BIRD Cyber Initiative Announced to Tackle Cybersecurity Challenges
The BIRD Foundation, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), has announced a new initiative aimed at improving cybersecurity. This program, known as BIRD Cyber, will offer grants to approved projects, providing funding of up to $1.5 million.
Objective of BIRD Cyber Program
The primary goal of the BIRD Cyber initiative is to establish strategic partnerships that will strengthen the cyber resilience of both the United States and Israel. By addressing critical cybersecurity needs, this initiative aims to foster collaboration between companies in both nations. DHS and INCD have identified several key areas where urgent cybersecurity solutions are needed and are inviting proposals from U.S. and Israeli firms.
Areas of Focus for Proposal Submissions
U.S. and Israeli companies are encouraged to submit proposals that focus on the following key technology areas:
- Protecting legacy medical devices from cyber threats;
- Remediating BGP hijacking incidents;
- Implementing online facial image self-enrollment aligned with international standards;
- Executing threat hunting on encrypted traffic;
- Developing human-machine (AI) interface tools for cybersecurity.
Grant Structure and Funding Details
The BIRD Cyber program will allocate grants to support collaborative projects that engage U.S. and Israeli firms, or partnerships that include universities or research institutes. Each selected project can receive funding of up to 50 percent of the combined research and development budget, aiming to not exceed $1.5 million.
Submission Timeline and Evaluation
Interested parties should be aware that the deadline for submitting Executive Summaries for project proposals is January 29, 2025. The evaluation of these proposals will take place in May 2025, where projects will be selected for funding based on their potential impact and innovation.
Statements from Leadership
Gaby Portnoy, Director General of INCD, highlighted the program's significance, stating, "The BIRD Cyber program is a vital initiative that contributes to national security. By fostering collaboration between U.S. and Israeli companies, we harness innovation to combat complex cyber threats. This initiative aims to develop advanced solutions that strengthen the cyber resilience of both nations."
Similarly, Jaron Lotan, Executive Director of BIRD, expressed satisfaction with the progress of past grantees and the continued commitment of both the DHS and INCD to enhance cybersecurity through collaborative efforts.
About the BIRD Foundation
The BIRD Foundation is dedicated to promoting and facilitating collaborations between U.S. and Israeli companies in diverse technology sectors. It provides funding while ensuring that there are no claims on equity or intellectual property from the projects it supports. The foundation's funding plans enable reimbursement through royalties from commercialized products that arise from these partnerships.
Cybersecurity Impact on National Infrastructure
The funded projects will not only contribute to stronger cybersecurity measures but also protect critical infrastructure and resources pivotal for both countries. By targeting significant cybersecurity concerns, the BIRD Cyber initiative aims to create lasting and impactful solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BIRD Cyber program?
The BIRD Cyber program is an initiative aimed at enhancing cybersecurity collaboration between U.S. and Israeli companies through funded projects.
How much funding is available through this program?
Approved projects can receive funding of up to $1.5 million, covering up to 50% of the project budget.
What are the key areas for project proposals?
Key areas include cybersecurity for medical devices, BGP hijacking remediation, face image self-enrollment, encrypted traffic threat hunting, and AI interface tools.
When is the deadline for project submissions?
The deadline for submitting Executive Summaries is January 29, 2025.
Who should apply for BIRD Cyber funding?
U.S. and Israeli companies, along with universities or research institutes, are encouraged to apply for funding under this program.
