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

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

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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