08.06.2013 Views

Télécharger le document - Eurosfaire

Télécharger le document - Eurosfaire

Télécharger le document - Eurosfaire

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

November 2006<br />

Science And Technology,<br />

the way to Europe<br />

Who <strong>le</strong>ads the hit parade of<br />

Israeli success stories?<br />

Why do researchers believe that the<br />

Framework Programme yields value?<br />

What are the strategies for winning<br />

proposals?<br />

Ministry of Industry, Trade & Labor<br />

Israel Ministry of Science Culture & Sport<br />

Israel and the European Framework<br />

Programme for Research and Development<br />

Looking Ahead: the Seventh Framework Programme 2007-2013<br />

c o m m e r c i a l c o n t e n t


Contents<br />

06 Israeli Participation in FP6: Organizations and number of projects<br />

08 New and Improved: the Seventh Framework Program<br />

10 European Framework Programme scores well with Israel's research community<br />

12 Cars of the future: Motorola Israel is in the driver's seat<br />

14 Smal<strong>le</strong>r is better: Israeli nanotechnology is making an impact<br />

16 The European Framework Programme: Stories of Israeli Success<br />

26 Strategies for Managing the Proposal Process<br />

28 Ten recommendations for writing a winning proposal<br />

29 The fast lane between Israel and Europe:<br />

Interview with ISERD Director General Marcel Shaton<br />

31 ISRED Staff:<br />

The Israeli Management Team for the European Union's Research<br />

and Development Programme<br />

Cover photo:<br />

European Community, 2006<br />

Budget Overview for the Seventh Framework Programme (in millions of euros)<br />

COOPERATION<br />

Health 6,050<br />

Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology 1,935<br />

Information and Communication Technologies 9,110<br />

Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials<br />

and new Production Technologies<br />

3,500<br />

Energy 2,300<br />

Environment (including Climate Change) 1,900<br />

Transport (including Aeronautics) 4,180<br />

Socio-economic Sciences and the Humanities 610<br />

Security and Space<br />

Space 1,430<br />

Security 1,350<br />

Total COOPERATION 32,365<br />

IDEAS European Research Council 7,460<br />

PEOPLE Marie Curie Actions 4,728<br />

CAPACITIES<br />

Source: http//cordis.europa.eu/fp7/budget.htm<br />

Research Infrastructures 1,850<br />

Research for the benefit of SMEs 1,336<br />

Regions of Know<strong>le</strong>dge 126<br />

Research Potential 370<br />

Science in Society 280<br />

Coherent development of research policies 70<br />

Activities of International Co-operation 185<br />

TOTAL CAPACITIES 4,217<br />

Editor Roni Lifschitz English edition editor Chava Weiss Copyediting Neta Pe<strong>le</strong>g Translation Miryam Blum, Josh Friedland<br />

Graphic design Studio Orna Cohen Production manager Smadar Averbuch Advertising manager Micha Tayar<br />

Publisher Focus Ha'aretz Special Supp<strong>le</strong>ments Manager Hadas Hirshman-Hess Manager, Client Newspaper Division Inbal Pe<strong>le</strong>g<br />

Tel. 972-3-512-1140 Fax. 972-3-513-2457 e-mail: inbalp@haaretz.co.il


Photo: Kobi Gideon BoBo agency<br />

/<br />

Greetings from the Minister of<br />

Industry, Trade and Labor<br />

The State of Israel is considered a world<br />

<strong>le</strong>ader in technological innovation. The<br />

number of startup companies founded each<br />

year, the relative number of inventions and<br />

Eli Yishai developments produced by Israeli scientists<br />

and engineers is almost unparal<strong>le</strong><strong>le</strong>d anywhere<br />

in the world. Israel’s positive results and successful integration<br />

in the Sixth European Framework Programme is further<br />

evidence of the creativity and innovation of the Israeli<br />

economy.<br />

The European Framework Programme facilitates unique<br />

collaborations between Israeli industry and the European<br />

R&D community. R&D is recognized as an important and<br />

fundamental growth engine for the Israeli economy, and<br />

bolstering know<strong>le</strong>dge-based industry is a guarantee for<br />

continued growth.<br />

The participation of Israeli industry and academia in the<br />

European arena, which currently numbers 420 million peop<strong>le</strong>,<br />

