The U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF) will host a breakfast at the BIO Global Convention focused on the ways that Israeli Biotechnology can be utilized to drive U.S. State Economic Development. Speakers include guests the State of Massachusetts, Israel Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, and the U.S. Economic Development Agency, the Department of Commerce Invest in America Program, and the MA Life Sciences Center.

The panel will highlight the mechanics of U.S. State to Israel Office of the Chief Scientist Research and Development Framework Agreements and the ways that they can leverage economic development activities in U.S. States. The breakfast will take place from 8 AM – 10 AM on June 29th. For more information, please contact Eve Copeland, USISTF Program Manager at eve@usistf.org or +1.202.204.3102. Click here to download the invitation.

MAY 2011

U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation Proposal to Establish International R&D Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Covered by SatNews Today

The recent USISTF announcement about its proposal for a U.S.-Israel Commercial Space Research and Development Incubator (CSDRI) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center appeared in SatNews today. SatNews is a leading trade publication worldwide focused on satellite news, research and other satellite industry information in both commercial and military enterprises. This is great exposure for USISTF and we are looking forward to further leveraging the release.

Click here to view the coverage: SatNews Daily, May 2, 2011

U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation Proposes to Establish International R&D Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

The United States-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF), a Washington-based non-profit organization that facilitates mutually beneficial business collaboration between the U.S. and Israel for the advancement of science and technology, today announced a proposed action plan to establish a joint U.S.-Israel Commercial Space Research and Development Incubator (CSDRI) in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) following the end of the Space Shuttle Program.

The goal of the CSDRI would be to facilitate R&D partnerships leading to commercial development by providing technical and engineering lab space and management consulting to participating companies and organizations. The Incubator will assist new ventures to get off to a successful start by providing them basic business support, and to eventually hand-off their newly developed technologies to a license or patent.

“Both U.S. and Israeli space policy is committed to deepening ties between the commercial sectors of both counties to realize the benefits of industrial exchange and international cooperation,” said Ann Liebschutz, executive director of USISTF. “The Incubator would capitalize on this commitment by creating a hub for innovation and international trade that leverages the best minds and technologies from both nations.”

Some of the proposed activities include micro and nano satellite development, launch and operations. USISTF responded to the KSC’s Request For Information (RFI) following the U.S.-Israel Commercial Space Roundtable organized by USISTF on February 1, 2011 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Please find the proceedings of the February U.S.-Israel Commercial Space Working Group and details about the RFI here.

MARCH 2011

U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation Project Israel 2028: Industrial Innovation Policy Clean Tech Development Recommendations Presented at Eilat-Eilot Conference in Eilat, Israel.

On February 22, 2011, Elad Shaviv, leader of the USISTF Israel 2028: Industrial Innovation Policy Program Clean Tech Working Group, presented goals and recommendations for advancing renewable energy technological innovation at the 2011 Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy International Conference and Exhibition. The conference is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading platforms for showcasing advanced clean technologies, discovering business opportunities, and developing sustainable policies and programs in the renewable energy field.

Mr. Shaviv, Cisco Systems’ head of European Video Solutions, spoke at the opening panel of the conference, titled “What is Best Model for Financing and Accelerating Renewable Energy Technological Innovation?” His presentation provided insight into the current challenges entrepreneurs face when raising funds for clean tech projects and proposed actionable solutions for increasing investor and government engagement.

Specific recommendations of the USISTF Israel 2028: Industrial Innovation Policy Program include formulating clear and coherent policies and programs that encourage the deployment of innovative Israeli clean technologies, designating funds for equity and projects, and strengthening Israel’s National Energy Program.

USISTF 2028: Industrial Innovation Policy Program was designed as a follow up project to the original Israel 2028: Vision and Strategy for Economy and Society in a Global World to enhance the competitiveness of the Israeli biotechnology, clean technology and commercial aerospace industries. The program also examines ways that Israeli industry can benefit and advance the development of the respective industries in U.S. markets.

U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation Work Promoting U.S.-Israel Cooperation in Renewable Energy Projects Spotlighted by Multiple Online Renewable Energy Publications

USISTF work in promoting U.S.-Israel R&D cooperation in the renewable energy sector was recently featured in multiple online energy publications including EnvironmentalExpert.com, EnergyEfficiencyMarkets.com and negyBlogs.com. The coverage spotlights the Foundation as a driver of beneficial industry exchange between US and Israel in the realm of green energy and highlights the USISTF’s critical role in fostering partnership opportunities for clean energy projects..

Energy Efficiency Markets – “Prospects for U.S. Energy Efficiency Companies In Israel”
March 2, 2010

Other Coverage:

Environmental Expert.com
March 2, 2011

Energy Blogs
March 3, 2011

FEBRUARY 2011

The U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation brings together Commercial Space Industry Leaders and Government Representatives to Foster Binational R&D Cooperation

Washington, D.C. – The United States-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF), a Washington-based non-profit organization that promotes mutually beneficial business collaboration between the U.S. and Israel for the advancement of science and technology, today announced the results of the U.S.-Israel Commercial Space roundtable hosted on February 1, 2011 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

USISTF convened the roundtable to encourage bi-national collaboration in the research, development, and testing of next-generation, high-need commercial space technologies. By bringing together high-level government officials from both countries and industry thought leaders, USISTF formulated actionable goals for increased industrial, civilian and commercial space cooperation.

