BIRD Foundation Approves $7.4 Million for Seven U.S.-Israel R&D Projects
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
The Israel‑U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation approved $7.4 million in conditional grants for seven joint R&D projects, bringing total project investment to an estimated $20 million when private‑sector funds are included. The collaborations span quantum computing (Qarakal Quantum and Quantum Elements), terabit‑class satellite laser communications (NovaLink Space and Ciena), on‑chip memory technology (RAAAM Memory Technologies and GlobalFoundries), AI‑driven cancer detection using scent (SpotitEarly and Fox Chase Cancer Center), precision‑agriculture seed sorting (SeedX and Illinois Foundation Seeds), digital pathology oncology automation (Ibex Medical Analytics and Proscia), and in‑hospital 3D‑printed orthopedic tools (CustoMED and Myrava). The grants, up to $1.5 million each, were vetted by BIRD staff, NIST reviewers and the Israel Innovation Authority, adding to more than 1,200 BIRD‑supported collaborations since 1977.
💡 Why It Matters
- · These projects illustrate how cross‑border deep‑tech partnerships can accelerate breakthroughs that are too risky for single firms, positioning the U.S.
- · and Israel at the forefront of emerging markets in quantum, space and AI‑enabled health solutions.