enab<strong>le</strong>s Israeli industry to break out of the local market<br />

and benefit from a critical mass for basic and technological<br />

research that could not be achieved without international<br />

cooperation in the European framework.<br />

I would like to point out that the welcome involvement in<br />

the Sixth Programme also allowed industries from Israel’s<br />

periphery, from the Negev to the Gali<strong>le</strong>e to benefit from the<br />

possibility of working with <strong>le</strong>ading organizations in Europe<br />

and develop a beyond our limited geographical borders.<br />

I hope that, with God's help, our work will enab<strong>le</strong> Israel<br />

to continue to take part in the new Seventh Framework<br />

Programme that will advance Israeli R&D, and Israel's<br />

economy. This continued cooperation will help to blaze new<br />

trails and bring Israel more impressive achievements.<br />

I wish the Israeli R&D community continued success.<br />

Sincerely,<br />

Eliyahu Yishai<br />

Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor<br />

Greetings from the Commissioner for Science<br />

and Research<br />

The European Union will soon adopt its Seventh<br />

Framework Programme for research and technological<br />

development. This will be the biggest Framework<br />

Programme yet, with €54 billion over 7 years. The<br />

Janez Potočnik Programme represents continuity with past programmes,<br />

as well as new approaches which open the way for<br />

more ambitious research and development, not only for participants<br />

in the European Union, but also in our partner countries.<br />

Scientific and technological cooperation is a significant e<strong>le</strong>ment<br />

of relations between Israel and the European Union. Through joint<br />

projects, we pool our expertise in many fields of R&D to respond to<br />

the social and economic chal<strong>le</strong>nges that affect us all. At the same time<br />

we create links between peop<strong>le</strong>, a very important aspect of building<br />

solid international relationships. Scientific cooperation between Israel<br />

and Europe has brought new opportunities for Israeli enterprises,<br />

Greetings from the Chief Scientist<br />

Israel's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor<br />

Promoting international cooperation in research and<br />

development is among the most prominent goals of<br />

the Chief Scientist's Office. As the Sixth European<br />

Framework Programme draws to a close, and the Seventh<br />

Eli Opper Programme is about to begin, I would like to highlight<br />

the achievements and chal<strong>le</strong>nges ahead. Research grants<br />

totaling 203 million euros were received by Israeli academic and industrial<br />

research organization during the Sixth Programme, whi<strong>le</strong> the Israeli<br />

government invested NIS 190 million in the program. This impressive<br />

achievement is further amplified by the value of the know<strong>le</strong>dge gained<br />

by Israeli industry. The estimated worth of this know<strong>le</strong>dge is estimated<br />

to be 400 million euros.<br />

Participating organizations made strategic connections with <strong>le</strong>ading<br />

European companies, academic institutions and research institutions<br />

beyond the Programme. Israeli industry gained access to European<br />

markets. Their participation in the Framework Programme contributed<br />

significantly to these advances.<br />

The Seventh Programme brings new and comp<strong>le</strong>x chal<strong>le</strong>nges. We are<br />

seeking to strengthen the systems that support the Israeli R&D community<br />

via ISERD - the Israel Directorate for the EU Framework Programme.<br />

One such system is the Small and Medium Enterprise Authority.<br />

We also strive to increase Israeli participation in the Seventh<br />

Programme’s projects. Analysis reveals that participation in the Sixth<br />

Programme improves chances for future participation. Israeli organizations<br />

that have not yet participated in a Framework Programme will be<br />

encouraged to do so.<br />

Israel’s partnership in the Framework Programme <strong>le</strong>ads to cooperation<br />

between all areas of Israeli R&D - industry, academia and research<br />

institutions. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, the Ministry of<br />