“Our goal in hosting this roundtable was to cement relations that stimulate technological development and commercial exchange between the two countries,” said Ann Liebschutz, executive director of USISTF. “This initiative is part of our bigger strategic project “Innovation 2028” which presents a vision for enhancing international partnerships in the commercial aerospace, cleantech, and biotechnology industries.”

The U.S.-Israel Commercial Space Working Group reached the following conclusions and recommendations for future industry and government collaborative projects:

Bi-national Government Cooperation– The office of the Chief Scientist of the Israel Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor and National Aeronautics and the Space Administration (NASA) seek to advance long-term strategic planning of technological leadership and cooperation. Small Business Innovation Research grants could be considered as a mechanism for U.S.-Israel cooperation on developing high risk technologies responding to NASA and U.S. Government Agency needs.

Bi-national Commercial Cooperation–A ”trade” mission of Israeli industry and academic representatives to visit NASA centers and interface with researchers and U.S. industry representatives in the near geographical areas that supply each centers research needs.

Bi-national Industry and Government Cooperation –The Office of the Chief of the Israel Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor may consider publicizing NASA's "wish list" of technologies based on mission priorities and make them readily available to Israeli industry to guide them in developing technology congruent with U.S. Industries needs to serve NASA priorities.

Please find the roundtable proceedings available for download here.

U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation Executive Director Highlights Importance of Binational R & D Cooperation at University Campuses

Ann Liebschutz, executive director of the United States-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF), discussed USISTF’s mission and the Foundation’s work as a model for international science and technology cooperation in front of an audience of MBA students at leading universities.

On Jan. 29, 2011, Ms. Liebschutz presented at the 2011 Israeli Business Conference, hosted by the Jewish Business Alliance at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. She provided a high-level overview of the importance of long-term strategic planning and leveraging R&D and technology innovation into traditional industry sectors.

Citing the Foundation’s efforts to help Israel rank in the top fifteen of the World Economic Forum’s World Competitiveness Index, Ms. Liebschutz spotlighted the Foundation’s visionary publication
“Israel 2028: Vision and Strategy.” As a case in point, she noted the tremendous success of the biofuel industry’s collaborative exchange.

Similarly, on Feb. 17, 2011, Ms. Liebschutz educated MBA students participating in the University of Maryland’s 2011 Israel Global Entrepreneurship Technology Fellowship about entrepreneurship opportunities and programs developed by Israel’s Office of Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor.

The 10-week fellowship, supported by USISTF, is organized by the university’s Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship and Technion, a leading science and technology research university. The program is aimed at increasing partnerships and opportunities for MBA students to develop commercialization strategies.

Audience members left the events with a clear understanding of how USISTF connects Israeli enterprises with U.S. state and local governments and companies for mutually beneficial business partnerships.

The U.S-Israel Science and Technology Foundation and the Israel Venture Network Partner to Advance Collaboration between U.S. and Israel in Science and Technology

Feb. 2011 – Washington, D.C. – The United States-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF), a Washington-based non-profit organization that promotes mutually beneficial business collaboration between the US and Israel for the advancement of science and technology, today announced that it has entered into strategic partnership with the Israel Venture Network (IVN), a philanthropy network dedicated to promoting sustainable social change and environmental protection in Israel.
While both organizations will preserve functional autonomy, they will join forces to mount their successes in advancing the goals outlined in the USISTF visionary publication: Israel 2028: Vision and Strategy. Israel 2028: Vision and Strategy is a roadmap outlining specific recommendations to address broad societal and economic challenges in Israel. These challenges range from ensuring environmental sustainability in growth, leveraging Israel’s strengths in high tech research and development to labor policy and education issues with the final goal of advancing Israel’s overall competitiveness and economic strength to join the top 20 most competitive countries in the World Economic Forum index.

Eric Benhamou, former chairman of 3Com Corporation and chairman of the board of directors of IVN, will advise the strategic direction of the newly formed collaborative to foster technological innovations and scientific breakthroughs that have measurable impact on both countries’ scientific and technology communities, federal and local governments, and academia.
“In the era of globalization, the strongest driver of scientific discoveries and high-tech R&D is multi-national collaboration between knowledge-based industries,” said Eric Benhamou.“USISTF and IVN have an impressive track record of strengthening the U.S. and Israel economic relationship and I am confident that through close collaboration we will be a catalyst for growing multi-national economic collaboration.”

“Joining forces with IVN will help us create a broader and more integrated approach to advancing tomorrow’s technologies,” said Ann Liebschutz, executive director of USISTF. “We are looking forward to bringing together our organizational resources and industry expertise to increase our footprint in sparkling and facilitating global business collaboration.”

JANUARY 2011

State of Wisconsin - State of Israel Joint RFP for Joint Project Proposals in All Areas of Technological Research

In November 2009, the Government of the State of Wisconsin and the Government of Israel entered into and Bilateral Cooperation Agreement in Private Sector Industrial Research And Development. The U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation is pleased to announce on behalf of MATIMOP (Israel Industry Center for Research and Development) the first joint RFP between the State of Wisconsin and the State of Israel. This RFP is for joint project proposals in all areas of technological industrial research and development to develop new products, processes or services based on new innovative technologies with significant commercial opportunity in the global market.

Eligibility: Israeli and Wisconsin partners eligible to apply must be industrial entities which may be technologically and scientifically assisted by a non-industrial entity such as a university research institute.

Funding: Each partner will be financed separately by the States where they are located. Israeli projects can be financed by the Office of the Chief Scientist up to 50% of eligible project costs which must be repaid if the project produced profits after commercialization. Wisconsin projects are eligible for up to 50% project funding either in the form of tax credits or a low interest loan with deferred repayment schedules.

