Many Israeli developed systems to address European Home Land security issues are used in different countries in Europe. Among them protection systems against UAV’s and very advanced perimeter security systems.
The BIRD HLS program is co-funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Israel Ministry of National Security (IMNS). The program is managed by the BIRD Foundation and focuses on innovative technology solutions to support first responder and homeland security needs shared by both countries.
BIRD HLS is aimed at U.S. and Israeli companies that develop innovative Homeland Security products and solutions that employ technologies such as video analytics, robotics, biometrics, screening systems, command & control, communication, wearables, protective equipment, UAVs, standoff detection and identification of hazards, securing critical infrastructure and public facilities, safe and secure cities, border protection, and other relevant solutions for first responders. Over the course of the first seven years, twelve BIRD HLS projects have been approved for a budget of $24.5 million.
The program’s Board of Governors chooses joint projects between two companies, one from Israel and one from the United States, or between a company and a university. The selection of projects is led by the Chief Scientist of IMNS and representatives from DHS S&T. As part of this process, the projects are reviewed and presented to the office of the Chief Scientist at the Israel Ministry of National Security, along with the relevant Israeli First Responder agencies, and are also reviewed by DHS S&T experts who oversee and promote innovation and partnerships with industry.