#Innovation #Israel #Tel Aviv #BIRD Foundation #Energy Center

The BIRD U.S.-Israel Energy Center Calls for Innovative Proposals

On February 11, 2026, the BIRD U.S.-Israel Energy Center announced a second Call for Proposals aimed at fostering innovation in energy technologies. Managed by the BIRD Foundation, this program seeks to support U.S. and Israeli consortia that focus on three pivotal areas: energy storage, fossil energy, and the energy-water nexus.

Background and Objectives

The initiative encourages industrial companies, research institutions, and universities from both countries to collaborate and form consortia. Each consortium must include at least one industrial corporation and one research institution or university from both the U.S. and Israel. The objective is to enhance energy efficiency, security, resilience, and economic growth through innovative research and development.

As a part of this initiative, two successful binational consortia will be awarded grants of $6 million each. With matching funds required, each consortium's total budget is expected to reach at least $12 million over a period of three years, with a potential two-year extension for selected projects. This new call for proposals follows the successful five-year operation of the Energy Center, during which four active consortia produced substantial results, including 11 pilot projects, 19 patents, and 231 scientific publications. The commercial potential derived from these efforts is estimated to be around $500 million annually within the next decade.

The Importance of Collaboration

Jaron Lotan, the Executive Director of the BIRD Foundation, emphasized the strategic nature of this U.S.-Israeli partnership, describing it as a crucial bridge between the two innovation-driven economies. By uniting leading companies and academic institutions, the program aims to fast-track next-generation energy technologies from development into practical industrial applications. This not only builds critical infrastructure but also fosters job creation and economic prosperity for both nations.

Yossi Dayan, Director General of Israel's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, noted the significance of this initiative in transforming groundbreaking ideas into practical solutions that enhance energy infrastructure. Deep collaboration between academia and industry will reinforce long-term capabilities that promote energy security and technological leadership.

Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, remarked on the strength of the existing U.S.-Israel collaboration in addressing shared technological challenges. By aligning industry needs with academic research, the binational consortia can expedite the development of innovative solutions with significant commercial impact. This collaborative model serves to enhance Israel's innovation ecosystem and strengthen technological ties with the United States.

Regulatory Framework

The establishment of this joint U.S.-Israel Energy Center was authorized by Congress through the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014. An Implementation Agreement was signed on June 25, 2018, by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Israel Innovation Authority, designating the BIRD Foundation as the operational agent for the Energy Center. In addition to this initiative, the BIRD Foundation manages the BIRD Energy Program, which funds joint research and development projects between U.S. and Israeli entities.

Next Steps for Interested Parties

Organizations interested in applying for this funding opportunity must submit an executive summary by the deadline of June 30, 2026. Complete details on the application process and requirements are available on the BIRD Foundation's website. Through this invitation, the Energy Center aims to stimulate innovative solutions in energy technology, furthering economic and energy security collaboration between the U.S. and Israel.

The BIRD Foundation has a longstanding history of promoting collaboration in industrial research and development between the two nations, aiming to foster mutual benefits through cooperative efforts in various technological fields.