U.S.–Israel Energy Center Launches New Binational Consortia Funding Opportunity

The U.S.–Israel Energy Center, in partnership with the BIRD Foundation, is launching a $12 million funding opportunity to support innovative binational energy projects. The initiative will establish two U.S.–Israel consortia focused on energy storage, the energy–water nexus, and fossil energy solutions, with each consortium eligible for up to $6 million over three years. Eligible applicants include companies, startups, research organizations, and academic institutions from both countries.

Overview

The U.S.–Israel Energy Center and the BIRD Foundation seek to promote collaboration between U.S. and Israeli partners in the development of energy technologies that advance efficiency, reliability, affordability, and resilience.

The program focuses on:

• Energy storage innovations

• Solutions for the energy–water nexus

• Fossil energy improvements and mitigation strategies

Funding Details

• Total funding available: $12 million

• Number of consortia: Two

• Maximum per consortium: $6 million over three years, contingent on performance

• Potential for additional funding for up to two more years

• Required cost-sharing to ensure active collaboration between U.S. and Israeli partners

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must represent U.S. or Israeli entities and include:

• Companies and startups

• Research organizations

• Academic institutions

Consortia must consist of at least one partner from each country to ensure meaningful binational collaboration.

Why It Matters

This funding opportunity:

• Strengthens U.S.–Israel cooperation in energy innovation

• Supports commercialization of innovative energy solutions

• Addresses global challenges in energy storage, sustainability, and the energy–water nexus

• Promotes economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement in both countries

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Form a Binational Consortium

   • Include U.S. and Israeli partners

   • Define roles and cost-sharing arrangements

2. Develop a Project Proposal

   • Focus on energy storage, energy–water nexus, or fossil energy solutions

   • Include clear milestones, deliverables, and commercialization strategies

3. Submit Application

   • Follow BIRD Foundation’s official submission process

   • Include all required documentation and cost-sharing commitments

4. Attend Informational Webinar (Recommended)

   • Hosted by the BIRD Foundation

   • Learn about the consortium model, application process, and expectations

   • Gain insights from the U.S. Department of Energy, Israel Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, and Israel Innovation Authority

5. Evaluation & Selection

   • Applications assessed for technical merit, commercialization potential, and collaboration quality

   • Grants awarded contingent on approvals and performance metrics

Key Tips and Best Practices

• Clearly demonstrate binational collaboration and complementary expertise

• Emphasize commercialization potential and scalability of the solution

• Align project goals with the Center’s mission for efficiency, reliability, affordability, and resilience

• Ensure detailed cost-sharing plan and budget justification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is available per consortium?
   Each consortium can receive up to $6 million over three years, with potential additional funding for up to two more years.

2. Which entities are eligible to apply?
   Companies, startups, research organizations, and academic institutions from the U.S. and Israel are eligible.

3. Can additional partners join beyond the two consortia?
   No, funding is designated for two selected consortia. Partnerships must be binational.

4. Is cost-sharing mandatory?
   Yes. Active collaboration and cost-sharing between U.S. and Israeli partners is required.

5. What areas of energy innovation are eligible?
   Projects must focus on energy storage, the energy–water nexus, or fossil energy solutions.

6. Are there informational resources to guide applicants?
   Yes. A webinar hosted by the BIRD Foundation provides guidance and insights from key stakeholders.

7. What is the goal of the funding program?
   To advance binational energy innovation, support commercialization, and strengthen U.S.–Israel partnerships.

Conclusion

The U.S.–Israel Energy Center and BIRD Foundation funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in binational energy innovation. By supporting consortia in energy storage, energy–water solutions, and fossil energy technologies, the initiative aims to foster collaboration, drive commercialization, and contribute to global energy sustainability. Entities from both countries with innovative solutions are encouraged to form consortia and apply for this high-impact funding opportunity.