Contacts:
In Wisconsin, please contact Ms. Mickey Judkins, Executive Director of Global Ventures, Wisconsin Department of Commerce at mickey.judkins@wisconsin.gov or +1-608-266-6675.

In Israel please contact U.S.-Science and Technology Commission Director and MATIMOP Officer, David Miron-Wapner at david@usistc.org or +972-3-511-819.

Full details of the RFP and more information can be found here.

DECEMBER 2010

USISTF Executive Director Moderates Panel on U.S.-Israel Commercial Space Cooperation at Globes Conference in Israel

USISTF Executive Director Ann Liebschutz moderated a panel on U.S.-Israel Commercial Space Cooperation at the Globes Conference in Israel in December as part of the Israel 2028: Industrial Innovation Policy Program.

To download media in Hebrew about this event please click here.

USISTF hosts Environmental Symposium Highlighting U.S.-Israel Research and Development Cooperation in Green Technology

On December 15th, the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation, the Embassy of Israel and ZAG/S&W Law Firm hosted the third and final Environmental Symposium of their three-part series examining innovative technology developed in Israel to address pressing environmental challenges both in the U.S. and Israel. The program highlighted U.S.-Israel R&D Cooperation in Green Technology. Speakers included Asaf Vitman, Minster of Economics representing the Ministry of Finance at the Embassy of Israel, Dan Birns, International Advisory, Department of Energy and David Lohr, Directed of the Dominion Resources Green Technology Incubator and VP of the Virginia Biotechnology Science Park.

At the event, attended by well over 40 guests representing government, industry and universities, Dan Birns highlighted the results of the BIRD-Energy partnership between the U.S. and Israel and cooperation between U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL) and Israeli companies to grow and develop algae as a commercially viable transportation energy resource. David Lohr described how previous success working with Israeli companies at the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park led him to do specific outreach to bring innovative Israeli companies to the growing Dominion Resources Green Technology Incubator.

For more information about this event or to receive invitations to similar future events, please contact Eve Copeland, USISTF Program Manager by e-mail at eve@usistf.org or by phone at 202.204.3102.

For press coverage of the event, please see Patrick Walker's summary in the Examiner.

SEPTEMBER 2010

USISTF is pleased to announce the upcoming inaugural U.S.-Israel Business Initiative summit “The United States and Israel: Building Business Through Innovation”

THe U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation is pleased to announce the upcoming inaugural summit “The United States and Israel: Building Business through Innovation” hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-Israel Business Initiative. Held in Washington, D.C., this event will bring together leaders in science, business, and technology. Through panel discussions and keynote addresses, the event will facilitate discussion between these leaders and our participants. The dinner and opening program on October 18th will feature remarks from Dan Senor, author of “Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle”.

The keynote address on October 19th will be delivered by Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA). The day will feature panels that delve into subjects such as “From the Battlefield to the Boardroom”; a discussion moderated by Lt. Gen. Dan Christman, Former Superintendent at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Lt. Gen. Christman will promote a discussion between Gideon Argov, CEO of Entegris, and Guy Filippelli, CEO of Berico Technologies. This panel will give an inside look at successful soldiers-cum-entrepreneurs and what we as businesspeople can learn from them. “Energy to Power the Future” will feature talks from Karen Harbert, President and CEO of the Institute for 21st Century Energy, Mark Little, Senior Vice President and Director of GE - Global Research, John Woolard,CEO of BrightSource Energy, and Bookey Oren, Chairman of WATEC.

Please join us to celebrate the relationship between the United States and Israel as we strive to promote continued successes in both trade and business. “The United States and Israel: Building Business through Innovation” promises to be an exciting and informative summit that creates ideas and conversations to remember. To register, please email ncfevents@uschamber.com or contact Ben Askin at (202) 463-5500 with any questions.

Israel 2028 Traditional Industries Report Now Available for Download

Available now for download is the first English language report on modernization of Israeli traditional industries produced by the Israel 2028 Traditional Industries working group. While the working group is led by Giora Shalgi formerly of Rafael, this report was coordinated the Samuel Neaman Institute.

Please click here to download the traditional industries report (primarily in English).

JULY 2010

USISTF hosts the first U.S.-Israel Biotechnology Business Roundtable at BIO 2010 in Chicago.

USISTF is pleased to present the final Executive Summary and Complete Report offering a summary of the discussion about challenges and opportunities for U.S.-Israel cooperation in Biotechnology and recommendations for future activities.

To download the Executive Summary (PDF), please click here.
To download the Final Report (PDF), please click here.

JUNE 2010

Israel 2028: Clean Tech Policy Symposia

In partnership with the Samuel Neaman Institute, USISTF hosted a Clean Tech Policy Symposia in March at Tel Aviv College that drew together leaders from Israel’s clean tech industry, academia and policy worlds to discuss the state of the Clean Tech industry in Israel. USISTF Executive Director, Ann Liebschutz gave a presentation about trends in R & D funding of Clean Tech innovation in the U.S. Federal Government while other participants presented analysis of the regulatory, Venture Capital and R & D environment in Israel. The results of the symposia have been published in Hebrew and English and contributed to the Samuel Neaman Institute being awarded a prize in Environmental Policy.
We are pleased to offer you these reports to download for free. The reports include presentations made primarily in Hebrew with a few presentations, including that by Ann Liebschutz, in English. The reports analyze the current state of the Clean Tech Industry in Israel and evaluation challenges to its further development.

