2 search and rescue joint projects get $1m each from Israel-US fund
Drone-mounted system and emergency radio, it is hoped, ‘will lead to new technologies that ensure first responders are better protected, connected and fully aware’
Shoshanna Solomon was The Times of Israel's Startups and Business reporter
Israel’s ELTA Systems Ltd., a subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries, and Florida, US-based TLC Solutions, a privately held information technology firm, will work together to develop a new search and rescue drone-mounted system to locate victims under ruins and in disaster areas by tracking their cellphones.
The initiative is one of two joint homeland security projects that were chosen by the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation for funding, as part of a push by the two nations to encourage US and Israeli companies to come up with advanced technologies to help first responders in their jobs.
The other project is a joint venture between Petah Tikva-based HiRiseTech Ltd., a maker of radio communication systems, and Allstate Sprinkler Corp., a fire protection contractor from New York, who will develop a first responders’ emergency radio repeater system — a combination of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter that enables signals to cover longer distances — for high-rise buildings.
The two projects will get a total of $2 million, BIRD said in a statement. In addition to the grants from BIRD, the projects will also be able to access private sector funding, boosting the total value of the two projects to approximately $4.5 million.
The ventures were selected by the US Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate and the Israeli Ministry of Public Security as part of a BIRD program to fund technology collaborations between US and Israeli partners that have “significant commercial potential” to meet the most pressing requirements of first responders, BIRD said in a statement.
The selection process included an assessment of the needs of first responders, the statement said.
“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,” including law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services, the statement said.
“These research and development efforts will lead to new technologies that ensure first responders are better protected, connected and fully aware.”
“Our partnership with Israel remains one of our most robust and has the strong support of leadership,” said William Bryan, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Under Secretary for Science and Technology, for the US Department of Homeland Security. “It is important that Israel and US work together in combating emerging threats.”
“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,” said Gad Frishman, Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Public Security.
The BIRD Foundation works to encourage and facilitate cooperation between U.S. and Israeli companies in a wide range of technology sectors and offers funding to selected projects. BIRD has approved 967 projects over its 41-year history. In addition to providing conditional grants of up to $1 million for approved projects, the foundation assists companies by working with them to identify potential strategic partners and open doors.
