November 2006 Science And Technology, the way to Europe Who leads the hit parade of Israeli success stories? Why do researchers believe that the Framework Programme yields value? What are the strategies for winning proposals? Ministry of Industry, Trade & Labor Israel Ministry of Science Culture & Sport Israel and the European Framework Programme for Research and Development Looking Ahead: the Seventh Framework Programme 2007-2013
commercial content / Contents 06 Israeli Participation in FP6: Organizations and number of projects 08 New and Improved: the Seventh Framework Program 10 European Framework Programme scores well with Israel's research community 12 Cars of the future: Motorola Israel is in the driver's seat 14 Smaller is better: Israeli nanotechnology is making an impact 16 The European Framework Programme: Stories of Israeli Success 26 Strategies for Managing the Proposal Process 28 Ten recommendations for writing a winning proposal 29 The fast lane between Israel and Europe: Interview with ISERD Director General Marcel Shaton 31 ISRED Staff: The Israeli Management Team for the European Union's Research and Development Programme
Budget Overview for the Seventh Framework Programme (in millions of euros) Health 6,050 Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology 1,935 Information and Communication Technologies 9,110 Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials 3,500 and new Production Technologies COOPERATION Energy 2,300 Environment (including Climate Change) 1,900 Transport (including Aeronautics) 4,180 Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities 610 Space 1,430 Security and Space Security 1,350 Total COOPERATION 32,365 IDEAS European Research Council 7,460 PEOPLE Marie Curie Actions 4,728 Research Infrastructures 1,850 Research for the benefit of SMEs 1,336 Regions of Knowledge 126 CAPACITIES Research Potential 370 Science in Society 280 Coherent development of research policies 70 Activities of International Co-operation 185 Cover photo: TOTAL CAPACITIES 4,217 European Community, 2006 Source: http//cordis.europa.eu/fp7/budget.htm
Editor Roni Lifschitz English edition editor Chava Weiss Copyediting Neta Peleg Translation Miryam Blum, Josh Friedland Graphic design Studio Orna Cohen Production manager Smadar Averbuch Advertising manager Micha Tayar Publisher Focus Ha'aretz Special Supplements Manager Hadas Hirshman-Hess Manager, Client Newspaper Division Inbal Peleg Tel. 972-3-512-1140 Fax. 972-3-513-2457 e-mail: [email protected] / Greetings from the Chief Scientist Israel's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Promoting international cooperation in research and development is among the most prominent goals of the Chief Scientist's Office. As the Sixth European Framework Programme draws to a close, and the Seventh Eli Opper Programme is about to begin, I would like to highlight Greetings from the Minister of the achievements and challenges ahead. Research grants Industry, Trade and Labor totaling 203 million euros were received by Israeli academic and industrial The State of Israel is considered a world research organization during the Sixth Programme, while the Israeli leader in technological innovation. The government invested NIS 190 million in the program. This impressive number of startup companies founded each achievement is further amplified by the value of the knowledge gained
Photo: Kobi Gideon BoBo agency Photo: Kobi year, the relative number of inventions and by Israeli industry. The estimated worth of this knowledge is estimated Eli Yishai developments produced by Israeli scientists to be 400 million euros. and engineers is almost unparalleled anywhere Participating organizations made strategic connections with leading in the world. Israel’s positive results and successful integration European companies, academic institutions and research institutions in the Sixth European Framework Programme is further beyond the Programme. Israeli industry gained access to European evidence of the creativity and innovation of the Israeli markets. Their participation in the Framework Programme contributed economy. significantly to these advances. The European Framework Programme facilitates unique The Seventh Programme brings new and complex challenges. We are collaborations between Israeli industry and the European seeking to strengthen the systems that support the Israeli R&D community R&D community. R&D is recognized as an important and via ISERD - the Israel Directorate for the EU Framework Programme. fundamental growth engine for the Israeli economy, and One such system is the Small and Medium Enterprise Authority. bolstering knowledge-based industry is a guarantee for We also strive to increase Israeli participation in the Seventh continued growth. Programme’s projects. Analysis reveals that participation in the Sixth The participation of Israeli industry and academia in the Programme improves chances for future participation. Israeli organizations European arena, which currently numbers 420 million people, that have not yet participated in a Framework Programme will be enables Israeli industry to break out of the local market encouraged to do so. and benefit from a critical mass for basic and technological Israel’s partnership in the Framework Programme leads to cooperation research that could not be achieved without international between all areas of Israeli R&D - industry, academia and research cooperation in the European framework. institutions. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, the Ministry of I would like to point out that the welcome involvement in Science, Culture and Sports and the Planning and Budgets Committee the Sixth Programme also allowed industries from Israel’s of the Council for Higher Education are all represented on ISERD’s periphery, from the Negev to the Galilee to benefit from the steering committee. The chief scientists from the various government possibility of working with leading organizations in Europe ministries have also joined the committee, to promote the advancement and develop a beyond our limited geographical borders. of Israel's research and development. I hope that, with God's help, our work will enable Israel We must participate as fully as possible in the Seventh Programme, to continue to take part in the new Seventh Framework to advance academic and industrial R&D, promote economic growth Programme that will advance Israeli R&D, and Israel's and improve the welfare of Israel’s citizens. My appreciation to all those economy. This continued cooperation will help to blaze new involved in this effort, and best wishes for success. trails and bring Israel more impressive achievements. Dr. Eli Opper I wish the Israeli R&D community continued success. Chief Scientist Sincerely, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Eliyahu Yishai Chairman of the Interministerial Steering Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Committee at ISERD
Greetings from the Commissioner for Science research organizations and universities through sharing experience and Research and access to EU markets. The European Union will soon adopt its Seventh Since Israel first participated in the Framework Programme in 1996, Framework Programme for research and technological R&D co-operation with the EU has enjoyed remarkable success. More development. This will be the biggest Framework than 700 Israeli companies, research institutes and universities took part Programme yet, with €54 billion over 7 years. The in projects under the auspices of the Sixth Framework Programme. We Janez Potočnik Programme represents continuity with past programmes, have a particularly strong track record of cooperation in information as well as new approaches which open the way for technology and life sciences, and I am particularly pleased to see the more ambitious research and development, not only for participants growing number of Israeli researchers taking part in our exchange in the European Union, but also in our partner countries. and mobility programmes. Scientific and technological cooperation is a significant element I very much hope that positive past experience will motivate Israel of relations between Israel and the European Union. Through joint to build on the momentum of its participation. I truly believe that projects, we pool our expertise in many fields of R&D to respond to we all will gain from strong cooperation in the field of science and the social and economic challenges that affect us all. At the same time technology with all of our international partners. we create links between people, a very important aspect of building Janez Potočnik solid international relationships. Scientific cooperation between Israel Commissioner for Science and Research and Europe has brought new opportunities for Israeli enterprises, European Commission Greetings from the Chief Scientist Israel's Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports Israel’s successful integration into the European Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development is a significant achievement for Israel. It advances science, but perhaps, just as important, it Photo: Guy Ravitz Mina Teicher promotes links between Israeli and European industry, technology transfer, and boosts the balance of payments and Israel’s status in the international arena. Greetings from Israel's Council on Israel joined the Fourth Framework Programme, and has been a partner Higher Education to the Fifth and Sixth Programmes. Israel will continue its partnership Our anticipation of the Seventh European in the Seventh Programme. Union Framework Programme for Research and Israeli universities are playing a growing role in European studies, Technological Development offers an opportune moment to review our accomplishments and and in the Seventh Programme this participation will probably be even Photo: Lior Mizrahi greater, thanks to the establishment of the European Research Council Dr. Shlomo Grossman look forward to continued achievements. (ERC), whose key goal is to promote basic research. Our challenging start in the Fourth Modern science exists in an international context that serves as an Programme gave us valuable experience, though we attained important and essential foundation for high standards of originality few research grants. There were improvement in the Fifth and and relevance. Research projects on the frontier of science express Sixth Programmes. We applied our experience and potential binational and multinational cooperation and multi- and inter-disciplinary to earning many more grants, whose monetary value exceeded collaboration among scientists of diverse nations. Israel nurtures the cost of our participation in both the Fifth and the Sixth cooperation with overseas scientists as a matter of policy, and Israel’s Programmes. This measurable achievement represents only participation in the Framework Programme is a central component of the tip of the iceberg with respect to the advantages of our this policy. involvement. Our exposure to new ideas and connections Participation in multinational European frameworks offers Israeli with industry, research institutions and leading European scientists access to large research facilities and involvement in major universities are among the other significant advantages of international scientific collaborations. Thus, Israel gains the opportunity Israel’s participation in the program. to express positions on R&D policy issues and accrues recognition for For Israeli universities, the Framework Programme has the country's role at the forefront of scientific-technological progress. become the second largest source of research budgets after Israel's Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports is responsible for the the Israel Science Foundation. Thanks to the program, Israeli advancement of fundamental R&D in Israel, and our participation in and European researchers are advancing more shared scientific the Framework Programme aids in achieving this goal. The Programme publications, almost equal in number to collaborations with cultivates basic R&D in fields from the environment and energy, food American researchers. Recently, a Framework Programme has safety, space and the information society, and ensures cooperation enabled Israeli universities to bring home young and promising among European research groups from different countries. Israel - as Israeli scientists working abroad (mainly in the United States) an associate member - derives the maximum benefit from participating and they are being welcomed to the ranks of senior academic in these projects. staff. The Framework Programme places considerable emphasis on bringing In the Sixth Framework Programme, Israel led all other science closer to the community. Israeli government ministries and participants in bringing home scientists under the auspices research organizations participate in these endeavors. Among the high- of the Marie Curie Actions program for absorbing returning profile activities was an evening for researchers, held in Israel on scientists. September 19, 2006. Events were held at eight research institutions We anticipate continued success in the Seventh Programme, and science museums open to the general public, presenting scientific especially in light of the establishment of the European Research research endeavors. The event was an overwhelming success and was Council. Allow me to wish Mr. Marcel Shaton and the entire part of a pan-European event. staff of the Israel Europe Research and Development Directorate Israel recoups the investment in the Framework Programme through continued achievement and satisfaction. I would also like to research grants to academia and industry, and via scientific and industrial express appreciation to the Framework Programme’s steering collaborations. The result is shared research and foreign investments committee, headed by Dr. Eli Ofer, the chief scientist at the many times greater than the original Framework Programme participation Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor. May they continue their fees. The ERC’s new program is also likely to attract more funding to wise leadership in this extraordinary program. basic research being conducted by Israeli scientists. Professor Shlomo Grossman Israel will continue to be an associate member in the Seventh Framework Chair, Planning and Budgeting Committee Programme, promoting continued strategic cooperation with Europe, for the benefit of one and all. Professor Mina Teicher Chief Scientist The Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports / Israeli Participation in FP6 Organizations and number of Projects
