In addition to grants from the Byrd Foundation, the projects will receive funding from the private sector, so that the total investment in the projects will be $ 3 million.
The projects selected and approved by the Byrd Foundation Board are:
• Levitection from Haifa and Technologies Liberty Defense from Georgia, USA, will develop a solution for detecting threats and hidden objects in an open area using electromagnetic imaging and artificial intelligence.
• Ception Technologies from Jerusalem and Hivemapper from California, USA, will develop a three-dimensional mapping system that combines aerial and ground photography.
Director of Technology (Science and Technology Directorate – S&T) at the US Department of Homeland Security And the Israeli Ministry of Internal Security have been cooperating since 2016 in financing joint technological projects for Israeli and American companies in the fields of internal security and the homeland. The collaboration includes the development of technologies in the areas of: cybercrime; Securing infrastructure and public buildings; Safe and secure cities; Border protection; Unmanned aerial systems; And advanced technologies for emergency and rescue forces (first responders).
The selected projects provide a response to the security needs of both countries and have significant commercial potential.
The Bird Foundation works to encourage collaborations between Israeli and American companies in the various fields of technology for the purpose of developing common products. In addition to funding (up to $ 1 million per project) the fund assists in locating and connecting strategic partners from both countries. The projects submitted to the BIRD HLS program are scrutinized by representatives of the US Department of Homeland Security, the Israel Innovation Authority and experts from the Ministry of Homeland Security in Israel.
“The selected projects for 2020 reflect the important and broad areas of interest of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Homeland Security in Israel,” she said.Ms. Megan Mahala, Director of the Department of Cooperation with Industry at the Department of Technology (S&T), US Department of Homeland Security. “We look forward to seeing the impact of these new strategic collaborations.”
Dr. Gad Frishman, Chief Scientist at the Department of Homeland Security, said: “The Bird HLS program enables us to improve public safety in Israel and the United States by supporting the development of innovative technologies that help enforce the law, prevent crime and violence, and by developing innovative tools and methods of rescue in case of fire and emergencies, for the benefit of both countries.”
Dr. Eitan Yudilevich, CEO of the Byrd Foundation, said, “We are pleased to announce the new projects of the BIRD HLS program, which will address the vital needs of domestic security in both countries. This is the fifth year of the program, established to help develop innovative technologies for emergency and rescue forces, and expanded to address changing public peace needs. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Ministry of Homeland Security in Israel. “