Michigan, Israel sign deal for economic projects

Both governments are set to fund projects in high-tech, life sciences, business, and more

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan and Israel have signed an agreement to jointly support industrial research and development projects.

The deal signed Monday by Gov. Rick Snyder and Israel’s Midwest Consul General Roey Gilad calls for issuing a request for proposals from for-profit business collaborations between Michigan and Israeli companies.

Joint projects approved by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the Israel Office of the Chief Scientist will receive an unspecified amount of government funding. The request for bids is expected to be issued by November.

Snyder says the deal is a “breakthrough opportunity,” and Gilad says he expects partnerships in cyber security, autos, defense and water technology.

The governor made a trade trip to Israel last year and signed a letter of intent that’s the basis of the new agreement.