INDUSTRY WINNERS OTHER SECTORS WINNERS Alma consulting - 1 4Sight, Ergonomics & Safety Ltd. - 2 Gigaspaces Ltd. - 1 NuAce Technologies Ltd. - 1 Arttic Israel - 4 Afcon Industries Ltd. - 2 Gilat Satellite Networks Nutricognia Ltd. - 1 Assuta Medical Centers - 2 Agilent Technologies Israel Ltd. - 1 Web Site Ltd. - 1 Objet Geometrics Ltd. - 1 Beacontech Ltd - 3 Agron Ltd - 1 Given Imaging Ltd. - 1 Odis Filtering Ltd. - 1 Bloomfield Science Museum Alonim Holdings Ltd. - 1 GS-3 Ltd. - 1 OMRIX Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. - 1 Jerusalem - 1 Alubin Ltd. - 2 High Performance Optical Optibase Ltd. - 7 Clalit Health Services - 1 Polymers Ltd. - 1 Alvarion Ltd. - 1 Orbit Communication Ltd. - 1 Edna Pasher, PhD. & Associates - 3 Ibex Ltd. - 1 Amal Meever Meal Ltd. - 1 Ormat Systems Ltd. - 1 EFP Consulting - 5 IBM Ltd. - 12 AMT&S - Palbam Ltd - 2 Peptor Ltd. - 1 Elia Ben-Shabat Transportation & Traffic IDEA Information Systems Ltd. - 1 Analyst Research Laboratory Ltd. - 1 PML Particle Momitoring Engineering - 1 Idioma Ltd. - 1 Environmental & Water ApNano Ltd. - 1 Technologies Ltd. - 1 I-Logix Israel Ltd. - 1 resources engineering - 1 Arava Development Company Ltd. - 1 Procognia - 1 Infogate Online Ltd. - 1 Ernst & Young (Israel) Ltd. - 1 Archaezyme Ltd. - 1 Proteologics Ltd. - 1 InkSure Technologies Ltd. - 1 RAD DATA Communications Ltd. - 2 Euro-Consultants Ltd. - 7 Arel Communications Galilee center for promotion - 1 and Software Ltd. - 1 Insightech Ltd. - 1 RADVision Ltd. - 1 Galilee Development Authority - 1 Argad Ltd. - 2 Institute for Medical Red Sea Corals Ltd. - 2 Biomathematics - 1 GII - Geophysical Institute of Israel - 1 ATCT Industries Ltd. - 2 RED-C Optical Networks Ltd. - 1 Internative Solutions Ltd. - 1 Global Research & Financing- 2 Ayalon Highways Ltd. - 1 Relsoft Ltd. - 1 Iscar Ltd. - 1 Greek Orthodox patriarchate - 1 B.G.Polymers Ltd. - 1 RIO Systems Ltd. - 1 Iscom Composites Ltd. - 1 Hadassah Medical Center - 7 Bamboo Ltd. - 1 Ron Dvir Innovation Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. - 21 Hydrological Service of Israel - 1 BIO-Bee Sde Eliyahu Ltd. - 1 Technologies Ltd. - 1 Israel Electric Corporation Ltd. - 1 IOLR - Israel Oceanographic BioKine Therapeutics Ltd. - 2 Rossetta Genomics Ltd. - 1 Jemtex Ink Jet Printing Ltd. - 1 & LimnologicalResearchCenter - 14 Bio-Pure Technologies Ltd. - 1 RSL Electronics Ltd. - 2 Jordan Valley Ltd. - 1 Institute for medical biomathematics - 1 Browzwear International Ltd. - 1 RUNCOM Technologies Ltd. - 1 Kailight Photonics Ltd. - 1 Savyon Diagnostics Ltd. - 1 ISERD - Israel Directorate for the EU Cancertek Pharmaceuticals Ltd. - 1 Framework Programme - 12 Karmapharm Ltd. - 1 SCT Stem Cell Technologies Ltd. - 1 CeLight Ltd. - 1 Israe Cohen Institute Kivun Strategy and Business Sea Or Marine Ltd. - 1 Cima NanoTech Israel Ltd. - 1 Development Ltd. - 1 for Biological control - 2 SercoNet Ltd. - 1 Cimatron Ltd. - 1 KLA Tencor Ltd. - 2 Israel Anti-Drug Authority - 1 Sheer Networks Ltd. - 1 ColorChip Ltd. - 1 Kollmorgen Servotronix Ltd. - 1 Israel National Museum of Science, Shiron Satellite Ltd. - 1 Technology and Space - 1 Compugen Ltd. - 2 Lenslet Laboratories Ltd. - 1 Sol-Gel Technologies Ltd. - 1 Israel Palestine Center - 1 Comverse Ltd. - 2 Lumus Ltd. - 2 Sphericon Limited Ltd. - 1 Israel Science Foundation (ISF) - 2 Correlation Systems Ltd. - 2 Magnesium Research Institute - 1 Surface Technologies Ltd. - 1 Israeli Olive Oil Board - 1 Creative Technologies Israel Ltd. - 1 Main-net Ltd. - 1 Tadiran Batteries Ltd. - 1 Jerusalem Development Authority - 1 CRYTEC Ltd. - 1 Medic4all Ltd. - 1 Tadiran Spectralink Ltd. - 1 Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies - 1 Cyota Ltd. - 2 Mekorot Water Company Ltd. - 2 Tadiran Telecom Communication - 1 Jewish Agency - 2 Dead Sea Periclase Ltd. - 1 METALINK Ltd. - 1 Target-In Ltd Ltd. - 1 Kaplan Medical Center - 1 Di.S.P. Distributed Solar Power Ltd. - 1 Metaor Ltd. - 1 Tekoa Mushroom Farm Ltd. - 1 Kenett-Preminger Associates Ltd - 1 Diagnostic Technologies Ltd. - 1 Millenium Electric T.O.U.Inc. - 2 Textology Ltd. - 1 Kimron Veterinary Institute - 1 Elbit Systems Ltd. - 1 Motorola Israel Ltd. - 4 Theravir Management Ltd. - 1 ELOP Industries Ltd. - 1 M-Systems Ltd. - 1 Magnet Program - 1 Unicorn Ltd. - 1 Emblaze Ltd. - 1 Nano Polymer Ltd. - 1 Mandel Leadership institute - 1 VCON Ltd. - 1 Erez Thermoplastics Nano Size Ltd. - 1 Manufacturers Association of Israel - 1 Products Limited -1 Vitrouch Ltd. - 1 Nanopwoders Industries Ltd. - 1 MATIMOP - Israel Industry Centre for Evogene Ltd. - 1 VKB Ltd. - 1 NDS Ltd. - 2 R&D - 6 Exent Ltd. - 1 Vocal Tag Ltd. - 1 Ness ISI Ltd. - 1 Meir Hospital - 1 FCS Holdings Ltd. - 1 Winetworks Ltd. - 1 Netafim (A.C.S.) Ltd. - 1 Migal - Galilee Technological Center - 5 Fourier Systems Ltd. - 2 Wisair Ltd. - 3 NICE Systems Ltd. - 1 Ministry of Agriculture - 2 FreshPoint Quality Assurance Ltd. - 1 Yamar Ltd. - 1 Novamed Ltd. - 1 Ministry of Environment - 1 Galilee Flavours Ltd. - 2 Yitran Communications Ltd. - 2 NSC Ltd. - 1 Ministry of Health - 8 GeneGrafts Ltd. - 1 Yodfat Engineers (1994) Ltd. - 1 Ministry of Science - 4 Municipalty of Holon - 1 Museum of Science - 1 ACADEMY WINNERS ORT Braude College of Engineering - 1 OSM-DAN Ltd. - 8 Bar Ilan University - 26 Institute for Democratic Education - 1 Rad BioMed Incubator - 1 Ben Gurion University - 28 The Inter University Computation Ceneter (Makhba) - 1 Rambam Medical Center – Haifa - 4 Emek Yezreel College - 1 Open University - 2 Hadassah University Hospital - 2 Technion - Israel Institute of Technology - 80 Schneider Medical Center - 1 Haifa University - 26 Tel Aviv University - 71 Shaare Zedek Medical Center - 1 Hebrew University of Jerusalem - 102 Tel Hai College - 1 Sheba Medical Center - 4 Holon Academic Institute of Technology - 1 Weizmann Institute of Science - 80 Sourasky Medical Center - 2 Volcani Institute - 15 RAD BioMed: A Goodwill Ambassador of the Israeli Incubation & Seed Funding Models in Europe
The Biomedical incubator located in Tel Aviv's “Silicon Valley”, assists a simple blood test. Proterec Israeli start-up companies on their is developing unique enzymes which enable inexpensive road to making a difference in conversion of vegetable and other oils to bio-diesel. Europe / Ynon Avishar Maimonidex RA is developing Dr. Bina Baum Dr. Idan Tamir an antibody for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Situgen is developing a disposable device Transforming scientific research into a viable commercial application for efficient collection of umbilical cord blood - an important source is the goal of the Israeli Biomedical incubator RAD BioMed. The for stem cells. company is considered unique in Israel and Europe for its experience Over the past two years RAD BioMed has extensively represented in leading research projects and developing new technologies. It is Israel's incubation model in Europe – recently, its delegates were focused in the life-sciences and covers the spectrum from academia invited to attend the BioValley convention in Basel, Switzerland in and research labs to industrial implementation through to profitable June 2006, which focused on new funding approaches for biotech products addressing unmet clinical needs. start-ups. They also attended the CEBR meeting in Berlin last August, EU early-stage biotech efforts are inspired by RAD BioMed's which discussed new biotech incubation and seed funding approaches. extensive experience and by Israel's unique system for encouraging The Israeli incubation method and the OCS support for start-ups, early-stage start-ups via funding by the Office of the Chief Scientist continue to draw interest and enthusiasm among European investors of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (OCS). Dr. Idan Tamir - RAD and bio-incubator specialists. BioMed's president and CEO , and Dr. Binah Baum - director of RAD BioMed was recently invited to advance the development of business development, note that RAD BioMed has become a goodwill European biotech consortia within the FP7 program. In the context ambassador of the Israeli incubation model, assisting European start-up of FP6, RAD BioMed has been a synergistic partner and a hosting endeavors and playing an active role in European-Israeli collaboration incubator for projects of new member states, and plans to play a frameworks, representing Israeli advantages in transforming basic similar role in FP7. research into thriving biomedical companies. RAD BioMed's experts collaborated with their European colleagues The RAD BioMed incubator was established in 1992 by Zohar and on international “seed” investments in bio-medical start-ups, which is Yehuda Zisapel and in collaboration with the OCS. It was a pioneering especially valuable to new EU member states that exhibit advanced effort of the RAD Data Communications Group. academic research but lack incubators or the capacity to develop RAD BioMed is, first and foremost, an incubator that nurtures start-up enterprises. enterprises in the field of life sciences: RAD BioMed's assistance focuses on ways to progress beyond the n Biotechnology first phase of the enterprise, securing funding for continued R&D, n Medical devices ensuring thorough follow-up for the development of the enterprise, n Diagnostics and transforming theoretical research into marketable products. n Drug delivery and targeting In order to further the success of collaborations and interactions n Genomics & Proteomics. with European enterprises, the EU founded multinational European RAD BioMed provides its start-up enterprises with a physical models such as European biotechnology incubator consortium NATIBS infrastructure (laboratories and office space and support) in the and the Council for European BioRegions (CEBR). These consortia high-tech compound on HaBarzel St. in Ramat Hachayal, Tel-Aviv. promote international collaboration in biotechnological incubators. All additional funding, beyond that of the OCS, is provided by the (For more information, see www.natibs.net or www.cebr.net). RAD incubator's owners. RAD BioMed provides business development BioMed incubator, an active participant in NATIBS, was chosen as and legal services, as well as marketing and global exposure at a full member of CEBR and as the representative of the Israeli bio- international conventions to promote strategic alliances. It also helps region within this council. raise capital for select incubator graduates. Israel can greatly benefit from Rad Biomed's European activity: Today, the RAD BioMed incubator manages eight companies: Israeli startup companies are exposed in an institutional, orderly and ArioMedica is developing a device for opening occluded peripheral non-episodic fashion to further development within the framework of arteries. ImmunArray develops arrays and software for diagnosing European incubators, to the European venture capital community, to cancer and autoimmune diseases via a simple blood test. SteadyMed is EC funding and to the European industry and market. developing a single-use system for delivering drugs currently given by “The advantages of these unique capabilities,” according to Drs. injection, and focuses on pain management. Recogene advances AIDS Tamir and Baum, “make our European activities a win-win proposition: treatment using a novel gene therapy approach. R&A Biotechnology is everyone benefits from excellent value for their money by participating developing a kit for the diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder via in joint ventures.” ∏ Ø π
New and Improved: the Seventh Framework Program
The Framework Programme is conducted by the EU and does not replace national R&D budgets. Thus, for example, the Sixth Programme’s budget totaled 17.5 billion euros - representing only 5.4 percent of total public funding for civilian research in EU countries. Most budgets are consumed nationally. In the context of the Seventh Programme an effort will be made to change this. A mechanism will be established to promote exchange of ideas and coordination among the national support organizations and the EU, with the aim of influencing budgeting trends, and increasing the overlap between individual nations and EU proprieties. Priorities in cooperation The Seventh Programme is being organized in coordination The new program is longer, more with four main programs. The programs address the four main components of European R&D: ambitious and better funded, Cooperation - joint research efforts among research organizations according to Janez Potočnik from different countries, whose aim is to achieve the leading edge in an essential field in science or technology. This is Israel's largest and most important program, and its budget is expected to total 32.26 billion euros. Ideas – support for new ideas in basic research. In practice, Israel’s inclusion in the European Framework Programme for this will be done by the European Research Council, established Research and Technological Development is the outcome of years as a new scientific foundation similar to the American National of deliberation, political dialogue and timing. Discussions about Science Foundation. Its budget will be 7.46 billion euros. enhancing trade began in the late 1980s, but it was only in 1993, People – improving human resources, to be conducted by the after the signing of the Oslo accords, that the European Commission Marie Curie Actions framework, responsible for varied programs. accepted Israel as a full partner in the European R&D program. The combined budget is 4.73 billion euros. Despite the agreement, Israel's status was still debated, but in Capacities - support focused on research infrastructures and 1995, Europe finally accepted Israel’s request for researchers to studies for the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. The be included in management committees with the same standing budget is anticipated to be about 4.22 billion euros. as other European Union member countries, and thus Israel was Since the Framework Programme’s overarching goal is to integrated into the Fourth Programme. strengthen ties between industry and academia in advancing R&D, projects within the Framework Programme are undertaken mainly Fruitful partnership by consortia - collaborations among a number of organizations from The participation of countries in the Framework program is diverse institutions and countries, for the benefit of all residents contingent on the payment of a fee based on the ratio between a of the EU. The criteria for evaluating a project for the Seventh country’s gross national product and that of Europe. In 1995, Israel Programme are: scientific and technological excellence; degree joined the Fourth Programme, which had begun a year earlier, of influence and the quality of the consortium and management and paid a participation fee of 100 million euros. In return, Israel of the project. attained 50 million euros in grants to Israeli companies. Israel Most of the activity is conducted in two formats: large projects, joined the Fifth Programme from the start, paying participation consisting of 10-20 partners for 36-60 months, with an average fees of 154 million euros, and was awarded 167 million euros budget of 10 million euros (in practice, between 4 million and 25 worth of grants. Over the course of the Sixth Programme, which million euros). Small projects, consisting of 6-15 partners operating ends this year, Israel paid 190 million in participation fees and for 18-36 months, have an average budget of 1.9 million euros expects to receive some 203 million euros in grants. (effectively 0.8-3.0 million euros). The Seventh Framework Programme will have an expanded Another significant area of activity for the Seventh Programme is time frame, 2007 - 2013. In keeping with the EU's decision to the establishment of platforms in cooperation with major European bolster Europe’s competitiveness, the programme’s budgets have industries and other interested parties who together will draft the been increased by 40 percent, and will total an estimated 54 European strategic agenda for R&D. Some of these platforms billion euros - including the EURATOM budget to which Israel will issue calls for proposals, combining national financing with is not a partner. funding from the Framework Programme. The Seventh Programme seeks to resolve disputes and differences Potočnik, “and one way to achieve this is to simplify. When I of opinion that troubled the Fifth and Sixth Programmes, and saw the structure of the Sixth Programme, it was not so easily solutions to past criticism. One issue was the tremendously understood. Our first aim was 'Let's make the programme so simple cumbersome processes and the lack of flexibility. The new program that even the commissioner can explain it.’” endeavors to simplify processes concerning the implementation of In an interview with Cordis News, the EU’s Internet news site, methods to calculate overheads, financing rates and the adoption Potočnik explained that the simplification of the procedures is of a two-stage screening system. essential to researchers. The Framework Programme’s Commissioner for Science and “When you see what it takes to get a contract, and you see how Research, Janez Potočnik, concurs with the importance of the much reporting there is, you try to really push in the opposite simplification process in the Seventh Programme. direction. This is not only my political message, but what I hope “The Seventh Programme should touch people’s lives,” says will be a reality.”