Please click here to download the Clean Tech Symposia Full Report (Primarily in Hebrew)
Please click here to download the Clean Tech Symposia Executive Summary (Primarily in Hebrew)

USISTF Executive Directors Guest Lecture at the Technion

Ann Liebschutz and David Miron-Wapner were guest lecturers at the Technion on June 24th to provide students with an understanding of the nexus of government policy and business enterprises.

The University of Maryland's Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, led by Asher Epstein, worked with the Technion Entrepreneurship Center, The Technion T3, and the TechnionSeed Incubator to develop a ten-week fellowship program for full-time MBA students to work on commercializing technology from the Technion. As part of this program, distinguished lecturers from the international technology community were invited to provide the students with an understanding of the business environment within their respective fields.

Because of their work at USISTF as custodians of the U.S.-Israel scientific and technology development relationship. USISTF Executive Director Ann Liebschutz and U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Commission Director David Miron-Wapner were asked to illustrate how government action plays a critical role in the development of new technologies. Through interactive teaching, Ms. Liebschutz and Mr. Wapner presented a business case study illustrating how one business's viability and ultimate success were brought about by changes in government policy. As part of the USISTF's continued development of U.S.-Israel Innovation policy recommendations, Ms. Liebschutz and Mr. Miron-Wapner also introduced the class to the USISTF Israel 2028: Vision and Strategy project, a plan for Israel's long term competitiveness as a nation.

To see videos of the MBA students in Haifa, please visit this YouTube link.

USISTF is proud to announce that the Samuel Neaman Institute for Economic and Policy Studies (SNI) at the Technion in Haifa has recently won an award for their contribution to Environmental planning and strategy.

The award was given at the 14th Annual CleanTech 2010 convention in Tel Aviv on June 29th. Policy makers, industry leaders and academics from around the world attended this exciting event. The award won by SNI was given for their original design for improving the environment and for their recommendation for a national environmental policy as part of the USISTF Israel 2028: Vision and Strategy report. The Samuel Neaman Institute is a key partner of USISTF for our Israel 2028 continuation initiative "Implementing Innovation Policy."

For more information about the convention, please visit this website.

For press on the convention, please visit this website.

U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation to Organize Personalize Medicine Panel at the U.S.-Israel Healthcare IT Business Exchange in Atlanta Georgia

On June 9, 2010 Ann Liebschutz, Executive Director of the US-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF), will be moderating a Personalized Medicine panel titled the “Future of Healthcare IT-The Intersection with Personalized Medicine” at the US-Israel Healthcare IT Business Exchange, June 8-9, 2010 in Atlanta, GA.

The US-Israel Healthcare IT Business Exchange, organized by the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, is an important forum to help Israeli companies market their cutting edge technology in the US. Elizabeth Cohen, Senior Medical Correspondent for CNN will be offering keynote remarks at this event. As the Obama administration invests billions of dollars into a new Health Care System Infrastructure, new opportunities are opening for collaborative investment and R&D linking Israeli leaders in the Health Information Technology (HIT) industry with major US stakeholders in the field.

Panelists will include:

Dr. Yelena Yesha, an electronic commerce and assured information systems expert and Computer Science Professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County
Presentation Title: “Computational Challenges in Health IT”

Dr. Naphtali Rishe, database management and high performance computing expert and Professor at the Florida International University’s School of Computing and Information Sciences
Presentation Title: “Healthcare IT work in Florida universities in the framework of the National Science Foundation's Industry-University Research Center for Advance Knowledge Enablement"

Dr. Eddy Karnieli, Director of the Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the RAMBAM Medical Center in Israel

Dr. Daniel Russler of the Nationwide Health Information Network

Dr. Joel Saltz, Director of the Center for Comprehensive Informatics and Professor in the Department of Pathology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, and Mathematics and Computer Science at Emory University .

This panel, in the context of the Business Exchange’s efforts to facilitate Israeli companies entering the emerging HIT market, will assess the state of the industry, identifying key technological areas for development and cooperation. Israel continues to be a leader in the HIT industry, and the USISTF is excited to be participating in this panel as we work to bring together experts from both countries to best take advantage of the opportunities unfolding in new health care technology.

Click here to view the webpage for this event.

For more information, please contact Eve Copeland, Program Manager, U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation at Eve@usistf.org.

MAY 2010

USISTF hosts US-Israel Biotechnology Roundtable at BIO 2010

On May 5, 2010 the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation hosted the first U.S.-Israel Biotechnology Business Roundtable at the Hyatt Regency Chicago hotel in conjunction with the BIO 2010 International Convention. Ms. Holly Vineyard, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East, South Asia and Africa and Ms. Naomi Wiegler, Middle East Trade Specialist attended the event on behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Dr. Eli Opper, Chief Scientist for the Government of Israel’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor and Dr. Ora Dar, Biotechnology Advisor to the Chief Scientist both attended the event on behalf of the Government of Israel. The well attended morning event attracted more than forty participants representing biotechnology industry, pharmaceutical industry, technology transfer offices, academic community and state economic development offices. Ann Liebschutz, Executive Director of the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation

The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) located in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor (MOITL) in the Government of Israel, the main source of government R & D funding in Israel, has invested heavily in the life sciences and considers biotechnology to be a preferred industry. Dr. Opper recognized that Israel’s ultimate success in this sector depends in no small part on taking advantage of international alliances – particularly those with the United States. The OCS has established specialized incubators for life sciences and most recently is in the process of establishing a dedicated biotechnology fund in alliance with private sector fund managers to assist with the further development of the biotechnology sector in Israel. The U.S. Department of Commerce is keen to meet the new U.S. national export initiative that challenges the U.S. to double its exports in the next five years. Like, Dr. Ooper, Ms. Vineyard sees expanding two-way trade and cooperation between the U.S. and Israel as a key to achieving biotechnology economic and job growth.

