The Board of Governors of the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation has 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.
“Our partnership with Israel remains one of our most robust and has the strong support of leadership,” explained Acting Under Secretary for DHS S&T William Bryan.
“The recent visit of Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen to Jerusalem attests to it.
(U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Israeli Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Courtesy of the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and YouTube. Posted on Jun 11, 2018.)
“It is important that Israel and U.S work together in combatting emerging threats,” continued Bryan.
“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.”
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.
(Learn More. The Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) Apex Program seeks to help tomorrow’s first responder be more protected, connected and fully aware. Courtesy of DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube. Posted on Oct 18, 2017.)
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.
“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,” said Dr. Eitan Yudilevich, Executive Director of the BIRD Foundation.
“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.”
The projects approved include:
ELTA Systems, a group and subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries, based out of Ashad, Israel, in collaboration with TLC Solutions, of St. Augustine, FL.
Together, the team will work to 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.
Also, HiRiseTech, based in Petach Tikva, Israel, and Allstate Sprinkler Corp. of Bronx, NY.
This team will collaborate to develop a first responders emergency radio repeater system for existing high-rise buildings.
“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,” added Dr. Gad Frishman, Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Public Security.
“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.”