Nanotechnology: Good things come in small packages Cima NanoTech ltd. develops materials that are changing the face of the electronic manufacturing industry / Daniel Efrati
It may sound like science fiction, but nanotech (the capacity to technologies: transparent-to-light, electrically conductive coatings, create materials on the scale of one millionth of a meter) offers of the sort used in plasma screens; and ink which allows the use the capacity to create new materials with extraordinary qualities, of ink jet printers to print advanced electric circuits manufactured such as a substance stronger than steel, yet significantly lighter. by nanometallic powders. Theoretically, one could manufacture a car with a chassis strong Development is focused in three areas: First, varied applications enough to pass the toughest crash tests, yet light enough to lift of conductive transparent films, intended for use in various screens, with your bare hands. In medicine, it may be possible to build smart windows and innovative electronic fixtures. Second, material molecular structures capable of being inserted into individual to full printing of miniaturized electronic components. Third, the cells to fight cancerous growths. Nanorobots could also supervise development of materials for solar cells. controlled drug release, and conduct other medical tasks that once In Europe there is a great deal of interest in nanotechnologies, seemed impossible. given expression by the European Union's Seventh Framework Nanotech also has exciting applications in electronics and Programme for Research and Development. computers. Current methods of electronic component production The European Framework Programme was founded in 1984 seem to have achieved their full capacity for miniaturization, as part of the trend to improve European competitiveness in the creating the need for even smaller new materials. New trends are field of R&D, and it is renewed every four years. focused on manufacturing transistors (several dozen nanometers The Programme's research committee declared nanotechnology to in size) and component platforms the size of a single molecule. be a preferred area of development, and Israeli is the only country The level of development and production of nanotechnologies outside of Europe to take part in EU nanotech programs. in Israel is highly regarded. In certain fields, Israeli industry is Cima NanoTech is one of the few Israeli companies to integrate even considered the world leader. Cima NanoTech is one of the itself into this program, and has partnered in two EU projects. The most prominent Israeli nanotech firms in electronics. The high company is also a partner in a consortium comprising 13 industrial quality of its products has achieved international recognition, and firms and 12 academic research groups. This group advances a joint initiative with a Japanese company is poised to lead to a research in nanotechnology under the auspices of the magnet marketing breakthrough. program of Israel's Ministry of Industry and Trade, guided by Mr. While headquarters for Cima NanoTech Inc., are located in Ilan Peled. Dr. de la Vega, heads this consortium, which is also the United States and managed by Mr. Jon Brodd, most product a partner in the EU research program. The project is examining development and manufacturing takes place in the Israeli subsidiary, health and environmental aspects of nanomaterials. in recognition of the experts in this field concentrated in Israel. The The Seventh EU Framework Programme for Research and company has a multidisciplinary team of 24 experts in material Development will advance alternate energy sources through the engineering and chemistry. The Israeli offices are led by Dr. use of advanced materials. Cima NanoTech's proven research and Fernando de la Vega, an internationally recognized expert. manufacturing capabilities make it a leading candidate for this Cima NanoTech has developed two types of nanomaterial based program, as well as other challenges. 10 / 11 European Framework Programme Scores Well with Israel's Research Community An overwhelming proportion of academic researchers and industry executives believe that participation in the European Framework Programme yields value
A Dahaf survey, conducted by Prof. Mina Tzemach, reveals that the overwhelming majority felt their projects were of strategic most researchers in industry and academia believe the European importance to their company’s work: 18 percent defined the Framework Program is worthwhile for Israel and we should projects as “highly strategic,” while 48 percent defined them as continue to participate. “quite strategic.” Only 8 percent felt they were “of no strategic Israel has participated in the European Framework Programme importance.” (FP) for the past nine years. The Programme requires academic One survey question investigated the respondents’ assessment of researchers, commercial firms and even public offices to adopt their own contribution to the European projects: Among executives, management and practices in accordance with accepted practices 68 percent said their participation contributed to their marketing of the various European research groups. Does the Israeli research efforts. Seventy-four percent of executives said they were exposed community know how to integrate into the European program and to advanced knowledge (the rate was 71 percent among academics). get the most out of it? The FP provided 74 percent of executives and 53 percent of academics with access to new technology in which they would Important funding for academia otherwise not have been involved. The initial probe conducted by the ISrael Europe Research A very high percentage of interviewees concurred that their and Development Directorate (ISERD) revealed that successful participation in the FP made a qualitative contribution to their outcomes justified the cost of Israeli participation in the EFP. Israel knowledge or careers: Ninety percent of executives and 93 percent has paid 190 million euros to be a partner in the Sixth European of academics said they encountered new ideas. Ninety percent R&D Framework Programme, and has, to date, recouped 203 of executives and 89 percent of academics said they acquired million euros directly, via research grants awarded to Israeli new skills. Eighty-eight percent of executives and 89 percent of organizations. Most of these funds - 112.4 million euros—were academics agreed that their involvement in the program advanced channeled to Israeli universities. Thus, the European Union has their professional connections, and 88 percent of executives said become the most significant source of academic funding in Israel, the projects had improved the image of their companies. second only to the Israel Science Foundation. The value of knowledge Integrity of intellectual property Israel’s participation in the FP was not intended to serve as a The Dahaf survey also examined the issue of possible damage source of revenue, but how does one estimate the Programme's to researchers or their organization due to the exposure of their true value? One possible answer is an assessment of the value of knowledge to the other participants in their specific projects. the knowledge gained by Israeli researchers. Data provided by Only 2 percent of academic respondents reported any harm to ISERD, which facilitates the relationship between Israel and the their intellectual property, and there was no report of any damage EU in R&D matters, demonstrates that Israel' participates in a from industrial researchers. broad range of programs (with funding of 3.55 billion euros). The The final questions, regarding the interviewees’ attitude toward Framework has afforded Israeli researchers access to over NIS their participation in the FP, revealed similar feelings among 200 million in grants, granting them access to knowledge whose academics and executives. Ninety-five percent of respondents from monetary value is more than six times that sum. academia and 92 percent from industry said their involvement in To gain feedback from participants in Framework programs, the projects was worthwhile or very worthwhile for them. ISERD’s steering committee commissioned a survey. To assure Is the program worthwhile for Israel? One question noted that complete anonymity, the Dahaf research institute, led by Prof. the government pays considerable sums for Israel’s partnership Mina Tzemach, was commissioned to conduct the survey. in the EU’s research program, and that not all of the funds are returned in the form of research grants. Strategic importance If so, asked the survey, is it worthwhile for Israel to participate Although the results of the survey are not yet final, initial in the program? Ninety-six percent of respondents from industry data reveals the participants’ attitude toward the FP. There were and 80 percent from academia felt that it would be worthwhile, 316 persons interviewed for the survey: 291 researchers and 25 even an the event that only 80 percent of the participation costs executives. are recouped. Seventy-one percent of executives and 15 percent When asked if the project was relevant to the main focus of their of academics felt it would be worthwhile even if only 60 percent work, or addressed secondary subjects, 76 percent of industry of the participation costs were returned to Israel in the form of respondents said it was relevant to their main work topic and R&D grants. A very high percentage of participants concurred that they gained a qualitative contribution to their knowledge or careers
Key findings: Survey on European Israel’s participation in the sixth Framework Programme European research program
The strategic importance of participation to the Grants to Israeli organizations (in millions of euros) company’s work (percentage of respondents) Highly strategic 18% Other 24.4 Quite strategic 48% Not very strategic 24% Industry 64.5 Not strategic at all 8% Did not respond 2%
Academia 112.5
The importance of the project to the researcher's work Industry Academia Very important 70% 86% Number of Israeli participants in approved projects Quite important 12% 11%
Other 145 Industry 209
How worthwhile was your participation in the program? Industry Academia Very worthwhile 62% 68% Academia 429 Quite worthwhile 30% 27%
Number of proposals submitted by Israeli organizations The project's contributions (percentage of respondents) Industry Academia Other 788 Developing technological infrastructures 62% Marketing 68% Industry 1,318 Learning new technologies 74% 52% Encounters with new ideas 90% 93% Professional reputation 92% 85% Academia 2,010 The company’s image 88% Professional connections 88% 89% Human resources development 52% 54% Source: Dahaf 12 / 13 Cars of the Future: Motorola Israel is in the Driver's Seat
New systems to create an autonomous communication system on the road
The car of the future will be a communications center for The sensors are connected to a car computer made by Motorola information on road conditions and general environment and Israel, and a cellular communication system transmits the data to the vehicle itself. Each car will be a link in a widespread mobile a command and control center developed by the German company information network. This vision is the brainchild of Motorola, Tranver, with Munich University and the Bavarian Transportation and is being advanced through the ITS (Intelligent Transportation Administration. This past June, there were trials on Munich roads, Systems) project, initiated and led by Motorola as part of the which were reviewed by the automotive industry in September. European R&D Project. In 2005, Motorola established the REACT The follow-up project, COM2REACT, is designed for situations consortium, followed by the January 2006 COM2REACT follow- in which a vehicle is in an area with no command and control up consortium, the recipient of a 5 million euro grant. Motorola center. is currently drafting a proposal for a third consortium, to develop “The idea is to turn the car into part of a mesh network, in M2M (machine to machine) capabilities at its complementary which cars communicate directly with one another,” explains products division, managed by Aharon Mirsky. Gabay. “One car in every region will be able to assume control The guiding principle of these first two projects is that cars have of the network, gather the data from the nearby cars, process it the capacity to gather information on road and traffic conditions and send it to a major control center. Essentially, this is a virtual and transmit it to command and control centers that can analyze control center that shifts from one car to another.” the data and adjust road signs and send recommendations to Although the EU panel that examined the proposal was impressed drivers. enough to award it the highest score, they noted they didn't believe Dr. Chanan Gabay, who leads the consortiums, explains that the proposal was feasible. The follow-up development team was Motorola came up with the idea in response to a study of the joined by Peugeot Citroen labs, Telefonica of Spain, Navteq, the priorities of the Framework Project. largest digital map creator in Europe, the Israeli startup Sphericon “An important EU goal is the reduction by half of casualties and Jerusalem Transportation, which is building the light rail line from traffic accidents by 21010” says Gabay. “The EU is troubled in Jerusalem. David Lubinski, the Israeli importer for Peugeot by the disproportionate number of road accident casualties, in Citroen, volunteered to assist the project, which will be tried on a comparison with air traffic accidents.” fleet of Citroen C3 cars. A demonstration of the system is planned Gabay realized that significance of the remark. Air traffic, for October 2007 in Paris. unlike land traffic, is controlled by a closed circuit of command Why are you embarking on such a complex project? and control towers: no plane takes off, flies or lands without "In 2009, says Gabay, “cars will be outfitted with a black box permission from the tower. The idea proposed by Motorola Israel (eCall), which will be able to send out an automatic emergency is to create a closed command and control system on the basis of call. This means that, as of 2009, all new cars on Europe's roads car computers developed in Israel, sensors installed in the cars and will be equipped with a communication device. Motorola’s direct cellular communication between motor vehicles and the regional, gain is insight into market trends: we will learn which accessories municipal or national control center. and products are in demand, and what solutions Europeans are The first consortium, which provides a demonstration of the seeking. concept, has ten partners, among them Munich Technical University, “The project also helps answer questions about communication Dutch electro-optic sensor manufacturer TNO and the Bavarian between vehicles and the operations of control and distress centers, Transportation Administration. The system includes a skid sensor, to the nature of the systems and their technological features. We are identify skid hazards, a visibility sensor which recognizes weather looking for a business model that will enable us to operate the conditions such as rain and fog, a motion sensor to check traffic services connected with eCall, and our project demonstrates the conditions via two smart, software-controlled video cameras. added value offered by the system.” Three-fold Protection for Golden Opportunities