The purpose of the U.S.-Israel Biotechnology Roundable is to provide a platform for interested stakeholders from industry, academia, and government to share their views on ways to expand and improve the U.S.-Israel relationship in the biotechnology sector. The issue of expanding American led multi-national corporations R & D centers to Israel touched on topics such as the positive climate for clinical trials in Israel, intellectual property issues and Israel’s encouraging environment for science. Participants noted that the U.S. remains competitive for biotechnology research and that when R & D centers are spread out too far, management can become difficult and diluted. An idea emerged that we may see more R & D cooperation agreements between multi-nationals and R & D players in diverse sectors in Israel, rather than the location of complete R & D centers in the country. Other topics considered were patent strength issues, financial credit issues and the value of collaboration of scientific exchanges that touches all level of industry and research – from large corporations to small businesses. FDA regulations were also discussed including how to make use of a new FDA permanent representative in Amman, Jordan and a possible internship for Israel based U.S. citizens in the FDA to increase knowledge of FDA processes in Israel.

MARCH 2010

U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation hosts Israel Water Technology Forum

After facing water scarcity concerns for many years, Israel has become a world leader in water resource management and conservation, and water-based alternative energy technologies. Israeli water engineers developed the world's first drip irrigation system in the mid-1960s. Ever since, new water conservation technologies have contributed to the country's flourishing agricultural sector. Today, Israel is known for its advanced technologies in the fields of desalination, water treatment and reclamation, and water safety and conservation, and is using its expertise to tackle worldwide environmental and energy challenges.

In late March, in partnership with the Embassy of Israel and ZAG/S & W, an American-Israeli law firm, the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation hosted an Israel Water Technology Forum at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The forum explored Israeli water conversation and water-based technologies, highlighted innovative Israeli companies in the water sector and discussed the ways that Israeli water technologies are being implemented to solve problems in the United States.

Speakers included: Booky Oren, executive chairman of the Miya Water Company and former Chairman of Mekerot, the Israel National Water Company, Delegate Bob Hull, former Virginia State Delegate and original sponsor of the Virginia-Israel Advisory Board and Minister Ohad Cohen, commercial attaché at the Embassy of Israel.

Press Coverage of the Israel Water Technology Forum:

Green Chip Article:
Investing in Water Technology Stocks
By Sam Hopkins | Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

WaterTech Online Article:
U.S. and Israel Officials Convene in Washington for Water Technology Forum
Thursday March 25, 2010

FEBRUARY 2010
Security Management Standard is Implemented at MOH Rambam Medical Center

USISTF is excited to announce that the Security Sector of the Israel Ministry of Health RAMBAM hospital was the first entity certified by the SII in SII 24001 in February 2009. Since 2004, the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF) has worked on the Security Management System (SMS) Project, created to address the growing threat and increased sophistication of terrorist attacks on citizens and infrastructure, as well as natural disasters. The approach was straightforward - enhance security through standardized evaluation of an organization’s management system. This ambitious initiative has proven its value in protecting industry sectors with significant vulnerabilities to terrorist or natural threats. In 2007, the Standards Institution of Israel (SII) officially adopted the SI 24001: Security & Continuity Management System [SII 24001], based primarily on USISTF’s standard. USISTF is currently supporting implementation at two facilities within the Israeli Ministry of Health System (MOH) and continues work with the Department of Homeland Security to manage and secure funding for a demonstration project of a security management system, as mandated in the 911 Act of 2007.

JANUARY 2010

The U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation participated in and provided coordination guidance to the 5th Annual Ilan Ramon Space Conference that took place on January 27th and 28th, 2010 at the Israel Air Force Center in Herzliya, Israel. The Fisher Brothers Institute for Air & Space Strategic Studies is hosted the Fifth Annual International Conference on Space Research that honors the crew of space shuttle Columbia and Israel’s first astronaut, the late Colonel Ilan Ramon. David Miron-Wapner gave a presentation on behalf of the Commission about the potential for further U.S.-Israel cooperation in the field of commercial space at the pre conference Industry event.

Other coordination partners included the Israel Ministry of Science and Technology, the Israel Space Agency and the Futron Corporation. Guests of honor included the President of the State of Israel - Mr. Shimon Peres, Commander of US Strategic command – Gen. Kevin P. (Chili) Chilton, Commander of the IAF – Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan, and NASA administrator, Gen. Charles Bolden.

The Conference saw nearly 2,000 participants including officials from IDF & IAF, military attaché's, representative of the Israeli government, representatives from the Israeli defense industries and outstanding physics & science students from all over the county .

JUNE 2009

ACCESSING BROADBAND FUNDS IN THE AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT ACT

In response to numerous requests, the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation has produced a summary of funding opportunities in the broadband access programs contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Two distinct programs are funded in the bill, containing a total of $7.2 billion for distribution. The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), run through the NTIA at the Department of Commerce, holds $4.7 billion to improve broadband access among America’s unserved and under-served populations. The USDA’s Distance Learning, Telemedicine and Broadband Program, meanwhile, is funded at $2.5 billion and targets rural populations.

The Departments held public hearings throughout March to help guide the eventual parameters for funding, such as eligibility and selection criteria. The ultimate determinations will be made in the near future and published in a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) in the Federal Register.

