RFPs: Tech Transfer from Foreign Research Institutes

The Tech Transfer from Foreign Research Institutes Program supports Israeli companies collaborating with foreign research institutes in Europe and North America to develop applied industrial research, transfer advanced technologies, and strengthen commercialization opportunities. The programme focuses on technologies between TRL 2–5 and aims to enhance Israel’s global technological competitiveness.

Overview of the Tech Transfer from Foreign Research Institutes Program

The Tech Transfer from Foreign Research Institutes Program supports Israeli industry by encouraging collaboration with leading foreign research institutions to transfer knowledge, develop innovative technologies, and advance applied research toward commercialization.

The programme is designed to help companies access advanced research capabilities and integrate emerging technologies into industrial development processes.

It focuses on:

Applied industrial research.
Technology transfer.
Technological innovation.
Commercialization of research outcomes.
Collaboration between Israeli companies and international research institutes.
Development of technologies at early and intermediate Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).

Purpose of the Program

The main objective of the programme is to strengthen the technological capabilities of Israeli industries and improve their competitiveness in global markets.

The initiative aims to:

Support industrial research and development.
Encourage international technology partnerships.
Adapt existing research knowledge for industrial applications.
Validate innovative technologies before commercialization.
Create pathways from research concepts to market-ready solutions.
Strengthen long-term technological advantages for Israeli companies.

Research and Technology Focus Areas

The programme supports applied research activities involving technologies that have commercialization potential.

Supported projects should focus on:

Developing new technological solutions.
Improving existing technologies through research collaboration.
Adapting foreign research knowledge for industrial use.
Validating technological concepts.
Preparing technologies for future product development.

Projects should demonstrate clear industrial relevance and potential for practical implementation.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Requirements

The programme supports technologies within:

TRL 2–5

The focus is particularly on pre-product research activities around:

Technology validation.
Knowledge adaptation.
Integration of research outcomes into industrial processes.
Development toward future commercialization.

Projects are expected to demonstrate technological progress and a pathway toward practical applications.

Eligible Applicants

The programme is open to collaborations involving:

Israeli companies.
Foreign research institutes from Europe and North America.
Industrial corporations.
Technology-transfer companies representing foreign research institutions.

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to manage research collaboration and advance the proposed technology.

Eligible Research Collaboration Model

Projects should involve cooperation between Israeli industry and foreign research institutions.

The collaboration should support:

Access to external expertise.
Transfer of technological knowledge.
Joint applied research.
Development of commercially relevant solutions.

The foreign research partner should contribute valuable scientific or technological capabilities that support industrial innovation.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on several factors, including:

Technological Innovation

Reviewers evaluate:

The uniqueness of the proposed technology.
The level of innovation.
The potential contribution to industrial advancement.
The technological gap being addressed.

Research Complexity and Feasibility

Applications are reviewed for:

Technical challenges involved.
Research methodology.
Practical feasibility.
Ability to achieve proposed outcomes.

Technology Readiness Level Alignment

Projects should demonstrate:

Alignment with TRL 2–5 requirements.
A realistic development pathway.
Potential for technology validation and advancement.

Industrial and Commercial Potential

Assessment includes:

Market opportunities.
Market size and growth potential.
Competitive advantage.
Future commercialization possibilities.
Intellectual property considerations.

Applicant Capability

Applicants must demonstrate:

Technical expertise.
Research capability.
Management capacity.
Ability to complete the proposed project successfully.

Benefits of the Program

The programme provides opportunities for companies to:

Access international research expertise.
Develop advanced technologies.
Reduce innovation risks.
Strengthen research and industry connections.
Improve commercialization readiness.
Build competitive advantages in global markets.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

Clearly explaining the technological challenge.
Demonstrating the value of international collaboration.
Providing a realistic research and development plan.
Explaining commercialization opportunities.
Highlighting market demand.
Addressing intellectual property strategies.
Demonstrating technical and managerial capacity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing technologies without clear industrial relevance.
Failing to explain commercialization potential.
Providing unclear research methodologies.
Ignoring TRL requirements.
Not demonstrating the capabilities of research partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tech Transfer from Foreign Research Institutes Program?

The programme supports Israeli companies working with foreign research institutes to conduct applied industrial research and transfer advanced technologies toward commercialization.

Who can participate in the programme?

Eligible participants include Israeli companies and foreign research institutes from Europe and North America, including technology-transfer organisations representing research institutions.

What types of technologies are supported?

The programme supports innovative technologies with commercialization potential that fall within Technology Readiness Levels 2–5.

What is the main goal of the programme?

The goal is to strengthen Israeli industrial innovation by supporting technology transfer, applied research, and future commercialization.

What does TRL 2–5 mean?

TRL 2–5 refers to early and intermediate technology development stages where concepts are researched, validated, and prepared for future application.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are evaluated based on innovation, research feasibility, TRL alignment, applicant capabilities, business potential, market opportunities, competitive advantage, and intellectual property considerations.

Can companies collaborate with international research institutes?

Yes. International collaboration with eligible foreign research institutes is a key requirement of the programme.

What benefits can companies gain from participation?

Companies can gain access to advanced research expertise, strengthen technological capabilities, reduce development risks, and improve commercialization opportunities.

Conclusion

The Tech Transfer from Foreign Research Institutes Program creates opportunities for Israeli companies to collaborate with international research institutions and transform advanced knowledge into industrial innovation. By supporting applied research, technology transfer, and commercialization pathways, the programme helps strengthen Israel’s technological ecosystem and global competitiveness.