Deadline: 08-Jul-2026
The KORIL RDF Lighthouse Program is a Korea–Israel joint research and development initiative that supports collaborative projects focused on AI-driven manufacturing innovation. The program brings together companies and research institutions from both countries to develop commercially viable technologies, accelerate innovation, and strengthen international cooperation in advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Through industry-academia partnerships, the programme supports breakthrough solutions that combine research excellence with real-world industrial applications, helping participants transform innovative ideas into market-ready technologies.
About the Program
The KORIL RDF Lighthouse Program is administered by the Korea Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (KORIL RDF), a bi-national organisation established to promote technological cooperation between Korea and Israel.
The programme focuses on:
- Artificial intelligence in manufacturing
- AI-driven factories
- Manufacturing services AI
- AI-enabled industrial systems
- Smart manufacturing technologies
- AI-driven logistics and distribution
- Embedded AI applications
- Smart mobility solutions
- Autonomous systems
- AI robotics
- AI-powered consumer appliances
- AI biotechnology
- AI semiconductors
- Industrial innovation
- Technology commercialization
- International R&D collaboration
The initiative aims to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies through joint research between industry and academia.
Program Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen Korea–Israel technological collaboration
- Support AI innovation in manufacturing industries
- Promote industry-academia partnerships
- Accelerate technology commercialization
- Encourage international R&D cooperation
- Develop breakthrough industrial solutions
- Enhance competitiveness in advanced manufacturing
- Support market-oriented technology development
Projects should demonstrate both technological innovation and commercial potential.
Funding Information
The programme provides substantial support for collaborative R&D projects.
Key funding details include:
- Funding of up to USD 3,000,000 per project
- Support for up to three years
- Funding covering between 30% and 50% of eligible project costs
- The lower of either USD 3,000,000 or the eligible funding percentage will apply
Participating companies are expected to contribute additional resources beyond the grant funding provided.
Research and Innovation Areas
Eligible projects may focus on:
- AI-driven manufacturing systems
- Intelligent production technologies
- Smart factory solutions
- Industrial automation
- Robotics and autonomous technologies
- Advanced logistics systems
- AI-powered industrial services
- Semiconductor innovation
- Biotechnology applications using AI
- Mobility and transportation technologies
- Embedded artificial intelligence solutions
Projects should clearly demonstrate innovation and practical industrial applications.
Consortium Requirements
Projects must be implemented through international consortiums involving partners from both Korea and Israel.
Each consortium must include:
- At least one company from Korea
- At least one research institution from Korea
- At least one company from Israel
- At least one research institution from Israel
Additional requirements include:
- Maximum of six participating entities per project
- Strong collaboration between industry and academia
- Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all partners
The programme encourages balanced participation and knowledge exchange between all consortium members.
Role of Research Institutions
Academic and research institutions may participate as subcontractors within project consortiums.
Key conditions include:
- Research institutions may support project implementation through subcontracting arrangements
- Budget allocation for research institutions is limited to 30% per side
- Research partners should contribute scientific expertise and technical capabilities
- Collaboration should support both innovation and commercialization objectives
The programme promotes close integration between research excellence and industrial development.
Commercialization Requirements
A key objective of the programme is the development of commercially viable technologies.
Projects should:
- Target market-ready products or services
- Demonstrate commercial potential
- Address real-world industrial challenges
- Include pathways to market adoption
- Support future business growth and competitiveness
Commercialization planning is an important component of project design and evaluation.
Royalty Obligations
All funded participants are subject to commercialization reporting and royalty obligations.
Requirements include:
- Reporting of commercialization outcomes
- Compliance with national regulations in Korea and Israel
- Royalty payments upon successful commercialization
- Adherence to KORIL RDF funding conditions
Applicants should consider these obligations when developing commercialization strategies.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible participants include:
- Commercial companies in Korea
- Commercial companies in Israel
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Academic organisations
- Industrial research centres
- Technology development organisations
Applicants must participate through an eligible Korea–Israel consortium structure.
Assessment Criteria
Proposals are expected to demonstrate:
- Technological innovation
- Commercial viability
- Strong Korea–Israel collaboration
- Industry-academia cooperation
- Feasibility of implementation
- Market potential
- Scientific and technical excellence
- Potential economic impact
Projects that combine strong research capabilities with clear commercialization opportunities are likely to be more competitive.
Why This Program Matters
Artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing, logistics, mobility, biotechnology, and numerous industrial sectors. The KORIL RDF Lighthouse Program provides a unique platform for Korean and Israeli organisations to combine expertise, resources, and innovation capabilities to address shared technological challenges.
By supporting collaborative R&D and commercialization-focused innovation, the programme helps accelerate the development of advanced technologies while strengthening international partnerships between two globally recognized innovation ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the KORIL RDF Lighthouse Program?
- Companies and research institutions from Korea and Israel participating as part of an eligible consortium.
How much funding is available?
- Projects can receive up to USD 3,000,000, or between 30% and 50% of eligible project costs, whichever is lower.
What is the maximum project duration?
- Projects may be funded for up to three years.
What sectors does the programme support?
- AI-driven manufacturing, robotics, smart mobility, logistics, semiconductors, biotechnology, autonomous systems, and related industrial technologies.
Are industry-academia partnerships required?
- Yes. Consortiums must include both companies and research institutions from Korea and Israel.
Can research institutions receive funding?
- Yes. Academic and research institutions may participate as subcontractors with budget allocations of up to 30% per side.
Are commercialization activities required?
- Yes. Projects must aim to develop commercially viable products or technologies and comply with commercialization reporting requirements.
Conclusion
The KORIL RDF Lighthouse Program supports ambitious Korea–Israel collaborative R&D projects focused on AI-driven manufacturing innovation and advanced industrial technologies. With funding of up to USD 3 million per project, the programme helps companies and research institutions develop breakthrough technologies, strengthen international partnerships, and accelerate the commercialization of innovative solutions with global market potential.
For more information, visit Israel Innovation Authority.