Science, Culture and Sports and the Planning and Budgets Committee<br />

of the Council for Higher Education are all represented on ISERD’s<br />

steering committee. The chief scientists from the various government<br />

ministries have also joined the committee, to promote the advancement<br />

of Israel's research and development.<br />

We must participate as fully as possib<strong>le</strong> in the Seventh Programme,<br />

to advance academic and industrial R&D, promote economic growth<br />

and improve the welfare of Israel’s citizens. My appreciation to all those<br />

involved in this effort, and best wishes for success.<br />

Dr. Eli Opper<br />

Chief Scientist<br />

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor<br />

Chairman of the Interministerial Steering<br />

Committee at ISERD<br />

research organizations and universities through sharing experience<br />

and access to EU markets.<br />

Since Israel first participated in the Framework Programme in 1996,<br />

R&D co-operation with the EU has enjoyed remarkab<strong>le</strong> success. More<br />

than 700 Israeli companies, research institutes and universities took part<br />

in projects under the auspices of the Sixth Framework Programme. We<br />

have a particularly strong track record of cooperation in information<br />

technology and life sciences, and I am particularly p<strong>le</strong>ased to see the<br />

growing number of Israeli researchers taking part in our exchange<br />

and mobility programmes.<br />

I very much hope that positive past experience will motivate Israel<br />

to build on the momentum of its participation. I truly believe that<br />

we all will gain from strong cooperation in the field of science and<br />

technology with all of our international partners.<br />

Janez Potočnik<br />

Commissioner for Science and Research<br />

European Commission


Photo: Guy Ravitz<br />

Greetings from the Chief Scientist<br />

Israel's Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports<br />

Israel’s successful integration into the European<br />

Framework Programme for Research and Technological<br />

Development is a significant achievement for Israel.<br />

It advances science, but perhaps, just as important, it<br />

Mina Teicher promotes links between Israeli and European industry,<br />

technology transfer, and boosts the balance of payments<br />

and Israel’s status in the international arena.<br />

Israel joined the Fourth Framework Programme, and has been a partner<br />

to the Fifth and Sixth Programmes. Israel will continue its partnership<br />

in the Seventh Programme.<br />

Israeli universities are playing a growing ro<strong>le</strong> in European studies,<br />

and in the Seventh Programme this participation will probably be even<br />

greater, thanks to the establishment of the European Research Council<br />

(ERC), whose key goal is to promote basic research.<br />

Modern science exists in an international context that serves as an<br />

important and essential foundation for high standards of originality<br />

and re<strong>le</strong>vance. Research projects on the frontier of science express<br />

binational and multinational cooperation and multi- and inter-disciplinary<br />

collaboration among scientists of diverse nations. Israel nurtures<br />

cooperation with overseas scientists as a matter of policy, and Israel’s<br />

participation in the Framework Programme is a central component of<br />

this policy.<br />

Participation in multinational European frameworks offers Israeli<br />

scientists access to large research facilities and involvement in major<br />

international scientific collaborations. Thus, Israel gains the opportunity<br />

to express positions on R&D policy issues and accrues recognition for<br />

the country's ro<strong>le</strong> at the forefront of scientific-technological progress.<br />

Israel's Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports is responsib<strong>le</strong> for the<br />

advancement of fundamental R&D in Israel, and our participation in<br />

the Framework Programme aids in achieving this goal. The Programme<br />

cultivates basic R&D in fields from the environment and energy, food<br />

safety, space and the information society, and ensures cooperation<br />

among European research groups from different countries. Israel - as<br />

an associate member - derives the maximum benefit from participating<br />

in these projects.<br />

The Framework Programme places considerab<strong>le</strong> emphasis on bringing<br />

science closer to the community. Israeli government ministries and<br />

research organizations participate in these endeavors. Among the highprofi<strong>le</strong><br />

activities was an evening for researchers, held in Israel on<br />

September 19, 2006. Events were held at eight research institutions<br />

and science museums open to the general public, presenting scientific<br />

research endeavors. The event was an overwhelming success and was<br />

part of a pan-European event.<br />

Israel recoups the investment in the Framework Programme through<br />

research grants to academia and industry, and via scientific and industrial<br />