relevant legal aspects of the national and international treaties. Dr. Yoram Tsivion, a patent attorney, scientific consultant and founder of a patent agency has mastery of these three skills. Dr. Tsivion began his career in the world of patents as a client. He earned degrees in physiology and biochemistry, a doctorate from the Hebrew University, and a post-doctorate from the Weizmann Dr. Yoram Tsivion is a jack Institute of Science. He is a born inventor, and for years he of all trades. He is one of those acquired patents for his inventions, which he implemented and rare individuals the expertise of registered. Dr. Tsivion has a broad-based technological background whom spans many fields, among drawn from his past experience, which includes the development these is the realm of intellectual of defense technology systems. His experience as an inventor property. Dr. Tsivion recognizes and his multidisciplinary knowledge in the natural sciences, that knowledge is an asset. technology and business, enable him to offer his clients rich and Dr. Tsivion’s firm emphasizes diverse services. protecting intellectual property Dr. Tsivion Dr. Tsivion's office is small enough to offer the client a personal as it is essential to business touch, yet large enough with a staff of ten for a combined 40 development. years of experience in the fields of communications, physics, Property is often conceived of in terms of tangible assets. chemistry, biology, electronics, nuclear physics, medical device, However there are other kinds of property. Books and music pharmaceuticals, agronomy, mechanics, biochemistry and fields may be copyrighted. Innovative products and processes in almost of engineering . The office is located in the Caesarea industrial every field of technology may be patented. Trademarks designate park and provides services to large and small Israeli companies attributes which link products to their source, and plant breeders’ and private entrepreneurs. His clients also include overseas rights apply to novel agricultural crops. companies as well as Israelis who live abroad and develop their These properties are all intangible human creations.. There is work in other countries, but file their applications via his office. no physical barrier to prevent exploitation of them. In lieu of a Several “technological incubators” in Israel make use of Dr. such, the need arises for a “legal fence” to protect the rights of Tsivion's services. As a scientific consultant, he is well equipped creators or inventors. to cultivate ideas in their earliest stages. The law grants exclusive rights to the patent owner and prevents The uniqueness of the Tsivion firm is expressed in a number others from utilizing patented inventions. To acquire a patent one of aspects: must apply to the designated government office.. n Dr. Tsivion specializes in a broad range of fields and the expertise The patent application details specifications for the invention, of his staff enables the firm to offer services in various fields, means for implementation. and “protection claims”, a precise including areas that require interdisciplinary understanding. definition of exclusivity claimed by the inventor or patent owner. n The firm stresses the financial viability of idea development and The patent application must demonstrate that the invention is patent registration - assessing filing feasibility is the first stage of novel, unique, has an industrial use, and offers some benefit. the consulting process. Abstract ideas and models may not be registered as patents - except n The firm knowledge base and administration is completely for “business methods”, recognized as patentable in the United computerized allowing for efficient control and time management States. Software can also be protected in the U.S. as a patent, and in handling patent applications. Advanced hardware and software elsewhere usually under copyright law. provides significant reductions in filing costs. In certain countries, Patent attorneys help inventors submit patent and trademark this allows for direct applications with minimal local assistance applications Filing and handling of a patent application requires and the capacity to present immediate filing confirmations . knowledge in three aspects: technology, law and business. Firstly, This is a significant advantage for companies and individuals one must confirm the invention's technological applications, and seeking to publicize their invention in anticipation of an exhibit whether the level of innovation is patentable. Secondly, one must or presentation to a potential investor. assess whether submitting an application will be profitable, taking Yoram Tsivion’s firm operates under the understanding that in consideration the cost of patenting which may consume some knowledge is power and power must be protected, and leveraged— tens of thousands of dollars over the years. After the decision is to the greatest extent possible, and they use every facility at their made, the patent application must be written and edited, which disposal to provide their clients with the highest quality of service demands professional technological knowledge and fluency in the coupled with the most financially advantageous pricing. 14 / 15
Smaller is better: Israeli Nanotechnology is making an impact
“Since the focus in nanotechnology is still on innovation, and a systems, such as satellites, radars, UAVs and sophisticated electronic great deal of the work is being conducted in universities, Israel has systems. Germany’s Airbus co. is responsible for administrative a significant advantage in this field,” says Dr. Reshef Tenne, who coordination, and IAI’s Dr. Winokur will act as the project’s leads Weizmann Institute’s Department of Materials and Interfaces technical administrator. and the Martin and Helen Kimmel Center for Nanosciences. Israel’s contributions to the field are apparent in initial reports Shining new light on nano-industry of the European Union’s Sixth Framework Programme. One One large nano-project, with 16.7 million Euros earmarked, is success story is directly linked to Dr. Tenne. The company founded being implemented by the CHRPAN consortium, and proves that the on the basis of his scientific discovery, APNANO Ltd., leads a European Framework Programme is a good opportunity to acquire consortium (with an investment of 18.9 million euros) which is information and not just to impart it. Partnering in this project are examining the uses of nanoparticles as lubricants and coatings the Technion and ColorChip from Israel, alongside Fraunhofer, for metallic surfaces in machine parts. Partners in the consortium Phillips, Germany’s Carl Zeiss, the French Committee for Atomic include several major German corporations. Energy and more. This consortium was founded on the basis of Through Tenne’s research, carried out with Dr. Menachem a new material processing technology using multiple ion beams, Gannot and Dr. Lev Margulis, globules with diameters of less developed by the Austrian firm IMS. The technology has many than 100 billionth of a meter were developed. Their lubrication uses in fields such as creating micro-lenses for cameras, creating is better than oil, and this achievement led to the founding of templates for nano-etching technology, fabrication of biological APNANO. The globules developed by the company are intended and chemical components for nano-labs, improving the production to replace lubricant oils in car and aircraft engines. This material, process for electronic components and more. designed for body armor, vehicle protection and with applications The Technion in Haifa leads the consortium’s research group, for super-large TV screens, is made of a unique metal with shock and its first meeting was held in Israel. ColorChip’s role in this absorption five times as strong as steel. consortium has been to develop the abilities of the beam developed What will be the impact of nanotechnology in the future? by IMS in the manufacture of advanced optics. ColorChip is “In the first phase, nanotech will enter simple or even trivial an Israeli start-up firm from Caesarea, which has developed an fields. For instance, medicines that today exist only in formulas innovative technology for the creation of optical components, and need to be taken every six hours, we’ll be able to take just manufactured on glass surfaces, for the optic communications once a day and in smaller dosages, because distribution will be market. The company develops and produces components for better. Upgrading our miniaturization abilities and our ability household fiber-based communication systems. This January, to allow smart devices in our bodies will drastically change the company completed its IPO with $9.5 million, led by the medicine, allowing us to carry out invasive procedures without Bessemer Venture Partners fund and with the participation of the painful surgery. We’ll also see improvements in foods, in optics, Motorola investment fund. in electronics – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.” The potential for nanotechnology to transform industry through New Metals the use of new materials is demonstrated in the NOESIS project, Metals in general, and nanometallic materials in particular, whose participants include IAI and the Weizmann Institute of hold special importance for the future of the chemical, vehicular, Science. The funding from the Sixth European Framework pharmaceutical and other industries. The SELECTNANO Programme is five million Euros. Other partners include Fiat, the consortium, administrated by Bar-Ilan University and with the National Center for Scientific Research in France, the Hamburg participation of the Hebrew University and Israeli companies Technical University and others. OSM-DAN and InkSure, plans to supply nanometallic powders for This project examines the possibility of creating a new type European heavy industry, based on the new Sonoelectrochemistry of composite materials for use in the aerospace industry, based procedure, developed at Bar-Ilan University by Dr. Aharon on combining carbon nanotubes with current materials. The new Gedanken and his team. The consortium has a budget of 2.78 materials offer new mechanical qualities for airplane parts, such million Euros. as sensory abilities, and even responsive abilities and the operation An EU survey, examining scientific publications from 1996- of certain devices. 2000, placed the Bar-Ilan Center for nanosciences 13th in Europe, IAI is one of the companies deriving the most benefits from the as measured by the number of quotes on articles published by its European Framework. It has recently won the lead of the SPEED researchers. Taking part in the project are three Israeli entities: project, with a sum of 19.2 million Euro (out of which 1.7 million Bar-Ilan University, the Hebrew University and Savyon Ltd. are awarded directly to IAI), which will operate for three years Leading the project is Kent University. and will work in collaboration with leading European industrial In 2004, Bar-Ilan won one of the largest projects in the field corporations, including Airbus, Daimler-Chrysler, Bosch, Saab, of new materials with the founding of the 11.9 million Euro Astral and more. The project deals with defining and implementing NABCO consortium, for the development of nanomaterials for system development processes, and its goal is to bring about a use as biological markers for the biotech industry. The project significant decrease in the time and cost of developing complex will be concluded in 2008. Managing the fi nancial support from the European R&D Funds The digital age shrinks distances and stresses quality. Accounting firm Shaham Assoc.C.P.A.(Isr.)along with EurOption Ltd specialize in managing the varied financial management aspects and accounting reports of over ten European consortia! / Daniel Efrati
A consortium is a joint venture of leading academic and industrial coordinating company, allowing the organization and the coordinator entities which work together to develop generic technologies. The specifically, to focus its efforts fully on research and technology. The firm European Union's research budgets allow Israeli companies and research has developed professional cooperation with the EU's officers (as well as organizations to take part in European consortia. Since the Fifth European ISERD), leading to excellent results for all consortium members. Programme, Israelis can participate in consortia not only as members, Consortium members can be confident that reliable financial management Shaham & Assoc. C.P.A (Isr.) and EurOption Ltd's expertise in financial management and coordination, enables consortium coordinator to manage the complex financial issues of European consortia with tremendous success but also serve as coordinators, leading and facilitating research for the will allow them to secure needed funding. When choosing and allocating entire consortium. their resources among research projects, authorities will always prefer Shaham & Assoc. C.P.A (Isr.) and EurOption Ltd's expertise in finance consortia whose finances are properly managed. and administration enables these organizations to manage the complex Shaham & Assoc.’s knowledge and extensive experience are also a financial issues of European consortia with tremendous success. The firm valuable “asset” for individual firms seeking the support of the European has specialized in managing the finances of more than 20 Israeli consortia Programme. They can gain financial and accounting advice based upon in 15 years. The firm's reputation and specific orientation have drawn an in-depth understanding of the entire system, and countless successful several European consortia to request Shaham & Assoc.’s services of interactions and specific financial reports prepared for EU officers. The financial management and coordination, to manage professionally funds Sixth EU Programme requires that all participating consortium members and reports. These comprehensive services of financial management are present a complete R&D cost report and an Audit Certificate. To meet provided to consortia led by Migal, K.L.A. Tencor, PalBam, the Hebrew these requirements, accounting firms that are not specialists cannot University of Jerusalem, the Galilee Development Authority, Tadiran meet easily the demands. Shaham has levered its knowledge and EU Spectralink and others. connections to allow companies to handle these requirements easily, by Shaham & Assoc. offers many advantages. First, it allows the supplying ongoing accounting services that answer the specific needs whole consortium to take full advantage of EU benefits. The firm's of each company. Shaham & Assoc.’s knowledge and extensive experience are also a valuable “asset” for varied individual firms, seeking the support of the European Programme. They can gain financial and accounting advice based upon an in-depth understanding of the entire system, and countless successful interactions with EU officers regarding R& D cost reports thorough understanding of EU regulations and its familiarity with R&D These services allow the full utilization of benefits and the acceptance accountancy enables clients to receive swift and maximum support. In of the greatest amount of support in the shortest time, while fully obeying most cases, organizations receive support for all eligible costs, including the law and EU rules (hundreds of pages long). Financial trust is assured, overheads. a crucial aspect of a company's reputation. The firm's excellent organizational skills assure compliance with strict These services can be provided only by an accountant well-versed EU accounting requirements, which necessitate that financial reports be in these complex fields, and therefore it's no surprise that remarkable submitted within 45 days of the conclusion of each R&D period. Adherence industrial companies and academic institutes from the first rank of Israeli to this schedule is crucial to secure funds for continued research, and in R&D leaders have chosen Shaham & Assoc. Clients include Ormat, addition, to maintain a positive cash flow. Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Universities, Alvarion, Compugen, RAD For example, the final settlement of accounts for the Ocsli consortium Communications, V-CON (an Emblaze subsidiary), Atena/GS-3 (an H. (whose R&D period concluded in December 2005), was completed by Mer subsidiary) and many others. April 2006!(a record, considering that financial and technological reports In anticipating the Seventh Framework Programme, we expect that had to be attained from each European and Israeli consortium member, many more will seek the benefit of the knowledge, experience and and they had to be coordinated, consolidated and presented to the EU. expertise of the Shaham & Assoc.C.P.A Firm as well as EurOption Ltd. The process was closely monitored, and full support was achieved for This expertise will be especially value in light of program changes and all R&D expenses). These records are appreciated not only by clients, new complexities anticipated in accounting and R&D cost reporting but also by the European commission authorities, who views them as guidelines and eligibility. indicators of high-level professional Israeli management. (For further information - please contact directly - Shaham & The firm removes the burden of financial management from the Assoc. C.P.A / EurOption Ltd. TEL: 03-5751122) 16 / 17
The European Framework Programme: Stories of Israeli Success
