Another $2 Million in Research Fund Available for Viable Proposals

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (September 8, 2015) – Space Florida and the Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) through its agency MATIMOP (the Israeli Industry Center for Research &Development), have issued a new joint call for project proposals worth $2million in R&D funding.

This is the third year that Space Florida and MATIMOP are conducting the competition. In October 2013, Florida and Israel initiated an annually recurring $2 million joint program to support research, development and commercialization of aerospace and related technology projects that benefit both Israel and the Sunshine State. To date, 11 companies from Florida and Israel have received funding; the average award per company is about USD300K The projects approved to date encompass a wide range of promising research, including innovative radiation shielding technology, next-generation capacitors to power spacecraft, and identifying specific changes in human muscle and immune cells to model disease in reduced gravity environments.

Israeli and Florida-based for-profit companies are asked to present cooperative proposals, which will be vetted for feasibility. Funding will be awarded to those companies demonstrating promising partnerships and 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 open on September 1, 2015, and are due to Space Florida and MATIMOP no later than Monday, February 1, 2016. The applications are independently evaluated and scored by Space Florida and the Office of the Chief Scientist, which then jointly agree which applications will be funded.

Applicants must present a proposal that incorporates joint R&D projects in any 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

“Each year we are seeing more and more dynamic project proposals with tremendous impact for both Florida and Israel,” said Space Florida CEO and President Frank DiBello. “They say three is a lucky number and we are looking forward to another exciting round of proposals in 2016.”

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 3rd funding round under the framework of the joint innovation program between Israel and Florida”, said Avi Hasson, Israel’s Chief Scientist. “We are witnessing a consistent evolvement of the US-Israel bilateral R&D relations and with Florida in particular. This program excels in generating technology innovation partnerships between companies in both States with a great potential to positively impact humanity in general and spur economic growth”.

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 aerospace and spaceport development authority, 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. The Americas Operations develops and implements synergetic partnerships between OCS programs and partners in the Americas region. www.matimop.org.il/americas.html