The first NOFA is expected in early summer, and will answer outstanding questions on private sector eligibility, such as whether entities will be required to hold FCC licensure, state certifications, participate in public-private partnerships, or other such requirements. This determination is rooted in the bill’s requirement that recipients other than States or non-profit entities are found to be “in the public good,” which has yet to be defined.

The Departments will accept grant applications from July to September, 2009, with awards expected by the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2009.

Further details and grant guidelines can be found by clicking here.

MAY 2009

USISTF Presents ‘Israel 2028’ at the World Bank

Click here for copy of the invitation

On May 13, the World Bank Executive Director’s Office for Israel, the World Bank InfoShop and the U.S. Israel Science and Technology Foundation hosted an event titled ‘Israel 2028: Vision and Strategy for Economy and Society in a Global World.’

The event included presentations, comments and analysis by leading industry and government executives and economists. Eli Hurvitz, Chairman of Teva and Chairman of the Israel 2028 Steering Committee presented his vision of the impact of the Israel 2028 strategy on Israel’s development in the coming years. David Brodet, Editor in Chief of Israel 2028 and former Director-General for Israel’s Ministry of Finance presented highlights of the economic and social policy recommendations promoted by Israel 2028 to position Israel among the world’s leading economies. David Miron-Wapner, Executive Director of the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Commission Israel office served as a panelist. Jaime Jaramillio-Vallej, lead economist for the World Bank Independent Evaluation group provided insight and analysis of the report while Yoav Soffer, advisor to the Executive Director for Israel at the World Bank moderated the event that was well attended by World Bank and other professionals.

You may watch the presentation in full by clicking here

MAY 2009

Israeli Leaders Promote Competitiveness Strategy at Israel 2028 Briefing Hosted by Democratic and Republican Israel Caucuses

Leading Israeli executives were in Washington the week of May 11th to discuss with Members of Congress, the Administration and the World Bank a strategic plan to catapult Israel to the next strata of economic competitiveness. Dubbed ‘Israel 2028,’ the plan seeks to harness Israel’s global leadership in high-technology and the sciences to position Israel among the world’s leading economies within the next 20 years, improving social integration and workforce participation and expanding scientific capacity at Israeli universities and through joint development with the United States.

Jointly hosted by Representatives Henry Waxman, Gene Green, Alcee Hastings and Linda Sanchez as co-chairs of the Democratic Israel Working Group and Representatives Mark Kirk and Eric Cantor as co-chairs of the House Republican Israel Caucus, Eli Hurvitz and David Brodet, editor of Israel 2028 and former Director-General for Israel’s Ministry of Finance, briefed Congressional leaders on actionable steps to tap scientific ingenuity to boost economic growth both in Israel and the United States. A component of Israel 2028 is dedicated to joint U.S.-Israel scientific collaboration.

Also speaking was Phil Bond, President of TechAmerica and Dr. Kathryn Atchison, Vice Chancellor for Research at UCLA. Meetings also took place with the Department of Commerce and with officials at the World Bank.

Israel 2028 is a project born of the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Commission, an initiative of the Clinton Administration, and its non-profit operational arm, the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation

For more information please call Ann Liebschutz, Executive Director, at ann@usistf.org or 202-204-3102.

MAY 2009

USISTF Co-hosts Israel Life Science Video Conference

CALiTC, the United States Israel Science and Technology Foundation and The Israeli Economic Consul in Los Angeles hosted the First Web Conference of Israeli Medical Device Companies on May 12, 2009. Ten different Israeli outfits working in the life sciences technology sector presented updates on their technologies.

To see the profiles of the presenting companies please click here.

To see the companies slides please click here.

To view a film of the question and answer session click here.

MAY 2009

USISTF Co-Sponsors Environmental Symposium Presented by AABGU in Washington, DC

Click here for copy of the invitation

USISTF co-sponsored the environmental symposium ‘From the desert, sun and sea… for the world’ presented by the American Associates for the Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Washington, DC on May 6.

Expert researchers traveled from Ben Gurion University in Be’er Sheva, Israel to the United States to describe their highly innovative and exciting research in the fields of environmental science and sustainable development. Prof. David Faiman described his work developing affordable solar energy. Dr. Nadav Shashar, leader of the joint BGU-Dolphin reef laboratory and the artificial reef program, presented his project’s cooperative work with Jordan to promote peace and sustainable coral reef development in the Gulf. Professor Avigad Vonshak, Director of the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, the leading institute on desertification research presented his work on sustainable desert agriculture. Ann Leibshutz, Executive Director of USISTF moderated the event.

Other co-sponsors included the Jewish Community Relations Council, Greenberg Traurig LLP and the Embassy of Israel.

APRIL 2009

USISTF Executive Director- Ann Liebschutz- speaks at Nano Israel 2009

At Nano Israel 2009, Ann Liebschutz delivered a presentation on the opportunities for joint collaborations between the US and Israel in the field of Nanotechnology. NanoIsrael 2009 was held March 30 and 31st in Jerusalem. This conference brought together leaders from around the world to discuss the state of nanotechnology advancements and opportunities for collaboration.

Nano Israel 2009 was held in cooperation with the Israel National Nanotechnology Initiative (INNI) and the nanotechnology centers in Israeli universities. Nano Israel 2009 was supported by the Jerusalem Development Authority and BioJerusalem.

Below is the presentation given by Ms. Liebschutz which provides links to agency contacts and recent statistics on U.S. investment in Nanotechnology. Click here to download the presentation.