RSL, IAI and ATCT: pressure and heat, and Apnano has developed the capacity to Improving aircraft maintenance mass produce them. The consortium examines ways to use these 40 Million Euro Investment: materials as coatings for engineering surfaces and as lubricants, Daimler-Chrysler, Thales, Alenia, SAGEM, BAE, Key Partners: to save energy and improve performance of machine parts (in Airbus, Marconi and others. aviation, automotive, energy production and heavy industry). Airlines spend some 20% of operating costs on maintenance, but it is possible to reduce these costs. Mechanics spend some 30% of their time trying to locate malfunctions, and human errors in BioKine Therapeutics: Innovative maintenance are responsible for 15% of all accidents. The goal Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases of the TATEM project is to recognize and corroborate the use of Investment: 18.8 Million Euro various techniques and technologies to make aircraft maintenance Key Partners: Pierre and Marie Curie University (Paris), Munich more efficient. University, Lodz Medical School, Novartis and others. The INNOCHEM consortium comprises a large number of research Wisair: Pervasive UWB low spectral radio and industrial groups focusing on new chemo-kine-based treatments Investment: 37.2 Million Euro for autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. After five years, Key Partners: Motorola, Thales, STMicroelectronics, Mitsubishi, clinical trials will be held. BioKine is located in Rehovot. Telephonica, France Telecom and others. Wisair is participating in the PULSERS consortium, a strategic Theravir and the Hebrew University: and prestigious project of the EU's Sixth Framework. The goal is the development of ultra-wide-band technology for wireless Advancing Genetics in Medicine Investment: 18 Million Euro communications, including technology, infrastructure, applications, Key Partners: Bologna Technological Institute, The Czech Institute regulations, locating UWB technologies and more. The project's for Molecular Genetics, Ulm University (Germany), and others. importance has led to the involvement of key international The CLINIGENE consortium was founded with the aim of industries. establishing a European network of researchers and industrialists in medical genetic research. The shared goal is to advance gene IS-4 International: therapy through the development of safe and reliable systems. Responding to airborne threats The network also focuses on gene transfer and the integration of Investment: 36 Million Euro studies and multidisciplinary developments in the treatment and Key Partners: Siemens, Rockwell, Airbus, BAE, Thales, EADS, mobilization of genes. A full range of organizations are involved Galileo Avionics and others. in developing genetically based medical products and treatments. Leading European aerospace firms have invited the Israeli IS-4 to These include academia, industry, regulatory bodies, clinics and join the SAFEE consortium, led by the French SAGEM company. hospitals. The consortium's goal is to develop new methods and technologies to improve in-flight security, particularly against terror threats. The goal of the consortium members is to ensure that every plane will Technion and ColorChip: Nanometric complete its journey safely. The infrastructure under development Structures includes sensors, communication systems and command and Investment: 16.7 Million Euro control systems capable of dealing with in-flight threats. Key Partners: Fraunhofer, Phillips, Carl Zeiss (Germany), the French Atomic Energy Committee and others. Apnano: Nanoparticles for The CHARPAN consortium advances innovative technology in machine parts processing materials through multiple ion beams, developed by Investment: 19 Million Euro the Austrian IMS company. The technology has many potential Key Partners: Uppsala University (Sweden), Newcastle University applications, among them: production of camera micro-lenses to (UK), EADS, Rolls-Royce, the French Atomic Energy Committee creating templates for nano-etching technology, fabrication of and others. biological and chemical components for nano-labs and improving The Foremost Project is based upon Israeli technologies developed the production process for electronic components. The aim is at the Weizmann Institute, with applications developed by Apnano, to develop solutions for the production of minuscule, complex a producer of nanometric tubes and materials from non-organic three-dimensional templates with precision at a nanometric level. compounds. These materials are exceptionally resistant to abrasion, A follow-up project, involving the Technion in operation. Stories of Israeli Success Israel has enjoyed impressive success - and considerable financial support - in response to proposals presented to the European Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. Below are projects which highlight Israeli contributions to varied fields. The focus is on originality in science and technology
Yamar: Preventing Accidents Investment: 16.6 Million Euro Other Key Partners: Daimler-Chrysler, Fiat, Motorola, Siemens Yamar joined one of Europe’s strongest endeavors to develop a vehicular accident prevention system. The SPARC project is seeking to create a platform that allows vehicles to receive information on road conditions from various information sources, including cameras, GPS and radar, to assess risk and avoid accidents. It is anticipated that the partners will adapt the system- originally planned for trucks - to private vehicles. Stem Cell Research at Hebrew University Investment: 16.5 Million Euro Key Partners: Basel University, Edinburgh University, the Dresden Technological University and others. The special qualities of stem cells provide many opportunities to learn about the nature of the human cell division process and diseases. SCT is a member of the ESTOOLS consortium, coordinated by the UK's Sheffield University. The consortium is working toward developing and implementing instructional tools on genetic activities and molecular networks that regulate the regeneration and cellular differentiation in human embryonic stem cells. The goal is to develop a research platform to advance bio-medical breakthroughs. 18 / 19
Telecom, in Latin America by Portugal Telecom and in North America and Asia by the Israeli Exent company. Weizmann Institute: Proteins for biomedical uses Investment: 15 Million Euro Key Partners: Oxford University, The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, York University and others. The SPINE2-COMPLEXES consortium, led by Oxford University, is planned as a four-year project. Its two main goals are in the field of structural biology: developing systems to gain insight into proteins, and examining the function of proteins and protein complexes in signaling pathways that affect human health. Protelogics: Investigating proteins at Technion and Hebrew University Investment: 15 Million Euro Other Key Partners: the Technion in Haifa, the Hebrew University, the Medical Center University (Netherlands), the Pasteur Institute (France), the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (Germany) and more. The RUBICON consortium, led by Sweden's Karolinska Institute, is investigating the role of the ubiquitin protein and ubiquitin-like modifiers in the cellular inhibition process. The project focuses on promoting rapid advancement in researching the molecular principles of protein changes caused by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like molecular bonding. Investigations will also examine the role these molecules have on the inhibition of basic biological processes, and the implications for treatment of pathological conditions, such as chronic inflammations, nerve degeneration and cancer.
Crytec: Frozen Food Quality Tel Aviv and Hebrew Universities and Investment: 165 Million Euro Savyon Diagnostics: Nanometric chips Key Israeli partners: Volcani, Afcon, Motorola Israel, Freshpoint Investment: 12 Million Euro Quality Assurance and OSM-Dan Other Partners: Genetix (UK), the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov This four-year project of the CHILL-ON consortium is designed Institute (Russia), the East China University of Science and to meet the need to supply quality control for frozen foods. The Technology and others project will include the development of a computer infrastructure The Nacbo consortium, led by Kent University, seeks to develop based tracking system capable of supplying the authorities with materials for use in biological recognition processes via the the tools to carry out quality control and monitoring of the construction of nanometrically etched chips. The project focuses marketing routs of frozen and chilled foods. Among the project's on molecular diagnostics and will develop new and improved goals are improving storage and delivery systems, innovative solutions in biology, medicine, chemistry, process engineering packing solutions, a mobile control unit and an information and and the environment. Among other goals, it will help develop, communication technology software system. In its first phases manufacture and market testing kits for infectious diseases. the project will focus on fish and seafood, broadening to poultry in a later stage. Tel Aviv and Hebrew Universities and Weizmann: The future internet Exent Technologies and Amal: Investment: 8.9 Million Euro Multimedia applications Other Partners: the Swedish Institute of Computer Science Investment: 15.8 Million Euro (SICS), Ericsson, France Telecom, Magdeburg University, CETIC, Key Partners: Phillips, VTT Finland, Fraunhofer, DT Austria ICTP and others. Eindhoven University, Portugal Telecom and T-online. The EVERGROW consortium is an international laboratory which Exent Technologies leads the Games@Large consortium, a four- studies and advances the challenges for the next generation of the year project dedicated to developing new computing architecture internet. Under development is the construction of a system that to advance processing powers. The goal is to provide affordable simulates the internet of the future using a high-speed computer solutions for businesses and homes that will permit any device grid. The goal is to learn how the web will work, analyze traffic to operate computer games on any platform, from computers to characteristics, its physical and logical structure, control systems television. The projected completion is planned for 2010, and it and its service potential. The consortium will develop scientific will be released in the European market by T-Online and Portugal models for the development of the internet of the future. IBM Israel and Weizmann Institute: the content. The project will investigate Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies and develop an approach that utilizes the best Improving design of electronic systems Investment: 7.6 Million Euro technologies to facilitate the distribution of digital media to TV Other Partners: Infineon Technologies, STMicroelectronics, sets, DVD players, music players, cell phones and PCs, without Fourier University in Grenoble. damaging the property rights of the digital media. The PROSYD consortium, led by IBM Israel, began its work in January 2004 and will conclude the project in December 2006. Gilat: Satellite Communications The goal is to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of Inter-Operability Investment: 5.4 Million Euro the European IT industry by developing a new standart - based Other Partners: Avanti Communications (UK), Tellitec Engineering approach to designing electronic systems. This new methodology (Germany), and the Universities of Helsinki and Salonika will unify and streamline different phases in the development of Gilat Satellite Networks leads the VIVALDI consortium, which electronic systems, including definition requirements, planning, focuses on developing architecture, technologies and protocols for implementation and verification, into a complete planning sequence. broadband access to satellite applications in hybrid networks. The This project is intended to improve work processes and to achieve goal is to develop inexpensive access technology for applications a 30% increase in productivity. and services which demand high quality of service (QoS), such as VoIP. Optibase: Arttic advances a new Mekorot: Safety for drinking water appropach to digital rights and management Investment: 5.2 Million Euro Investment: 6 Million Euro Other Partners: University of Barcelona, UNESCO, UWI, : France Telecom, Imperial College of London, Other Partners Cranfield University (Belgium), the Aachen Water Research NagraViaion (Switzerland), the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the Berlin Technical University and others. Institute of Taiwan and others. Mekorot is participating in two projects to improve the quality of The goal of the TIRAMISU project, led by the Optibase company, water and safely use recycled drinking water. The projects (Switch is to develop new methods for copyright protection of digital media, and Reclaim Water) investigate re-using urban sewage water to without damaging the potential distribution, marketing and use of stem the world water shortage. Both projects investigate methods
Home and Away Most electronic communications is based upon linking up with GEO use their phone to reprimand their child for not doing homework… satellites located in a distance of 36,000 km (at “C” or “Ku” band) over The technology developed by ORBIT is based on a combination of the equator. These satellites remain in fixed positions relative to the electronic mechanics and algorithms, embedded in a system capable earth's movement. Since deployment requires a steady and permanent of stabilizing, tracking and locking on a satellite even while moving link between the device and the satellite, connectivity between a quickly and erratically. satellite and an airborne jet, seafaring vessel or high-speed train can While these systems are largely for the civilian world, they can be be problematic. The new telecommunication systems developed by used for military purposes, since the need for real time information is ORBIT give clients fast, reliable broadband internet abilities. a defining characteristic of the battlefield of the future. It's no accident The chief technological achievement of these systems is their high that systems developed by ORBIT have been integrated in military stabilization capability and ability to maintain line of sight with the carriers developed by all of Israel's defense industries – Elisra, Elta, satellite even under the difficult, complicated conditions of mobile IAI, Elbit and RAFAEL. vehicles in which these systems are installed. Business people (or The fact that the systems are integrated in different carriers requires anyone, for that matter) can continue their routine communications technological cooperation between ORBIT and other companies, largely from a plane or a boat – send and receive e-mail, conduct telephone on the antenna/modem/distribution-system link. This link is an essential conversations and other activities. aspect in maximizing the company's technological capabilities. ORBIT's latest cutting-edge system is a low profile antenna for ORBIT, founded in the 1950's, has subsidiaries in the U.S and Britain. high-speed trains. Thousands of passengers can continue surfing the The Israeli office has some200 employees, with another hundred or so net and remain in virtual touch as though they were still at home or at the subsidiaries. The engineers and technologically-trained workers their office. This capability could save thousands of work-hours which are graduates of some of the finest institutes of higher education in their would have been lost without this technology. Supertankers carrying fields. In recent years, the company has achieved considerable growth: It fuel or other substances can keep tabs in real time of the changing controls some 25% of the world market for seaborne stabilization, aiming price of their cargo (during the months they spend at sea). and tracking systems. Thanks to its unique and powerful technological Other long-term seafarers – tourists on extended cruises or crews on capabilities, the company joined the sixth round of the European military ships –can receive real-time information from various land- Union's R&D Framework Programme, developing communication based media: they can watch TV, or even see the happy face - sent as systems for use in high-speed trains and aircraft. internet files – of their daughter who just passed her driving test… or These capabilities will continue to attract collaborations between 20 / 21
