Deadline: 01-Jul-2026
The NIFA-BARD-IIA Food and Nutrition Program supports collaborative research partnerships between U.S. and Israeli researchers working alongside an eligible Israeli company. The program aims to advance food systems, nutrition, food availability, and healthy consumption through joint scientific and industrial innovation projects with funding available for up to three years.
Program Overview
The NIFA-BARD-IIA Food and Nutrition Program promotes international collaboration between researchers in the United States and Israel to address challenges related to food, nutrition, and agricultural innovation.
The initiative supports joint research projects conducted by U.S. and Israeli investigators working within authorized research institutions and in partnership with an eligible Israeli company. By combining academic expertise with industry participation, the program seeks to accelerate innovation and improve food systems and nutrition outcomes.
Funding Information
- Funding is available for projects lasting up to three years.
- Maximum award amounts vary depending on the specific Israeli Innovation Authority (IIA) funding track.
- Funding levels are determined according to program guidelines and approved project budgets.
- Financial support is intended to facilitate collaborative research, innovation development, and technology advancement.
Program Objectives
The program is designed to:
- Improve food quality, availability, and nutritional outcomes.
- Support research that promotes healthy food consumption.
- Advance innovations in food systems and nutrition science.
- Encourage international scientific collaboration.
- Strengthen partnerships between research institutions and industry.
- Accelerate commercialization opportunities arising from research findings.
- Foster long-term cooperation between U.S. and Israeli research communities.
Priority Research Areas
Supported projects may focus on:
- Food and nutrition innovation.
- Food security and food availability.
- Healthy eating and dietary improvement.
- Agricultural and food system technologies.
- Food processing and preservation.
- Nutrition-related scientific research.
- Sustainable food production.
- Industry-driven food innovation initiatives.
Why This Program Matters
Food security, nutrition, and sustainable food production are growing global priorities. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across countries, institutions, and industries.
The NIFA-BARD-IIA Food and Nutrition Program creates a framework where researchers and companies can combine scientific expertise, technological capabilities, and commercial knowledge to develop solutions that improve public health and food systems.
The program also strengthens international research partnerships while encouraging innovation with real-world applications.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Research teams from the United States.
- Research teams from Israel.
- Authorized research institutions in both countries.
- Consortia that include qualified investigators from both nations.
- Partnerships involving at least one eligible Israeli company.
All participating organizations must comply with program requirements and institutional regulations.
Consortium Requirements
Applications must be submitted through a joint consortium structure that includes:
- U.S.-based researchers or investigators.
- Israeli researchers or investigators.
- Authorized research institutions.
- An eligible Israeli company participating in the project.
The consortium model ensures that projects combine academic research with industry engagement and commercialization potential.
Intellectual Property Requirements
The program establishes clear intellectual property expectations.
Key requirements include:
- Newly developed intellectual property must be owned by the participating investigators’ institutions.
- Existing agreements between U.S.-based NIFA-funded researchers and their institutions remain unaffected.
- Participants must comply with all applicable institutional intellectual property policies.
These provisions help protect research outcomes while supporting future commercialization opportunities.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Form a Joint Consortium
Create a collaborative partnership involving:
- U.S. research investigators.
- Israeli research investigators.
- An eligible Israeli company.
- Authorized research institutions.
Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal
Prepare a project focused on food and nutrition priorities, including:
- Research objectives.
- Methodology.
- Expected outcomes.
- Industry relevance.
- Collaboration structure.
Step 3: Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Verify compliance with:
- NIFA requirements.
- BARD requirements.
- Israeli Innovation Authority guidelines.
- Institutional policies.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the proposal according to program procedures and deadlines.
Step 5: Project Implementation
Approved projects may receive funding for up to three years to conduct research and achieve project objectives.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support:
- Collaborative scientific research.
- Food and nutrition studies.
- Research personnel.
- Laboratory and field research activities.
- Data collection and analysis.
- Technology development.
- Industry collaboration activities.
- Innovation validation and testing.
- Research dissemination and reporting.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to include an eligible Israeli company.
- Not establishing a formal U.S.-Israel consortium.
- Weak industry participation.
- Insufficient alignment with food and nutrition objectives.
- Incomplete compliance documentation.
- Unclear intellectual property arrangements.
- Inadequate coordination among project partners.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate clear scientific merit.
- Show meaningful collaboration between all partners.
- Highlight potential nutrition and food system impacts.
- Include strong commercialization or practical application pathways.
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities.
- Present realistic project timelines and outcomes.
- Align activities with program priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the NIFA-BARD-IIA Food and Nutrition Program?
Applications must involve a consortium of U.S. and Israeli researchers working through authorized research institutions and collaborating with an eligible Israeli company.
What is the primary goal of the program?
The program aims to improve food systems, nutrition, food availability, and healthy consumption through collaborative research and innovation.
Is participation from an Israeli company mandatory?
Yes. Israeli research teams must include collaboration with an eligible Israeli company under IIA requirements.
How long can funded projects last?
Projects may receive support for up to three years.
Who owns intellectual property generated through the project?
Intellectual property developed through the project must generally be owned by the participating investigators’ institutions, subject to program requirements.
Can existing agreements with private companies continue?
Yes. Existing agreements involving U.S.-based NIFA-funded researchers and their institutions remain unaffected by the program.
What types of research are encouraged?
Projects related to food innovation, nutrition improvement, healthy consumption, food availability, food security, and related scientific advancements are encouraged.
Conclusion
The NIFA-BARD-IIA Food and Nutrition Program provides a valuable opportunity for U.S. and Israeli researchers to collaborate with industry partners on innovative solutions that improve food systems and nutrition outcomes. Through joint scientific research, industry engagement, and international cooperation, the program supports advances that can contribute to healthier populations, stronger food security, and sustainable innovation in the food sector.
For more information, visit BARD.