JANUARY 2009

Israel’s Value as a Regional Trading Partner to the U.S

The U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF) recently engaged in a joint activity with the National Defense University (NDU), the premier center for Joint Professional Military Education (JPME). The focus was to deliver curriculum to help Officers of the Military pursuing their Masters of Science in Strategic Studies to understand the key role Israel plays in contributing to the U.S. economy.

Participants in the program were exposed to an in-depth perspective on how Israel’s advanced science and engineering capabilities interact with the U.S. market, society, and its military, as well as with the larger global context. A review of key trade agreements and a study of the rationale for protecting the U.S. and Israel’s unique partnership in trade and scientific collaboration will also comprise important features of the program.
Experts and leaders involved in the establishment of this program include:

Holly Vineyard, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa, Middle East, and South Asia, U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

Ohad Cohen, Commercial Attaché, Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labor, Embassy of Israel

Ann Liebschutz, Executive Director, United States Israel Science & Technology Foundation, USISTF

Dr. Eitan Yudilevich, Executive Director, BIRD Foundation

DECEMBER 2008

Globes Israel Business Conference Looks Ahead Through the Lens of Israel 2028
One of Israel’s most prominent events, the Globes Israel Business Conference, took place Dec. 14-17, 2008 and set a decidedly practical tone to confronting what was the major focus of the Conference – the global economic crisis. Breakout sessions on topics such as leveraging innovation in changing markets, Israel’s economic-social linkage, growth through immigration, and the future of high tech paralleled many of the major issues addressed in USISTF/C’s widely discussed Israel 2028 report.

The report’s long-term vision for Israel and select recommendations of the plan were espoused and endorsed during the closing plenary speeches of the three standing candidates for Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, Tzipi Livni, and Benjamin Netanyahu; the three had been collectively asked to publicly weigh in on their support to follow through on the Israel 2028 strategy by the Chairman of Teva, Eli Hurvitz, who also served as the head of the steering committee that produced the report.

In addition, panels featured speakers involved in the creation of Israel 2028, including Yoram Yahav of the Technion Institute of Management, Profs. Morris Teubal, Gilead Fortuna, Yoram Avnimelech, and Yehuda Hayuth of the Samuel Neaman Institute, along with the Institute’s Chairman Ze’ev Tadmor.

TO DOWNLOAD ISRAEL 2028: A PDF copy of the Israel 2028 report may be downloaded in both English and Hebrew by clicking here.

A hard copy can be ordered for a nominal fee via email at naama@usistf.org.

Click here to view the Globes Israel Business Conference agenda
Click here to learn more about The Samuel Neaman Institute at the Technion

USISTF Partners with AmCham to Celebrate "U.S. and Israel: 60 Years of Business Partnership"

On December 2, 2008, a Conference on "U.S. and Israel: 60 Years of Business Partnership" took place in Washington. The Israel-America Chamber of Commerce, under the auspices of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, organized the conference, with sponsorship from USISTF.
The event highlighted the successful commercial relationship between the U.S. and Israel, the fact that Israel is America’s 20th largest trading partner, and celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement. In addition, it featured the first official presentation of USISTF’s report Israel 2028 in the U.S.

Israel’s current Ambassador to the U.S., Sallai Meridor and former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Danny Ayalon were key speakers at the event, while Chamber Chairman Chemi Peres, lead an economic delegation to the conference. Leading members of the U.S. government, as well high-level figures from U.S. and Israeli industry were also in attendance.

Notably, the conference enjoyed an in-depth presentation of the strategy outlined in USISTC/F’s Israel 2028 by its editor in chief, David Brodet, and by Israel 2028 steering committee chair, Eli Hurvitz of Teva. An executive summary of the plan was also featured in Connect magazine (PDF), AmCham’s annual publication.

This was the first time that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has hosted such a program.

To see pictures please click here.

OCTOBER 2008

USISTF/C’s Israel 2028 in Jerusalem Post Article

“Road Map to Prosperity” by Ziv Hellman

Can Israel become one of the 15 most economically powerful countries in the world?
A group of leading experts explain how.

With the world financial crisis deepening, it may seem like an odd time to deliberate how to transform Israel into an economic powerhouse, where global companies establish their headquarters, and a home for two of the world's top 20 universities.

But a group of leading academics and business executives, working under the support of the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Commission (USISTC), is taking the long view, with a comprehensive study entitled "Israel 2028 - Vision and Strategy for Economy and Society in a Global World." They foresee a potentially golden future, with a possible sustainable growth path of at least 5 percent a year and a per capita GDP of $53,000 within 20 years, lifting the country seven to twelve places higher than its current 22nd place in world economic ranking. In this vision, by 2028, Israel, with 9.8 million residents, will cut unemployment by half, decrease income disparities and enjoy an economically and socially progressive society.

To finish this article click here

SEPTEMBER 2008

USISTC’s Bilateral Role Discussed at U.S.-Israel High Technology Forum

In 2007, the U.S. Commerce Department and the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Industry Trade and Labor jointly agreed to form a unique U.S.-Israel High Technology Forum as part of an effort by the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to accelerate U.S. engagement with the most dynamic technology markets in the world.

The U.S.-Israel HTF on Sept. 4, 2008 was the most senior bilateral high technology dialogue between the United States and Israel in the last decade. It was co-chaired by the Honorable Mario Mancuso, Under Secretary of Commerce; the Honorable Pinchas Buchris, Director General, Israel Ministry of Defense; and Dr. Eli Opper, Chief Scientist, Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labor.