collaborations. The result is shared research and foreign investments<br />

many times greater than the original Framework Programme participation<br />

fees. The ERC’s new program is also likely to attract more funding to<br />

basic research being conducted by Israeli scientists.<br />

Israel will continue to be an associate member in the Seventh Framework<br />

Programme, promoting continued strategic cooperation with Europe,<br />

for the benefit of one and all.<br />

Professor Mina Teicher<br />

Chief Scientist<br />

The Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports<br />

Photo: Lior Mizrahi<br />

Greetings from Israel's Council on<br />

Higher Education<br />

Our anticipation of the Seventh European<br />

Union Framework Programme for Research and<br />

Technological Development offers an opportune<br />

moment to review our accomplishments and<br />

Dr. Shlomo Grossman look forward to continued achievements.<br />

Our chal<strong>le</strong>nging start in the Fourth<br />

Programme gave us valuab<strong>le</strong> experience, though we attained<br />

few research grants. There were improvement in the Fifth and<br />

Sixth Programmes. We applied our experience and potential<br />

to earning many more grants, whose monetary value exceeded<br />

the cost of our participation in both the Fifth and the Sixth<br />

Programmes. This measurab<strong>le</strong> achievement represents only<br />

the tip of the iceberg with respect to the advantages of our<br />

involvement. Our exposure to new ideas and connections<br />

with industry, research institutions and <strong>le</strong>ading European<br />

universities are among the other significant advantages of<br />

Israel’s participation in the program.<br />

For Israeli universities, the Framework Programme has<br />

become the second largest source of research budgets after<br />

the Israel Science Foundation. Thanks to the program, Israeli<br />

and European researchers are advancing more shared scientific<br />

publications, almost equal in number to collaborations with<br />

American researchers. Recently, a Framework Programme has<br />

enab<strong>le</strong>d Israeli universities to bring home young and promising<br />

Israeli scientists working abroad (mainly in the United States)<br />

and they are being welcomed to the ranks of senior academic<br />

staff.<br />

In the Sixth Framework Programme, Israel <strong>le</strong>d all other<br />

participants in bringing home scientists under the auspices<br />

of the Marie Curie Actions program for absorbing returning<br />

scientists.<br />

We anticipate continued success in the Seventh Programme,<br />

especially in light of the establishment of the European Research<br />

Council. Allow me to wish Mr. Marcel Shaton and the entire<br />

staff of the Israel Europe Research and Development Directorate<br />

continued achievement and satisfaction. I would also like to<br />

express appreciation to the Framework Programme’s steering<br />

committee, headed by Dr. Eli Ofer, the chief scientist at the<br />

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor. May they continue their<br />

wise <strong>le</strong>adership in this extraordinary program.<br />

Professor Shlomo Grossman<br />

Chair, Planning and Budgeting Committee


INDUSTRY WINNERS<br />

4Sight, Ergonomics & Safety Ltd. - 2<br />

Afcon Industries Ltd. - 2<br />

Agi<strong>le</strong>nt Technologies Israel Ltd. - 1<br />

Agron Ltd - 1<br />

Alonim Holdings Ltd. - 1<br />

Alubin Ltd. - 2<br />

Alvarion Ltd. - 1<br />

Amal Meever Meal Ltd. - 1<br />

AMT&S - Palbam Ltd - 2<br />

Analyst Research Laboratory Ltd. - 1<br />

ApNano Ltd. - 1<br />

Arava Development Company Ltd. - 1<br />

Archaezyme Ltd. - 1<br />

Arel Communications<br />

and Software Ltd. - 1<br />

Argad Ltd. - 2<br />

ATCT Industries Ltd. - 2<br />

Ayalon Highways Ltd. - 1<br />

B.G.Polymers Ltd. - 1<br />

Bamboo Ltd. - 1<br />

BIO-Bee Sde Eliyahu Ltd. - 1<br />

BioKine Therapeutics Ltd. - 2<br />

Bio-Pure Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Browzwear International Ltd. - 1<br />

Cancertek Pharmaceuticals Ltd. - 1<br />

CeLight Ltd. - 1<br />

Cima NanoTech Israel Ltd. - 1<br />

Cimatron Ltd. - 1<br />

ColorChip Ltd. - 1<br />

Compugen Ltd. - 2<br />

Comverse Ltd. - 2<br />

Correlation Systems Ltd. - 2<br />

Creative Technologies Israel Ltd. - 1<br />

CRYTEC Ltd. - 1<br />

Cyota Ltd. - 2<br />

Dead Sea Periclase Ltd. - 1<br />

Di.S.P. Distributed Solar Power Ltd. - 1<br />

Diagnostic Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Elbit Systems Ltd. - 1<br />