to safely return water to underground sources such as aquifers. Elop: Detecting Atmospheric Flight Treatment plans are compared, and the effects of chemical and microbiological activity on water are examined. Hazards Investment: 4.7 Euro Other Partners: Thales, the National Office for the Teaching Hadassah Medical Center: New Genetic and Study of Flight (ONDRA – France), Louvain University Treatments (Belgium) and others. : 5 Million Euro Investment Elop leads the Fidelio consortium, founded to implement : the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine Other Partners atmospheric hazard detection laser technology for aircraft. The (Germany), the Kennedy Center Eye Clinic (Denmark), the Hungary goal is to improve safety in all-weather flight. The focus in the National Medical Center and others. development of a LIDAR-type laser, adapted for use on aircraft in The INTHER consortium develops gene transfer strategies for keeping with appropriate safety, reliability and weight parameters. treating inherited and acquired human disorders. The partners The European aerospace industry is enthusiastic about this highly will develop and implement varied technologies. The three year regarded project, which the European Commission presented as a project will develop and test genetic treatment methods for somatic model project in its June 2006 Aeronautics Day in Vienna. diseases that are a priority for European health. Saliwell: Smart Release of Anti-Narcotic IAI and the Weizmann Institute Medicines for Science: Nanotubes for aircraft Investment: 3.9 Million Euro construction Israeli partners: Bio-Rad, Relsoft System, Assuta Medical Center Investment: 5 Million Euro (coordinator) and Israel's Anti-Drug Authority Other Partners: Fiat, the French National Institute for Scientific Other Partners: Fraunhofer, the Universities of Warsaw, Palermo Research, the Hamburg Technical University and more. and Berlin The NOESIS consortium is a collaboration with IAI and the The goal of the IntelliDrug project is to develop an innovative Weizmann Institute in the field of carbon nanotubes for aircraft intra-oral device to release medicines for treating drug addictions. construction. The project focuses on the development of composite The goal is to control release over the course of days, weeks and flight materials possessing new metallurgic qualities and sensory months, in accordance with individual patient data. A monitoring capabilities, including in-flight tracking of aerodynamic structures apparatus will gather information to be analyzed by an internal and varied response capabilities. signal processing system. Compugen: Models for RNA Research. Investment: 3.8 Million Euro Other Partners: Zurich University, Warsaw University, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Germany) and others. The RIBOSYS consortium, led by Edinburgh University is planned as a three-year project. It will investigate RNA metabolism processes in yeast, in the framework of a project adapting biological system approaches as models for understanding metabolism. The project will build a model of the complex cellular pathways of RNA metabolism through the biological system. The investigation of yeast offers insight into human cellular pathways, which are difficult to examine. The Jewish Agency and the Technion: A toolbox for cultural heritage Investment: 3.7 Million Euro Other Partners: the Technion, ORT France, Fondazione IARD and others. The MOSAICA project is developing a computerized toolbox for intelligent presentations, accessing information for self-discovery experiences and advancing semantic and communal approach to cultural heritage. The development is intended for all European cultural heritage, but will begin with Jewish heritage. The French ORT education network is a partner. Motorola Israel and ARTTIC: Safer and smarter driving Investment: 3.7 Million Euro Other Partners: The Munich Technical University, TNO (the A.T.I. Ashkelon: The Road to Revenue
In addition to wise, caring guidance for entrepreneurs, ATI The A.T.I. Ashkelon technological recommends setting up shop in Ashkelon – a vibrant and strategically located city, with convenient train routes to the Haifa and Ashdod business center invites inventors ports and Ben Gurion International Airport. and entrepreneurs to realize their ATI has already founded several successful industrial manufacturers. These companies now have operations throughout business potential the countriy, from Rehovot and Ashdod to Jerusalem and Netivot. For / By Ynon Avishar instance, Nutralease, located in Mishor Edumim, is a manufacturer of health food supplements produced by the use of nanotechnology. Its nano-emulsion supplements may be absorbed in liquids without Every scientific and technological affecting taste, texture or clarity. entrepreneur dreams of transforming a Other companies include two water treatment firms working brilliant idea into a productive business with Mekorot: Treatec21, which develops water purification venture. One impressive success technologies, has recruited significant capital. The company has was recently achieved by an Israeli expanded, advanced business ties and is developing a line of company cultivated at ATI, the Ashkelon products. Another firm, En Gibton, develops unique ceramic-based Technological Industries business- and organic materials to filter biological and chemical contaminants technology center. The company’s from well waters. These replace environmentally hazardous and excellent idea led to the sale of the firm inefficient carbon-based filters. to a giant multinational corporation for M.S.Vision, a medical device company, is developing a unique David Wazana $120 million. cleansing system for internal medical examinations. The system David Wazana, the energetic Managing Director of ATI, says cleans endoscope lenses and prevents loss of clarity upon contact that the role of his technological center is to transform abstract with bodily fluids, thus maintaining a clear field of vision throughout ideas into prosperous businesses. ATI helps firms develop concepts the procedure. into business entities in fields including medical equipment, bio- Homeland security company Sea-Eye develops underseas medicine, dental equipment, energy, environmental projects, communication systems based on sea-floor-to-surface signaling advanced materials, nanotechnology, water treatment and by advanced acoustics, allowing the transmission of real-time communications. video. Arcoline Ltd. is developing an automatic circuit breaker Managing Director Wazana and the ATI board of directors capable of re-routing power supplies to peripheral substations in a help draw strategic investors to projects with the potential to record 0.3 milliseconds, in the event of power failures. This swift earn high profits. ATI opens the gates to private, institutional and shut-down prevents damage that may be caused by the current venture-capital firms, and offers a team of skilled technological generation of circuit breakers, which disconnect at the relatively and business development experts to support the projects through slow speed of 1.5 milliseconds. all steps of the path of business success. Botanocap Ltd. develops natural agricultural and veterinary Another significant advantage ATI provides for researchers and pest control microcapsules of essential oils to replace harmful entrepreneurs is world class marketing connections to support the chemicals and pesticides. product's technological development and commercial marketing. Uri-Dent Ltd. develops innovative dental crowns for children ATI has strong ties in Asia (China, Taiwan and South Korea), made out of polymers with metallic qualities, for children’s Europe and the United States. molars. They are tooth-colored and without allergens (nickel Wazana notes that “In twenty years, we've built an enormous free). The company was founded in 2003 by Dr. Uri Zilberman, amount of experience. We are able to recognize success stories from who directs the children’s dental division of Ashkelon's Barzilai the start, by thoroughly examining the business and technological Hospital. His highly regarded crown has passed the scrutiny of aspects of an idea. ATI may be seen as a technological capital the American FDA. fund, which offers excellent terms for advancing new projects Topimed Ltd. is developing a skin ointment to treat damage and financial support from government, private investor and caused by age, disease or medical side effects. This ointment strategic funds.” works very efficiently on inner dermal layers. The ATI technological business center, began in the early 1990's Would you like to join this roster of success stories? The only as a tech incubator. But it is highly regarded for its success in address you need to transform your great idea into a commercial bringing to life brilliant ideas for high-profit business projects. success is ATI: 08-675-1122, [email protected] 22 / 23
Netherlands), the National Institute for the Study of Information TAGIP consortium, guided by the Weizmann Institute, focuses and Automation (France). on integrating target genes in plants to induce them to produce The React consortium, founded and led by Motorola Israel, is medicinal compounds. The project also addresses a range of issues seeking to manufacture an aid for safe and smart driving, using a to make medicines more effective. sensor suite installed inside the vehicle. The sensors will monitor weather conditions and road infrastructure, and broadcast the KLA Tencor Israel: New measuring information to a command and control center. This data will be technologies for CMOS production analyzed in real time by a unique decision making model, and Investment: 2.9 Million Euro used to broadcast warnings and instructions to drivers, authorities Other Partners: AMD Germany, the Belgium University of and road security and enforcement services. By using vehicles Micro-Electronics and others. as mobile sensors, the system can provide up-to-the-second KLA leads the OCSLI consortium which promotes measuring information on all traffic routes. technologies for the production process of silicon chips, using 65 nanometer technologiesand beyond. The chip production Holon Institute of Technology and process involves the creation of multiple layers of material, which Wisair: Fiber optics communications requires accurate measurements to reduce the chip rejection rate. Investment: 3.6 Million Euro The project was completed in October 2005 by developing new Other Partners: the Valencia Technological University, the Centre solutions for a reliable measuring system. for Photonics (UK), Tes Electronics, Thales. The UROOF project comprises a consortium investigating the Bar-Ilan University, Inksure and OSM- technological feasibility for delivering ultra-wideband radio DAN: Nanometals against forgery signals through fiber-optic infrastructures. Other partners in the Investment: 2.8 Million Euro consortium are development institutes. Other Partners: the Hebrew University, the Max Planck Institute, POMETON (Italy), BASF (Germany) and more Palbam: Utilizing magnesium Bar-Ilan University leads the SelectNano consortium, designed technologies for aerospace by IAI and Alubin to find new applications for nanometallic particles. The project is Investment: 3.4 Million Euro based upon a new process called Sonoelectrochemistry, developed Other Partners: IAI, Airbus, EADS, Hanover University and in Bar-Ilan, which allows the production of metallic particles at a others. nanometric scale. These particles can be used as anti-counterfeiting Airbus leads the MAGFORMING consortium, coordinated by measures by adding them to the ink used in printing coding labels the Israeli Palbam. The project advances magnesium processing and as pigment and coatings additives and in the production of methods for the aerospace industry, and focuses on developing conductive materials. The particles' use will be tested by inclusion technologies to improve the use of magnesium to lower aircraft in paints and inks used for authentication purposes. weight, decrease fuel consumption for land vehicles and develop new magnesium production and industrial design technologies. The Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University: DNA-Based Nanoelectronics Ben Gurion University: Deciphering the Investment: 2.3 Million Euro Genetic Code Other Partners: Regensburg University, Madrid University, the Investment: 3.1 Million Euro Lausanne School of Technology and others. Other Partners: University of Brussels, the Stockholm The DNA-NANODEVICES group includes Europe's leading Bioinformation Center, the Ontario Cancer Institute, ALMA scientific institutes in the field of nanoelectronics. The group is and others. seeking to develop systems for production of extremely small DNA Decrypting the information coded in the gene sequence and its - based nano devices. The aim is to investigate different aspects application to the biological function of genes and proteins is a of this future technology, including a theoretical understanding key challenge in the post-genomic era. The GeneFun consortium of aspects of energy; developing control technologies for the focuses on the computerized prediction of gene functionality, and new components and classification. The main goal is to develop seeks to solve problems pertaining to data in genome data bases, a prototype electronic component based upon a single DNA to develop data quality assessment methods, automatic sequence molecule. analysis and use of the internet to decode sequences. The Volcani Institute, Analyst Research The Weizmann Institute and Evogene: Laboratories and OSM-DAN: Engineering Plants Insight into fertility Investment: 3 Million Euro Investment: 2.2 Million Euro Other Partners: The Czech Institute of Experimental Botany, Other Key Partners: the Wessex Institute of Technology, the the French National Center for Scientific Research, Geneva MRC Institute of Health and the Environment (UK), the National University and others. Research Institute (France) and others. Plants may be viewed as environmentally friendly, solar powered In recent years, much interest has been focused on the general factories, capable of manufacturing medicinal proteins. The decrease in fertility. Experiments demonstrate that many chemicals imitate the activity of fertility hormones, which may mean that of Lubliana, University of Warsaw and others. exposure to environmental pollutants could affect reproductive The GEN.DI.STA.CRI. project is one of a variety of social science rates. The F&F consortium, managed by the Israeli OSM-DAN, programs funded by the EU to promote insight into the link is investigating the effect of environmental on fertility, to identify between social trends and quality of life. This project examines and assess the presence of pharmaceutical products found in the the decline in quality of life of citizens of 16 countries as a result environment (particularly fertility hormones such as estrogen, of the crisis in welfare policies, and compares the positions of men and women. androgen and thyroid hormones), and to study their effect upon human fertility. Volcani Institute: Fighting pests Investment: 1 Million Euro Haifa, Hebrew, Tel Aviv Universities and Other Partners: The Montpellier Institute of Agricultural Research Weizmann: Social networks (France), Koppert Biological Systems (Spain), the University of Investment: 1.8 Million Euro Practical Life Sciences (Austria) and others. Other Partners: The French Center for Scientific research, The spider mite (Tetranychus) is a pest which harms fruit crops, University College London, Vienna Technical University and vegetables and decorative plants. The mite may have a natural others. enemy, the Neoseiulus Califomicus, but its efficiency and range The PhD project, which includes research centers throughout are climate-dependent. The Euromite consortium is led by the Europe, connects leading research groups with young researchers Vulcani Institute and includes the Israeli companies Bio-Bee Sde (PhDs and post-doctorates) from various mathematical fields, Eliyahu, the Arava Development co., Kivun and the Yisrael Cohen including probability science, multidimensional geometry, Institute for Biological Control. They are working together to combinatorics, mathematical physics and more. The goal of collect different species of spider mites from different climates, the program is to train the researchers in new scientific fields classify them and nurture more effective species of predators, and to create a network of connections and contexts, which will especially species adapted to dry climate conditions. use mathematics to promote prominence for existing scientific fields. Other Israeli partners are the Hebrew University, Tel Aviv Volcani Institute: Knowledge transfer University and the Weizmann Institute. Investment: 700,000 Euro Other Partners: Scientia Terrae of Brussels and others. Earth and water based multicellular microorganisms have a great The Emek Yezreel College: deal of influence, both positive and negative, on agriculture and Investigating quality of life public health. The TRICHONEMA project advances the transfer Investment: 1.5 Million Euro of knowledge between academia and industry with experience in Other Partners: the Czech Republic Academy of Science, fighting microorganisms using fungi. In many cases, these links can University of Piraeus, Shimane University (Japan), University lead to productive cooperation in the aftermath of the project. 24 / 25
A simple new test predicts pregnancy complications