The first day of the 3-day bilateral dialogue, Industry Day, was designed to facilitate secure high technology trade and investment across a wide-range of promising technology areas. Both Dr. Opper, Chief Scientist, and USISTC’s Executive Director David Miron-Wapner, spoke at length about the Commission’s role as a vital bi-national initiative advancing economic growth through science and technology.
Participants in the Forum also heard about opportunities that are expected to arise from USISTC’s ambitious project – “Israel 2028, Vision and Strategy for Economy and Society in a Global World”, particularly the extensive long-term research and technology collaborations between US and Israeli academia and industry – all contributing significantly to economic growth, social well-being, job creation and global competitiveness of both of nations.

Link to BIS

BIS Press Release

JULY 2008

Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies – Seminar on Israel 2028
This summer, the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies hosted a seminar to familiarize Jerusalem’s socially and politically aware individuals with USISTC’s major publication, known as Israel 2028.
Editor in chief David Brodet presented the origins, rationale, vision, and major recommendations of the plan. He was followed by issue specific discussions, such as “Tools for Strategic Management” by Sami Friedrich, member of the Israel 2028 steering committee and chairman of Shaldor, and riveting insights from Dr. Neri Horowitz about drawing participation of marginal groups into the Israeli labor market.
The Israel 2028 report was unofficially endorsed by the Israeli government and by the Directors General of its various Ministries in April 2008. The USISTF/C expects to continue disseminating the vision and strategy of Israel 2028 through 2008 and 2009.

Click here to learn about JIIS:

Click here to see the You Tube video of the JIIS Seminar on Israel 2028 (in Hebrew)

JUNE 2008

USISTF Helps ILSI Bring Israeli Life Sciences to Center Stage

ILSI-BIOMED 2008

The 7th National Life Science and Technology week, was held in Tel Aviv in June. With sponsorship and support from USISTF, the Israel Life Sciences Industry (ILSI) Association was successful in drawing more than 6,000 total attendees this year from Israel and aboard to its ILSI-BIOMED Conference, an increase of 200% from the previous year.

Out of 800 international attendees, 288 attendees (37%) were USA-based. The companies, investors, and service providers in attendance were exposed to the top innovations of Israel’s life science industry, and many partook in one-on-one meetings between potential investors and company participants.

Key speakers for the event this year included U.S government officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, high-level FDA personnel, academics, and notable representatives from the biotech industry. USISTF sponsorship was instrumental in allowing for the participation of several senior lecturers from the U.S at the conference.

ILSI At BIO 2008 in San Diego
USISTF support also enabled ILSI to craft a targeted partnering event prior to the commencement of the Bio San Diego Conference 2008.

The partnering event was a unique, limited attendance event whose intention was to showcase Israel’s extraordinary life science technologies (biotechnology and pharma), and provide the opportunity to explore and create significant collaborations between life science companies from Israel and leading San Diego life science companies, investors, and service providers.
ILSI, launched in 2005, was seeded and funded by the USISTF in order to unify, develop, and promote the medical device, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and agro-biotech sectors in the State of Israel. It serves to increase awareness of Israel’s strengths and innovation worldwide, as well as providing the platform for exhibiting innovation within the life sciences community, to the general public, and to potential investors.

APRIL 2008

Govt. Ministry Directors-General Forum Convenes to Discuss "Israel 2028 - Vision and Socio-Economic Strategy in a Global World" Plan

Prime Minister's Office Director-General Ra'anan Dinur today has convened the forum of Government ministry directors-general to discuss the "Israel 2028 – Vision and Socio-Economic Strategy a the Global World" plan. The plan is the product of two years' work sponsored by the U.S.-Israel Science & Technology Commission, with a Steering Committee led by Eli Hurvitz, David Brodet and Sammy Friedrich, and with the participation of a broad spectrum of experts and public figures.

The plan is designed to submit a strategic vision for realizing national goals for the State of Israel: rapid and balanced growth, and the reduction of social gaps, the goal of which is to lead the State of Israel – over the next 20 years – to a place among the world's top 15 countries in terms of GDP per capita.

The plan indicates a series of "warning lights" facing Israeli society, including the development of a dual economy (in which, alongside an advanced economy, there is an economy that is not adapted to the challenges of globalization) and high income gaps – which are leading to a polarized society, the quality of public education and issues regarding administration and infrastructure.

This is the first time that such a multi-disciplinary strategy that deals with a vision for the State of Israel over the next 20 years has been presented. The authors of the plan believe that the cooperation of all Government ministries, and socio-economic sectors, will be necessary in order for the plan to succeed.

At today's meeting, Eli Hurvitz, David Brodet and Sammy Friedrich (see above) will brief Government ministry directors-general on the plan. Afterwards, PMO Dir.-Gen. Dinur, Finance Ministry Dir.-Gen. Yoram Ariav and National Economics Council Director Prof. Manuel Trajtenberg will lead panel discussions on ways to create consensus regarding the aforementioned cooperation.

The plan will be submitted to the Cabinet at its May 4, 2008 meeting.

JULY 2007

USISTF work in Homeland Security leads to the development of the Israel Standard (SI) 24001, Security and Continuity Management System.

Click here for more information

NOVEMBER 2006

Alternative and Renewable Energy Conference

In November 2006, BIRD and USISTC held a conference in order to identify ways to enhance Israel's contributions to the field of alternative and renewable energy. This event was held as part of the Prime Minister's Conference for Export & International Cooperation at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv. For more information, click here.

OCTOBER 2006

USISTF is pleased to welcome Ann Liebschutz as Executive Director. Click here to read more about Ann.

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