BIRD - Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial R&D Foundation to Invest $2 Million in New Projects to Foster Advanced Technologies for First Responders

TEL AVIV , Israel, July 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

During its meeting on June 14, 2018 held in Washington, D.C., the Board of Governors of the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation awarded funding to two homeland security projects, selected by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Israeli Ministry of Public Security (MOPS), between U.S. and Israeli companies to advance technologies for first responders. In addition to the grants from BIRD, the projects will access private sector funding, boosting the total value of the two projects to approximately $4.5 million.

The program funds technology collaborations between U.S. and Israeli partners that have significant commercial potential to meet the most pressing requirements of first responders. This joint research effort supports the development of Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) technology capabilities that will increase the safety and efficiency of all first responders (law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services). These research and development efforts will lead to new technologies that ensure first responders are better protected, connected and fully aware.

The BIRD Foundation promotes collaboration between U.S. and Israeli companies in various technological fields for the purpose of joint product development. In addition to providing conditional grants of up to $1 million for approved projects, the Foundation assists by working with companies to identify potential strategic partners and facilitate introductions.

Projects submitted for consideration are reviewed by representatives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Israel Innovation Authority and experts from the Israel Ministry of Public Security.

The projects approved include:

• ELTA Systems (Ashdod, Israel), a group and subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries, and TLC Solutions (St. Augustine, FL) will develop an advanced drone mounted search and rescue system for locating victims under ruins and in disaster areas by accurate location of their cellular phones.
• HiRiseTech (Petach Tikva, Israel) and Allstate Sprinkler Corp. (Bronx, NY) will develop a first responders emergency radio repeater system for existing high-rise buildings.

Mr. William N. Bryan, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for Science and Technology, for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated, "Our partnership with Israel remains one of our most robust and has the strong support of leadership. The recent visit of Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen to Jerusalem attests to it. It is important that Israel and U.S work together in combatting emerging threats. Under that framework, S&T values working with MOPS and the BIRD Foundation and looks forward to seeing outcomes from this and previous year's efforts to determine how best to invest our limited resources for maximum benefit to the whole responder community."

Dr. Gad Frishman, Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Public Security said: "Our cooperation with the BIRD Foundation serves as a strategic channel for the development and implementation of innovative Israeli technologies for First Responders by improving and advancing their emergency preparedness. As in previous years, a process was put into place to identify the needs and evaluate innovative and high quality proposals. The selection of winning projects, carried out jointly and in full cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), leads to cross-fertilization and increases the chances for success. This program supplements the already close cooperation between DHS and the Ministry of Public Security, and its respective leaderships, in advancing capabilities and saving lives."

Dr. Eitan Yudilevich, Executive Director of the BIRD Foundation, said: "Our interactions with the First Responder communities in the U.S. and Israel have revealed a critical need for innovation and affordable technology that can be used in the field. We look forward to continuing our work with the DHS and the Israel Ministry of Public Security to support U.S.-Israel collaboration for the benefit of First Responders."

Contact:
Limor Nakar-Vincent
Deputy Executive Director of Business Development & BIRD Energy
BIRD Foundation
[email protected]

SOURCE The BIRD Foundation