This year, Diagnostic Technologies (DTL), based in Yokneam Illit, it especially strong in the field of modern biotechnology, protecting the proved that with the right idea, even a young start-up can lead an important intellectual properties that are the cornerstone of DTL’s activities. consortium in the European R&D Framework.. In November 2005, DTL submitted a grant application to the EU 6th One in five pregnancies is at risk There is a considerable potential market: Infertility affects approximately R&D framework of life sciences and healthcare program. The application 20% of couples in the western world, and about 20% of pregnancies are aims to screen early in pregnancy women who are at risk to develop at risk. Among the worst complications is preeclampsia, a pregnancy preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder associated with pregnancy induced disorder that is associated with sudden hypertension, a damage to the hypertension and damage to the kidney, liver or the brain of the mother. In kidney, the liver and the vascular system, which can exuberate to brain addition, the application included a plan to tailor medications for women convulsion and stroke. When women develop the severe disorder delivery identified as being at risk to develop preeclampsia. The company assembled is initiated, and the newborn are often delivered prematurely and suffer a consortium of European partners, which earned the outstanding project from motor and cognitive disorders and blindness. Women who suffered prize honor in lifesciences and healthcare for 2006. from preeclampsia are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular ailments Consortium members include PerkinElmer of Finland, which holds later in life. Preeclampsia affects 5-7% of all pregnant women and is world distribution rights to the preeclampsia diagnostic kits developed by responsible for 18% of maternal deaths during pregnancy, and about DTL; the company’s Portuguese distributor of preeclampsia diagnosis , one third of pre-term deliveries. The treatment of women and newborns and the European leaders in preeclampsia research, who are the company suffering from complications of preeclampsia as estimated by the US partners in the clinical trials in Austria, Hungary, England, Italy and Department of Human Health is approximately $30 billion annually. Switzerland. These partners are world leaders in the field, including “Even though the World Health Organization has determined that Professor Kypros Nicolaides of England, a pioneer in first trimester preeclampsia is the second most common cause of death among prenatal diagnostics. pregnant women, to this day, no simple test has been found to predict The proposal submitted to the European Framework Project was its development.” scored very high obtaining a score of 28.5 out of 30, and received the DTL’s business model is based on providing solutions to the growing full funding requested - 2.3 million euros. The three-year project has pre-natal diagnostics industry. A growing proportion of women in the three main goals: western world undergo numerous prenatal tests to ensure the success of 1. Improving the efficacy of first trimester prediction of the risk for a later the pregnancy. The company goal is to provide means and tools that will development of preeclampsia based on blood tests and the determination enable every pregnant woman to undergo a simple, quick and inexpensive of placenta protein 13 (PP13), a biomarker developed by DTL to predict screening test during the earliest stages of her pregnancy to reveal her level the risk for preeclampsia. of risk for developing preeclampsia. If a woman is defined as belonging 2. Examining the efficacy of longitudinally repeated blood tests of to the high-risk group, the next goal is to create a system of surveillance preeclampsia biomarkers coupled with monitoring the efficacy of anti- that will follow the progress of her pregnancy, via repeated tests and preeclampsia drugs and food supplements currently in use; and examine the efficacy of preventive treatment. The PP13 test is positioned 3. Developing new products to advance diagnosis and treatment for to assess the development of the illness and its stages and to indicate if women at high risk for preeclampsia. a treatment has been effective in preventing preeclampsia. Genetic treasure At present, the company’s main shareholder is the Haifa-based Teuza Behind the award-winning proposal is the basic research conducted Venture Capital Fund and the company chairman, Giora Meyuhas. Other in Israel, which led to the scientific breakthrough by researchers at the investors include the Technion, Venture funds from the US and from Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. In the early 1990s, England, Mr. Ken Abramowitz, the founder of NGN Capital - the largest Technion scientists sought an efficient way to conduct genetic tests, and US healthcare VC and private investors. DTL has raised over $4 million focused their efforts on the placenta, whose characteristics make it the to date, of which $800,000 were grants provided by the Chief Scientist perfect tissue for conducting genetic studies. They discovered approximately 56 specific proteins and genes related to processes regulating pregnancy development or pathology. Among the proteins they had identified and isolated was Placental Protein 13, or PP13, a protein that was discovered to be associated with the development of preeclampsia. The Technion researchers discovered that the level of this protein is abnormal in women who will go on to develop preeclampsia. In 1994, DTL was founded to explore commercial applications for this discovery. In the early years, the company was based in the Technion’s laboratories. After fine-tuning its technology, DTL left the Technion in 2001 and developed a simple method for the determination of the protein in blood samples of pregnant women. It quickly became clear that the test enabled to predict in the first trimester with a very high degree of certainty woman’s risk of developing preeclampsia in the third trimester. DTL’s registered patents are on the protein and genetic sequence of PP13, on monoclonal antibodies to detect its level and on kits to screen women at risk for preeclampsia. The patents covered a number of parameters which made Diagnostic Technologies of Yokneam is the only company in the world capable of predicting future cases of preeclampsia (toxemia in pregnancy) office of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Employment.
The PerkinElmer deal In December 2005 DTL signed an exclusivity agreement with PerkinElmer for the global distribution of tests based on PP13 for identifying women at high risk of developing preeclampsia. PerkinElmer’s announcement of the signing of the agreement noted that unlike other biomarkers for the development of preeclampsia, detectable only a few weeks before the appearance of clinical symptoms, whereas PP13 indicates a woman’s risk right from the beginning of the pregnancy. “Clinical trials to date demonstrate that measuring PP13 in the mother’s blood in the first trimester of pregnancy predicts risk with a 90-percent accuracy rate,” stated the announcement. DTL is the first company in the world that has developed a test for predicting the development of preeclampsia from the early stages of pregnancy. The test kit has been approved for use in Europe and approval in other countries, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is anticipated soon. After signing the distribution agreement with PerkinElmer, which included an advance of $3 million, DTL moved into a newly equipped building in Yokneam, designed and operated according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) regulations for manufacturing of medical products. DTL has established the European "Pregenesys" consortium whose aim is to advance the identification of early biomarkers to determine the risk for preeclampsia required to develop preventive treatment against preeclampsia. Prof. Nicolaides, head of the Fetal Medicine Foundation and a Pregenesys partner, illustrated the importance of the follow-up tests when he said that there is no proven method for preventing preeclampsia at present. “But there is evidence that taking low [daily] doses of aspirin from the first trimester can reduce its incidence,” said Nicolaides. DTL’s vision is to be the leader of biomarkers for preeclampsia and women’s health disorders. The company is developing methods to increase the accuracy of the PP13 test. One method being examined is the combination of the PP13 blood test and the blood flow in the mother’s arteries to the placenta, which is measured via a Doppler ultrasound and can detect changes in blood flow to the placenta. Another project currently under way at DTL is the development of a kit for detecting papiloma virus associated with cervical cancer. The company is about to sign up with Grant Life Sciences of Los Angeles an agreement to develop a new product for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. 26 / 27
Strategies for Winning Proposals
Take into account a full range of The wi-fi developer should develop a proposal to plan an entire factors - from EU priorities to your system to provide wi-fi to all of Europe's major cities. This would include hardware, software and integration elements. This kind of own long-term goals - when you project offers excellent leverage for the coordinator, since it can plan to present a project to the recruit potential clients and strategic partners, and lead to future collaborations through a 'pull', rather than 'push' method. Seventh European Framework The second option is a bottom-up approach. First you define the need, and then tailor-fit your solution via technological Programme / Dror Yeger development. This makes it easier to market the project, since its value is relative to the cost of the problem. The consortium will also have a more attractive line-up of partners, because it will include a broader range of players. The Seventh European Union R&D Programme will soon be For example, for a Motorola Israel project, which specializes in launched, and Israel is prominent among the participating nations. communication systems, traffic was defined as a major European Israeli companies provide added value in both technological problem. An offer was made to develop a traffic monitoring innovation and entrepreneurship. In encouraging R&D, the system, consisting of smart communication boxes installed in cars European Framework Programme offers great opportunities for alongside a central data processing system. The partners were a Israeli industry, including help in entering European markets, governmental traffic control company, a large auto manufacturer, creating strategic partnerships with leading players, benefiting two universities, a large telephone company and others. from grants and retaining full rights to intellectual property. In practice, the "value" of a project can be perceived in several The Seventh Programme will be conducted over the course of ways: lowering congestion would reduce wear and tear on roads, seven years, and its budget will reach over 50 billion Euros. Funding and reduce the number of lost work hours, decrease traffic accidents, for small to medium companies has been increased by 75%. The reduce the volume of vehicular pollution (a priority of the Kyoto Seventh Programme is continuing the Sixth Programme's efforts Accords), and improve European competitiveness with other to simplify processes and allow more flexibility, especially in the world powers. expansion of the authority of project coordinators. Your first consideration is whether to aspire to be a coordinator, Choose your partners carefully or participate as a partner. Although partners need not take on Upon reaching the partner selection phase, one must consider certain responsibilities and administrative task, coordinators have both the consortium's structure and the partners' core capabilities an inherent advantage. They can develop and conduct projects on the other. Partners are naturally assessed by qualities such adapted to their own organization's development plan. They direct as technological capabilities, core capabilities and potential for the planning and procgress, have an impact on partner selection, synergy in sharing and transferring knowledge. Thought must and oversee the budget. also be given to funding allocations (among countries, partners, This decision is significant over the long term. It is easier to join universities and industry), and the type of partners that will be a project if you can provide "evidence of European Union club members of the consortium. activities." If you have been a coordinator, you will have access To achieve a high rating in the clause on "quality and relevant to more information and offers to join projects than partners. experience of the individual participants" clause, it is helpful to include universities, small and medium-size entities and players Strategy for project presentation from new EU nations, such as Poland and Malta. It is important A company with a strong and unique technology has two to be attuned to the EU pulse, understanding the latest trends in options in presenting a project proposal. The first is the top-down Brussels is imperative to building a winning consortium. approach: from this perspective, projects are defined by their Of course, the people involved make all the difference. Consider technological value and relevance to the technological objectives the role of key players in the organizations and their commitment of the EU's programme. The downside is that this approach is less to the project's success. Too many projects have failed because not precise, and it may be difficult to link the project to EU priorities enough consideration was given to the human element. Personal (transportation, education, health, etc.). For example, a company relationships and networking is vital, whether you take on the developing advanced wi-fi will have a difficult time selling the role of a partner or a coordinator. project, since it has no direct relevance to urgent EU issues. The Other factors include planning problems, a lack of compatibility project may not be conducive to building a consortium, since the between budgets and outcomes, lems with initiating and planning focus is strongly linked with the initiator's As a result, the partners the proposal, lack of compatibility between budget and results, a gain less added value, which makes the enterprise less viable. strained, poor use of funds, and of course, overlap with projects The solution to define your project's agenda more broadly. approved in the past. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of specialized consulting and management firms involved in all phases of managing international R&D projects
Innovation: the best response to long-term challenge In The Ambidextrous Organization, Dr. Tushman of Harvard University notes that due to the dynamic nature of today's market and the rapid pace of change, executives must plan for the short, medium and long ranges. Beyond the day-to-day administration of the organization, they must anticipate trends and assess future opportunities. How can this be achieved while coping with competing priorities and limited resources? In a survey of executives conducted by IBM (“Expanding the Innovation Horizon Global CEO Study 2006”), 765 managers from firms throughout the world were interviewed on the topic of innovation. Of the Even after receiving a project, respondents, 66% estimated that their business environments would undergo radical changes in the next there are still many factors two years, and that innovation would be essential to survival. that can make-it-or-break- Among the leading insights expressed by the executives: it: management, intellectual n The responsibility for innovation must be led at the level of the chief executive; Innovation is best created property issues, budget control, through cooperation with other companies (business partners, clients and others) European bureaucracy, departure n Collaborations with other companies are more efficient then self-produced innovation or dismissal of partners and n Innovation can be achieved through the application of new business models, and not only by developing failure to achieve key milestones. new products It is also important to cultivate n New business models require cooperation with outside companies the ability to overcome cultural n The two greatest stumbling blocks to innovation are an unsupportive business culture and limited differences among group funding members. The Seventh R&D Programme provides an effective response to these issues through its structured system In recent years, there has of practical research collaborations, generous budget allocations, and deference to intellectual property rights of participants. been a significant increase in the number of specialized consulting and management firms involved in all phases of management firms.) This led to the decision that for the Seventh managing international R&D projects. Beyond their diverse skills Programme, the EU will underwrite 100% of all management in areas from proposal writing strategies to in-depth networking, costs, with no ceiling. This approach has been so well inculcated in they take responsibility for thoughtful and professional management Europe that conglomerates such as Airbus employ external project of all phases of the project, providing all partners (including the management departments to handle aspects of management. We coordinator) with the peace of mind needed to focus their energies predict this trend will have an impact on Israel during the course on core R&D activities. of the Seventh Programme. A comparative study proves that projects conducted by the Dror Yegar directs strategy for ARTTIC Israel, of ARTTIC Sixth Programme (done with the help of management firms) International, which specializes in managing and building international achieved better results and higher levels of effectiveness than R&D projects, including projects in the framework of the EU's R&D those conducted in the Fifth Programme (without the help of program. Contact: [email protected] ≤∏ Ø ≤π
