Space Florida, Israel Innovation Authority Announce 11th Joint Call for Projects, $2 Million in Research Funding Available

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—Nov. 1, 2023—Space Florida and Israel Innovation Authority announced the 11th call for project proposals. The research and development funding available, valued at $2 million, aims to cultivate an aerospace ecosystem and further strengthen the economic relationship between Florida and Israel. To date, Florida and Israel have helped fund $20 million in valuable and innovative research.

“During this unimaginable, horrific time, we stand firmly with our friends in Israel and value our strong partnership and shared purpose to enable the research and development that is foundational to secure futures,” said Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida. “Together, we are forging a future of collaboration and creating the global aerospace industry in an unbeatable location. Working with our friends in Israel is one way we can fuel investment and growth in the aerospace industry allowing entrepreneurs and visionaries to transform ideas into reality.”  

“We are proud to once again present this call for projects that exemplifies the spirit of innovation,” Dror Bin, Israel Innovation Authority CEO. “We have built an ecosystem where creativity and research know no bounds, and our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation is unwavering. Together with Space Florida, we will continue to support, nurture, and empower the brilliant minds that make our nations global leaders in aerospace innovation.”  

Funding will be awarded to companies demonstrating promising partnerships and near-term potential for commercialization and economic benefit to both Florida and Israel. One Florida-based and one Israel-based company must team up to present a proposal that incorporates joint research and development projects in fields from satellite communications and microgravity research to AI and micro- and nano-robotics. Applications are due to Space Florida no later than 2 p.m. EST on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, and due to the Israel Innovation Authority no later than noon IST same day. The applications are independently evaluated and scored by Space Florida and the Israel Innovation Authority, which then jointly agree which applications will be funded. Florida and Israel established a $2 million recurring joint fund to support research, development, and commercialization of aerospace and technology projects that benefit both Israel and Florida in 2013.  

Past recipients include Tampa-based StemRad who most recently had their radiation-shielding vest—developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin and made to protect astronauts in space—tested aboard NASA’s Artemis I successful test flight around the Moon. Other past awardees include Sidus Space, Arralis Space, Guident Autonomous Intelligence, Redwire Space, Helios Project, and Made in Space.  

More information can be found at www.spaceflorida.gov/israelpartnership.

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‍About Space Florida: Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As that state’s aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state’s spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs. Visit www.spaceflorida.gov for more information.