced defense systems, on a variety of cutting-edge projects from different disciplines.”

Dr. Ran Gozali, EVP and Head of Rafael’s R&D and Engineering Division of Rafael, added, “Cybersecurity is one of the biggest challenges in almost every aspect of modern day life. This partnership will help support our advanced autonomous solutions, by working with prominent experts in the field, such as the researchers at Ben-Gurion University. We are certain that the collaboration will help maintain the qualitative edge and innovative solutions that are offered by Rafael to its customers.”

The partnership follows Rafael’s decision to launch an R&D center in Beersheba’s high-tech park. The center will be located in close proximity to BGU and will focus on different aspects of advanced autonomous systems.