Ten recommendations for writing a winning proposal Important tips for presenting your project to the European Framework Programme for R&D
The European Union’s Framework Find3 the right partners Programme for Research and The consortium structure proposed proposal must include a clear and detailed Technological Development defines its by the Framework Programme is very operating plan for the execution of the goals by topics and broader research important and you must ensure (and project and the realization of its goals. aims. The program is a competitive emphasize in the proposal) that each of Bear mind of course, that additional platform in which every proposal is the consortium’s members represents a criteria and different focal points may examined against other proposals and the unique link in the project’s “value chain.” come into play in varying programs. . determining factor is the final total points Each partner has a different task, and awarded. Below are ten recommendations you must be confident (and indicate in Read7 the guidelines carefully for building an attractive proposal, for the proposal) that the partners are suited Proposals are evaluated n the basis of a proposal writers and everyone involved and committed to the task assigned to questionnaire in which examiners verify in advancing the project. them. The right partners are ones that that the proposal meets the requirements complement one another well. of each of the guidelines, and they must explain the rating they give each criterion. Stress4 the excellence of the The proposal must therefore meticulously proposal follow and relate to all the requirements Emphasize and explain why your in the guidelines. proposal is of the highest standard and You must understand the program 1 advances the state-of-the-art. Highlight The Framework Programme’s goals Show that the proposal can be your project's contribution to improving 8 are to strengthen Europe’s status in a implemented knowledge-based society, increase Europe’s competitive ability and to The work plan must reflect the ability the competitiveness of the European solving social problems. to implement the proposed project, with economy and bolster its technological a reasonable budget and a well-planned foundation. For this purpose, Israel is part and balanced timetable that includes 5Remember that the proposal is a of Europe. It is important to be aware of clear milestones and a detailed, but the main programmatic documents and marketing document Your proposal must compete with other reasonable, analysis of the tasks. One the strategic policy documents relevant proposals that have similar features. must specify the risks (technical and to your research proposal. Remember, your document must sell organizational). your idea—especially the abstract. The Choose2 the most suitable topic examiner receives many proposals. Pay9 attention to the fine details A proposal submitted to the EU must The abstract will be read first and will The final polish indicates a quality match the requirements of the work determine the first impression, and thus proposal. You must therefore review plan of the public call from the relevant the attitude to the other components. the proposal a number of times before program. You must identify how your submitting it, to ensure that it is worded project matches and contributes to the clearly and that the content is logically technological, scientific, policy and all- Meet6 the criteria The EU Commission defines three organizing. Give careful attention to over social goal as they are worded in basic criteria: consistency and completeness of the the work plan. If your project meets (a) Scientific and technological details. more than one goal, make sure that excellence: Repeat and emphasize how the proposal relates first to the most the project advances the program’s goals Take advantage of assistance important goal. To keep up to date with 10 in new and extraordinary ways. Every bit of advice is valuable. these goals, it is important to keep in (b) Degree of influence: Define Consult with ISERD and with other touch with ISERD (the Israel Europe explicitly how your proposal promotes experienced organizations to formulate Research and Development Directorate) the program’s goals. Write in detail, and draft your proposal. Ask colleagues, and participate in events that ISERD to demonstrate your proficiency in the project partners and, of course ISERD and the EU Commission organize in subject and in the program’s goals. personnel, to review your proposal prior your field. It is advisable to consult and (c) The quality of the consortium to submission. meet the relevant research officers at the and the project’s management: Stress EU Commission in Brussels whenever the unique contribution of each of the possible. partners and demonstrate that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The The fast lane between Israel and Europe
"Europe is Israel’s closest and What is ISERD’s role? “Nine years ago, ISERD began its operations led by: the most natural market,” says ISERD chief scientist at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, who Director General Marcel Shaton serves as chairman; the chief scientist at the Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports, and a representative of the Planning and Budgeting Committee, who serve as deputy chair. There are also representatives of the Finance and Foreign Ministries. ISERD "The European Framework Programme was designed to create formulates Israel’s position on all aspects of the Framework scientific and industrial cooperation and help Europe increase its Programme and presentation to the EU authorities, ensuring the capacity to compete,” says Marcel Shaton, director general of participation of Israeli entities in the program and reporting to the ISERD (Israel Europe Research and Development Directorate). Israeli government on the implementation of ISERD’s goals. “Our participation in the program enables us to benefit from the “ISERD represents Israel in the Framework Programme’s achievement of these goals.” management committees at the European Commission, is ISERD was established in 1996 to serve as the liaison between responsible for the promotion of Israeli interests to the Framework Israel and the European Framework Programme for Research and Programme’s key organizations, such as research institutions Technological Development. Its establishment was supported by and universities. We function as the national contact point for Israeli government ministries: the Ministry of Industry, Trade and the 20 sub-programs in the Seventh Framework Programme and Labor, the Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports and the Planning participate in networking and training projects. Our role includes and Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education. increasing the awareness and recognition of the program in Israel ISERD advances four fronts simultaneously: among candidate organizations, university research authorities, n promoting Israel’s interests at the European Commission and the professional examiners at the chief scientist’s office at the assuring that financing and projects are appropriate for Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry. We are also a organizations key contact for Israel’s consulting companies.” n conducting negotiations with the European Union regarding the How can you quantify the benefit derived from Israel’s terms of Israel’s participation participation in the Framework Programme? n representing the European Framework to Israeli government “A review of the Sixth Programme, conducted by ISERD, offices revealed that the Israeli partners in this program participated n “marketing” the Framework Programme to research entities in in projects valued at over 3.5 billion euros, even though they eligible Israeli research entities received only about 200 million euros [in research grants]. We figure that the total sum reflects the value of the knowledge Israel gained from the Sixth Programme, along with other elements, such as contacts and reputation. “Compugen, for example, partnered with a consortium that received a budget of 4 million euros from the EU. Even though only a quarter of that sum reached Compugen directly, over 80 percent of the consortium’s activity was designed to enrich Compugen’s knowledge inventory, which benefited from the knowledge gained from the project. This means that the value of the knowledge the company received equals the value of the entire project. Without the EU, Compugen would have had to raise the total investment required for the project. “When I visited Peptor, I heard about their participation in a small consortium. Peptor received just a few tens of thousands of euros.
There are new developments in themes, such as nanotechnology. There are larger budgets for safety in transportation and a greater emphasis on alternative energy. There will also be structural and organizational changes 30 / 31 From the perspective of the Framework Programme, Israel is part of the European continent.” How much does the program cost? “In the Fourth Programme, Israel paid membership fees of 100 million euros, and in return received grants totaling 50 million euros. In the Fifth Programme, Israel paid 154 million euros and received 167 million euros in grants. In the Sixth Programme we However, under the auspices of the consortium, clinical testing paid 191 million euros, and will receive a total of 203 million in was conducted on a molecule, thanks to a financing grant of 1.8 grants. As for the Seventh Programme, we could receive up to 40 million euros. This means that Peptor saved 1.8 million euros percent more in grants. Negotiations are still under way between on tests that the company would have conducted anyway. These Israel and the EU.” examples demonstrate how total project budgets can be used to What is the program’s impact on Israel? measure the true value of the benefit Israeli organizations derived “It is evident that the Sixth Programme became the second from their participation.” largest financer of academic research in Israel, after the Israel How did the Framework Programme develop? Science Foundation. In the Fifth Programme there were some “Over the years, the EU’s attitude toward the R&D program 3,300 partnerships in proposals for projects and this number changed. The original intention was to encourage research that grew to over 4,000 in the Sixth Programme. A total of 783 Israeli supported policies. It gradually developed into a program that proposals were accepted: university proposals numbered 429, there initiates research designed to respond to social problems within were 209 from industry and another 145 from other organizations, the EU. This is the source of the emphasis on applied research. including government ministries. That is a success rate of close “At the same time, the program expanded: the budget for the to 20 percent.” Fourth Programme was double that for the Third Programme, What are the main hurdles facing Israel? and the budgets kept growing: from 13.5 billion euros for the “The competition in the Seventh Programme will be much stiffer, Fifth Programme to 17.8 billion for the Sixth Programme, and so greater effort must be invested in the quality of the projects. an estimated total of 50 billion euros for the Seventh Programme. There will be large projects managed by big companies and research The Seventh Programme, unlike its predecessors, will run for institutions. This requires a greater presence in Europe and a change seven years to bring it in line with the EU’s budget, which is in the nature of the preparations by Israeli organizations. They will drafted every seven years. The program’s budget will be about have to promote their candidacy with marketing and sales skills: 7 billion euros a year, although after 2010 there will be larger learn the market well, and know the competition, the partners annual budgets.” and the customers. The improved success What is new and different about the Seventh Programme? rate for university proposals in the Sixth “There are new developments in themes, such as the increased Programme, for example, was the result of budget for nanotechnology – which is up to 3.5 billion. There better organization and a greater investment are larger budgets for safety in transportation and a greater of effort in proposal preparation. emphasis on alternative energy. But there will also be structural “This past year, ISERD initiated a pilot and organizational changes. The Seventh Programme will establish support fund for small enterprises, to assist a fund to finance research, to be called the European Research them in integrating into the Framework Council (ERC). Its role will be similar to the American National Programme. The fund awarded grants of Science Foundation. Individual researchers will be able to submit up to NIS 10,000 so that small companies applications for funding. The ERC’s budget for 2007 will be 500 could send representatives to meetings, million euros, designated for young researchers who completed briefings or for consulting services, in their doctorates within the past ten years. exchange for expense receipts totaling NIS “Reimbursement of costs to universities will be substantially 20,000. ISERD plans to expand and extend higher, relative to the Sixth Programme. Rebates to small and the pilot project with the commencement medium enterprises will also be increased, to preserve the program’s of the Seventh Programme.” attraction for small companies in the EU. The EU Commission’s What is the relative impact of the projects are becoming suitable mainly for large companies.” Framework Programme in the context of What does this mean for Israel? the full range of economic and scientific “In the short term, there will be greater competition, since contacts between Israel and Europe? larger budgets will be released only in another three years. Israeli “The Framework Programme is a useful companies and research organizations will have to study the calls means for gaining entry to the European for proposals more closely to find suitable partners. In the Seventh integration process, along with the Programme, Israeli organizations will be able to obtain financing EUREKA program and various binational for Homeland Security projects. This will be the first time Israeli programs. The Framework Programme is a participants will be able to join a pan-European program in the European highway for which you are not field of security. only given a car, but also gas and travel “One must remember that Israel is in the Framework Programme expenses so that you can get to Europe and as an associate partner and enjoys all the rights of member spend time there. It is worth noting that countries. This is the only arena in which there is full integration Europe is Israel’s closest and most natural between Israel and the European community. When a young market. One can go to Europe and return Israeli engineer works with a German engineer, he or she gains on the same day. We are accompanying insight into new thought processes and business methods and the European integration process, and gains familiarity with the European industrial culture. This is an essentially, we are an inseparable part of opportunity for Israelis to have close encounters with the EU. this process.” ISERD Staff The Israeli Management Team for the European Framework Programme for Reseach and Development
Information & Communications Technologies (ICT); Research Infrastructure
Dorit Geifman Lior Ben Artzi Boaz Levi, Director Project Officer Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Health; Food, Agriculture & Biotechnology; Environment; ERC
Dr. Eva Rockman Smadar Hirsh Adva Schwartz-Ossad Director Assistant to the Director Project Officer [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Nanotechnologies; Materials and New Marie Curie Fellowships; Social Production Processes; Transport (incl. Sciences & the Humanities; Aeronautics); Energy; Space; Security Science in Society
Dr. Neomy Soffer Orly Goldstein Yair Forman Einat Tamir Director Coordinator Coordinator Advisor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]ֿ Management
Marcel Shaton Vered Arieli Tony Levi Nitza Porat Gabriel Levy General Managermarcel@ PR Officer Information and Web Specialist Secretariat System Administrator iserd.org.il [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ISERD conducts weekly guidance sessions for the Seventh Framework Programme Contact us to register for a session: 03-511-8122 ISERD, Beit HaTaasiya, 29 Mered Street, Tel Aviv w w w . i s e r d . o r g . i l