The Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation, known as BIRD, supports joint industrial research by American and Israeli companies. The two governments established the foundation in 1977. In biomedical development, a project pairs companies from both countries to develop a product or technology with commercial potential.
BIRD can provide non-dilutive funding of up to 50% of eligible project development costs, up to $1.5 million per project according to its current program description. BIRD takes no equity in the companies. BIRD takes no equity stake in participating companies.
How a project is selected and funded
Companies submit a proposal for joint work. Reviewers from both countries examine it, and BIRD’s Board of Governors decides whether to approve funding. If approved, BIRD and the two companies sign a Cooperation and Project Funding Agreement. Companies submit fiscal and technical reports during development and a final report when the project ends.
The funding shares risk during development. BIRD states that repayment is generally tied to commercialization and sales, with alternative repayment tracks in some cases. The companies remain responsible for development, manufacturing, and the regulatory strategy required for their product.
Company development and regulatory review
Companies remain responsible for development, manufacturing, and the regulatory strategy for their products. U.S. marketing of medical products follows the applicable Food and Drug Administration review pathway, based on product type and intended use.
BIRD’s biomedical role sits alongside Israel’s medical research ecosystem. See how Sheba’s ARC program pilots health technologies and examples of Israeli-linked medical devices.
Consult the BIRD Foundation program overview, its detailed funding model, and its project news and examples.