Michigan and Israel announce program for joint R&D projects between Michigan and Israeli companies

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Israeli Ministry of Economy today announced the Michigan-Israeli Technology Connect Program (MITCP) for joint research and development projects between Israeli and Michigan for-profit companies.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Israeli Ministry of Economy today announced the Michigan-Israeli Technology Connect Program (MITCP) for joint research and development projects between Israeli and Michigan for-profit companies. The purpose of the MITCP is to promote and enhance the economic partnership between Michigan and Israel.

“Michigan’s longstanding ties with Israeli companies and academic institutions have created excellent opportunities to improve trade, increase business investment and scientific research. The joint projects that will come out of this partnership will build on these highly productive relationships,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “Our shared entrepreneurial spirit and technology leadership combine for a broad range of possibilities across a range of industries, automotive, cyber security, water technologies, life sciences and defense.”

The MITCP is implemented by the Israeli Industry Center for R&D (MATIMOP), on behalf of the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) in the Israeli Ministry of Economy, and by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on behalf of the State of Michigan and other stakeholders. 

“This program being announced today is a reflection of the excellent relationships between the State of Michigan and the State of Israel. Those relationships started years ago but got a strong push during the visit of Governor Snyder to Israel in June 2013,” said Roey Gilad, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. “Israel enjoys excellent relationships with all the Midwest states. However, the level of partnership we have with Michigan sets, indeed, a new standard that we will try to follow with the other states as well.”

The Joint Project Submission process will stimulate generation and development of new or significantly improved product or process for commercialization in global markets. This initial JPS focuses primarily on (1) Automotive, (2) Cyber Security, and the convergence of (3) Cyber/Auto and (4) Cyber/defense; as well as (5) Water Technologies.

“We are looking forward to utilizing this new R&D collaboration program between Michigan and Israel in order to further deepen the existing business ties between both regions”, said Avi Hasson, Chief Scientist at the Israeli Ministry of Economy. “Investment in R&D will generate long term economic benefits both in Michigan and in Israel and support job growth across a multitude of trade sectors.”

Joint projects within the MITCP framework may be supported, on a case by case basis, through a variety of existing funding sources both from Michigan and Israel. 

MEDC and MATIMOP, though their respective networks and databases, will help companies identify potential partners for this program. In addition, it is anticipated that companies will be seeking their own partners independently.

Joint Project Submissions should include at least one Israeli company and one Michigan company. Participation of research institutions/universities is welcome as subcontractors to the applicant from their country. 

The MITCP is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Snyder and Consul General of Israel to the Midwest Roey Gilad in June. The signing came a year after Snyder led a delegation to Israel where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior government leaders. During the mission, he and Naftali Bennett, Israel's Minister of Economy, signed a letter of intent that was the basis of the agreement. 

The application process is open now. Companies will be required to submit all documents no later than February 23, 2015. For more details on the MITCP, visit here: http://www.michiganbusiness.org/mitcp/.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.