BIRD Foundation unveils project funding initiative

The Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation has awarded two projects a total of $1.5 million to address homeland security threat detection and 3D mapping technologies.

The BIRD Homeland Security (HLS) program is a joint initiative funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Israel Ministry of Public Security (MOPS).

“The BIRD HLS program gives us the opportunity to bring some of the best U.S. and Israeli technology companies together to address our broad homeland security needs,” said William N. Bryan, DHS Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “These strategic partnerships will develop innovative solutions that will enhance safety and security around the globe.”

BIRD HLS awardees include Liberty Defense Technologies and Levitection, developing a detection solution based on electromagnetic imaging and artificial intelligence to detect threats and concealed items in wide-open areas. Hivemapper and Ception Technologies are slated to develop a fused air and ground 3D mapping system.

“BIRD HLS attracts innovative American and Israeli companies and encourages synergistic partnerships to develop solutions that will fulfill critical homeland security needs in both countries,” Eitan Yudilevich, executive director of the BIRD Foundation, said. “We look forward to continuing our work with DHS and the Israel Ministry of Public Security and to the next cycle in 2021.”