BIRD Energy, a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of Energy, the Israeli Ministry of Energy, and the Israel Innovation Authority, has announced its latest funding cycle aimed at supporting projects focused on Renewable Energy, Efficiency, and technologies to reduce carbon emissions. With a maximum funding allocation of up to $1.5 million per project, this initiative seeks to foster collaborative innovation between the United States and Israel.
Projects eligible for consideration must involve joint R&D cooperation between two companies or between a company and a university/research institution, with one entity from the U.S. and one from Israel. Proposals should emphasize significant commercial potential, with outcomes geared towards commercialization.
Key areas of interest include Solar and Wind Power, Advanced Vehicle Technologies and Alternative Fuels, Natural Gas innovations, Smart Grid solutions, Water-Energy Nexus developments, Advanced Manufacturing, AI-driven energy management, and various Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency technologies. Additionally, proposals addressing the scaling-up of carbon-free technologies to mitigate carbon emissions will be considered.
This funding opportunity aligns with the concerted efforts of both the U.S. and Israeli governments to address the global climate emergency and cultivate a clean energy economy.
The application process is web-based and requires prior discussion with BIRD Foundation staff. The deadline for submission of the Executive Summary is July 8, 2024, with the deadline for full-scale proposals set for September 9, 2024. Projects selected for funding will be announced in November 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to visit BIRD’s website for submission details.
Ms. Limor Nakar-Vincent, Deputy Executive Director of Business Development and BIRD Energy, emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing global energy challenges. She stated, “By fostering collaborations between Israeli and American entities, we unlock the potential for transformative technologies that will meet our energy needs sustainably and combat climate change.” Nakar-Vincent invited Israeli and American companies and research institutions to engage with BIRD Energy and explore potential partnerships.