BIRD Foundation Opens Applications for US-Israeli R&D Grants up to $1.5M
The BIRD Foundation invites Israeli-US partnerships to apply for R&D grants of up to $1.5 million under its General Program, with executive summaries due by November 23.
The BIRD Foundation, the binational industrial research and development foundation established by the governments of the United States and Israel, has officially opened the application cycle for its General Program. The initiative provides grants of up to $1.5 million per project, covering up to 50 percent of the total research and development budget.
Grant Details and Eligibility
The annual funding program supports joint ventures between Israeli and American enterprises developing innovative technologies or products with commercial potential in both markets. The financial assistance spans from initial R&D stages through early marketing and sales efforts. Funding is provided as a conditional grant, meaning repayments via royalties are required only upon commercial success, while the foundation holds no equity or intellectual property rights in the participating companies.
The program encompasses a wide array of technological sectors, including advanced manufacturing, agritech, cleantech, communications, construction tech, cybersecurity, electronics, fintech, foodtech, life sciences, healthcare, nanotechnology, semiconductors, software, and water technologies.
Application Timeline
Interested partnerships must submit an executive summary by November 23. Enterprises passing this initial screening will be invited to file full proposals by January 21, 2027, with final board funding decisions scheduled for announcement in April 2027.
Reflecting on the foundation's milestone, BIRD Foundation Executive Director Yaron Lotan noted that as the organization marks its 50th year, it continues to serve as a vital bridge for technological collaboration and joint innovation between the United States and Israel. The program enables enterprises to mitigate R&D risks and develop solutions tailored for both American and global markets.
