U.S.-Israel Fund Backs $20M in AI and Health Tech Projects

A decades-old partnership between the United States and Israel just unlocked funding for seven new tech collaborations that could change how we diagnose diseases, protect critical infrastructure, and grow food sustainably.

The Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation approved $7.5 million in grants for joint projects between companies in both countries. When combined with private sector funding, these partnerships represent $20 million in total investment.

The projects span some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. One collaboration between Brevel and Ayana Bio is developing plant cell cultivation using illuminated fermentation to create bioactive ingredients for food and medicine. Another partnership pairs Greeneye Technology with Nutrien Ag Solutions to build AI-driven targeted spraying systems that could reduce pesticide use in agriculture.

Healthcare innovations make up a significant portion of the funded projects. HT Vet and VCA Animal Hospitals are creating non-invasive screening tools to detect tumors in animals earlier. Identifai-Genetics and Inocras Inc. are advancing a DNA-based prenatal test for genetic disorders that could give families more information and options.

Two other medical projects target serious conditions affecting millions. Neurogenesis and OrganaBio are developing cell therapy for progressive multiple sclerosis, while NeuroKaire and MindfulCare are building a precision treatment platform specifically for depression.

On the cybersecurity front, Ensights AI Renewable Energy and Solitude Labs will work together to protect operational technology systems in critical infrastructure like power grids and water facilities.

The BIRD Foundation has been fostering this kind of innovation since its establishment nearly 50 years ago. The organization provides conditional grants of up to $1.5 million per project and helps American and Israeli companies find the right partners for joint development.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of BIRD-funded collaborations extends far beyond the initial investment. Over nearly five decades, the foundation has backed more than 1,200 projects with about $465 million in funding. Those partnerships have generated more than $10 billion in revenues and created thousands of jobs in both countries.

Dr. Alon Stopel, chief scientist of innovation at Israel's Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, noted that the selected projects reflect the strength of the technological partnership between the two nations. The collaborations are generating "groundbreaking solutions" across multiple sectors that affect daily life.

These seven new projects join a growing portfolio of transatlantic innovation that proves international cooperation can drive real progress on global challenges.