The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) are issuing a call for proposals as part of the organizations’ joint effort to propel innovation through private sector partnerships.  We invite Indiana and Israeli businesses to submit joint projects focused on developing high-tech solutions in the following fields:

• COVID-19 response technologies & additional life sciences products and applications
• Smart and advanced manufacturing
• Secure 5G
• Trusted microelectronics

This initiative presents a unique opportunity for Indiana and Israeli companies to collaborate on the development of cutting-edge technologies. The IEDC and IIA intend to provide conditional match funding for selected projects to support and accelerate the proposed R&D and the commercialization of new solutions. Eligible joint projects must be actively engaged in business activities belonging to at least one of the following tracks:

• Bilateral R&D – Companies from Israel and Indiana will be funded for their activities in the joint R&D project by IIA and IEDC, respectively. 
• Pilot and Validation – Israeli companies would be hosted by Indiana companies for the purpose of Pilot and validation testing of their products/prototypes. The Innovation Authority would provide the Israeli companies with financial support according to IIA rules and Indiana would provide:
  (i) validation sites that allow Israeli companies to test adapt and validate their technologies
  (ii) on-site guidance as well as support for the companies
  (iii) A potential scale-up and procurement path and
  (iv) regulatory guidance.

Indiana companies interested in this opportunity are invited to submit a Phase 1 Expression of Interest Form to the IEDC by September 1, 2020.  Indiana companies may submit a joint proposal with confirmed Israeli partners or request matchmaking assistance from the IEDC and IIA.

To be eligible, Indiana companies must meet the following criteria:

• Be an Indiana-based entity registered with the Indiana Secretary of State with annual revenue less than $100 million and a majority of its payroll dedicated to Hoosier employees;
• Be an advanced-technology or knowledge-based business in one of the provided technological fields listed above;
• Have a protected intellectual property position, such as trade secrets, patents and/or trademarks, or a distinct competitive advantage making the product difficult to replicate;
• Have a high-impact business model that demonstrates potential for the company to grow its operations in Indiana, creating high-wage jobs and revenues; and
• Have money invested by the principals and/or founders, and/or have raised initial capital from other sources (e.g. friends, family, banks, etc.).

The full request for proposals, the expression of interest form and partner search form are linked below for your reference. If you have questions, please email international@iedc.in.gov.