Space Florida and State of Israel Announce Call for Projects
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (November 6, 2014) – Earlier this week, Space Florida and MATIMOP (Israel’s industrial center for research and development on behalf of the Israeli Chief Scientist Office), issued a joint Call for Projects to fund research and development projects sponsored by companies in both states.
In October 2013, the States of Florida and Israel formed an annually recurring $2 million joint program to support research, development and commercialization of aerospace and related technology projects that benefit both States.
Israeli and Florida-based companies are asked to present cooperative proposals, which will be jointly vetted for feasibility, and research funding will be awarded to companies demonstrating the most promising partnerships – those that demonstrate near-term potential for commercialization and economic benefit to both states.
Applying teams must submit a completed application, including a Bi-Lateral Cooperation form that describes the project and the collaboration envisioned between the Florida company and the Israeli company. Applications are due to Space Florida and MATIMOP no later than Monday, March 16, 2015.
Applications will be scored on a first come, first served basis. If applications exceed funding remaining for the fiscal year, firms with outstanding applications will be invited to apply in the following fiscal year.
Applicants must present a proposal that incorporates joint R&D projects in one of the following technological fields:
•Satellite Communication
•Small Satellite Technology and Small Launch Vehicles
•Space Research Related Sensor Technology (including bio-sensors)
•Nano-Materials and Coatings for Space Applications
•Electric Power Resources for Space Applications
•Microgravity Research tied to Human Life Sciences
•Unmanned Aerial Systems
•Nano-, Flex- and Low-Power Electronics
•Micro- and Nano-Robotics
•And other Space and Aerospace-Related Research
“The first round of the program was very successful, resulting in $460,000 that helped fund some truly innovative joint projects between Florida and Israel,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “Our states have complimentary goals and resources and we look forward to continuing to grow promising business models in technical fields through this program.”
Awardees of the 2014 program included:
•Micro Aerospace Solutions, Inc. (MAS) of Melbourne, Florida and NSL Satellites Limited of Israel – this team will develop a large dish antenna with the capability to be deployed from cube satellites.
•Swiss Space Systems, Inc. of Exploration Park, Florida and SpacePharma R&D, Ltd. of Israel – this team will test and validate activities associated with the design and engineering of an airborne telemetry and control system that enables live interaction between microgravity experiments and scientific users.
“We are looking forward to launching the second funding round and further enhancing the R&D collaboration between Florida and Israel, said Avi Hasson, Israel’s Chief Scientist. “Investment in R&D will generate long term economic benefits to both states and support job growth in the core focus areas of aerospace.
Space Florida regularly conducts international trade missions to partner with countries that have similar technological capabilities and needs. Israel, in particular, is known for its successful international joint research initiatives (with the UK, India and Italy, for example) and has strengths in many technological R&D areas.
Proposal submissions are due by March 16, 2015. More information can be found on the Space Florida Website at www.spaceflorida.gov/israelpartnership.
About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s spaceport authority and aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov
About MATIMOP: MATIMOP, the executive agency of the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) of the Ministry of Economy of Israel, is the official National Agency for industrial R&D cooperation in Israel, charged with promoting highly supportive policies to build Israel’s industrial infrastructure, and nurturing industrial innovation and entrepreneurship.
