Space Florida, Israel Innovation Authority Announce 12th Joint Call for Projects

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—December 4, 2024—–Today Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, and the Israel Innovation Authority, an independent publicly funded agency dedicated to fostering innovation ecosystems, announced the 12th call for project proposals in the Space Florida-Israel Innovation Partnership.  

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 $22 million in valuable and innovative research.

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 nanorobotics.

“The Florida – Israel Innovation Partnership highlights Florida’s dedication to driving innovation and fostering global collaboration,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “By connecting leading-edge companies in Florida and Israel, we are strengthening our economies, advancing groundbreaking aerospace technologies, and reinforcing our position as leaders in the global innovation landscape.”

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with the Israel Innovation Authority for the 12th year,” said Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida. “Through this partnership, we are fueling new opportunities for innovation that will have lasting impacts on both Florida and Israel, and the global aerospace industry.”

Dror Bin, CEO, Israel Innovation Authority, said: “The partnership with Space Florida exemplifies a groundbreaking collaboration that bridges the gap between cutting-edge innovation and real-world implementation. By focusing on Israeli companies specializing in aerospace, this initiative strategically connects them with Florida's thriving aerospace ecosystem. This emphasis not only fosters the development of transformative technologies but also prioritizes solutions that address critical challenges in the aerospace and space industries. The collaboration leverages the strengths of both regions to create value for companies while driving global innovation forward.”

Applications are due to Space Florida no later than 2 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, 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.

Last year’s funding recipients, Guident Autonomous Intelligence (Boca Raton, FL) and Novelsat Limited (Israel), will research, develop, and demonstrate an advanced autonomous vehicle communication system focusing on low-latency satellite services. Other past awardees include Sidus Space, Lockheed Martin, Redwire Space, KBR Wyle Services, and SRF Consulting Group.

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

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Media Contact
Alayna Curry, APR
acurry@spaceflorida.gov

About Space Florida
Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As the 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.  

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