ELOP Industries Ltd. - 1<br />

Emblaze Ltd. - 1<br />

Erez Thermoplastics<br />

Products Limited -1<br />

Evogene Ltd. - 1<br />

Exent Ltd. - 1<br />

FCS Holdings Ltd. - 1<br />

Fourier Systems Ltd. - 2<br />

FreshPoint Quality Assurance Ltd. - 1<br />

Gali<strong>le</strong>e Flavours Ltd. - 2<br />

GeneGrafts Ltd. - 1<br />

ACADEMY WINNERS<br />

Bar Ilan University - 26<br />

Ben Gurion University - 28<br />

Emek Yezreel Col<strong>le</strong>ge - 1<br />

Hadassah University Hospital - 2<br />

Haifa University - 26<br />

Hebrew University of Jerusa<strong>le</strong>m - 102<br />

Holon Academic Institute of Technology - 1<br />

Israeli Participation in FP6<br />

Organizations and number of Projects<br />

Gigaspaces Ltd. - 1<br />

Gilat Satellite Networks<br />

Web Site Ltd. - 1<br />

Given Imaging Ltd. - 1<br />

GS-3 Ltd. - 1<br />

High Performance Optical<br />

Polymers Ltd. - 1<br />

Ibex Ltd. - 1<br />

IBM Ltd. - 12<br />

IDEA Information Systems Ltd. - 1<br />

Idioma Ltd. - 1<br />

I-Logix Israel Ltd. - 1<br />

Infogate Online Ltd. - 1<br />

InkSure Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Insightech Ltd. - 1<br />

Institute for Medical<br />

Biomathematics - 1<br />

Internative Solutions Ltd. - 1<br />

Iscar Ltd. - 1<br />

Iscom Composites Ltd. - 1<br />

Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. - 21<br />

Israel E<strong>le</strong>ctric Corporation Ltd. - 1<br />

Jemtex Ink Jet Printing Ltd. - 1<br />

Jordan Val<strong>le</strong>y Ltd. - 1<br />

Kailight Photonics Ltd. - 1<br />

Karmapharm Ltd. - 1<br />

Kivun Strategy and Business<br />

Development Ltd. - 1<br />

KLA Tencor Ltd. - 2<br />

Kollmorgen Servotronix Ltd. - 1<br />

Lens<strong>le</strong>t Laboratories Ltd. - 1<br />

Lumus Ltd. - 2<br />

Magnesium Research Institute - 1<br />

Main-net Ltd. - 1<br />

Medic4all Ltd. - 1<br />

Mekorot Water Company Ltd. - 2<br />

METALINK Ltd. - 1<br />

Metaor Ltd. - 1<br />

Mil<strong>le</strong>nium E<strong>le</strong>ctric T.O.U.Inc. - 2<br />

Motorola Israel Ltd. - 4<br />

M-Systems Ltd. - 1<br />

Nano Polymer Ltd. - 1<br />

Nano Size Ltd. - 1<br />

Nanopwoders Industries Ltd. - 1<br />

NDS Ltd. - 2<br />

Ness ISI Ltd. - 1<br />

Netafim (A.C.S.) Ltd. - 1<br />

NICE Systems Ltd. - 1<br />

Novamed Ltd. - 1<br />

NSC Ltd. - 1<br />

NuAce Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Nutricognia Ltd. - 1<br />

Objet Geometrics Ltd. - 1<br />

Odis Filtering Ltd. - 1<br />

OMRIX Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. - 1<br />

Optibase Ltd. - 7<br />

Orbit Communication Ltd. - 1<br />

Ormat Systems Ltd. - 1<br />

Peptor Ltd. - 1<br />

PML Partic<strong>le</strong> Momitoring<br />

Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Procognia - 1<br />

Proteologics Ltd. - 1<br />

RAD DATA Communications Ltd. - 2<br />

RADVision Ltd. - 1<br />

Red Sea Corals Ltd. - 2<br />

RED-C Optical Networks Ltd. - 1<br />

Relsoft Ltd. - 1<br />

RIO Systems Ltd. - 1<br />

Ron Dvir Innovation<br />

Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Rossetta Genomics Ltd. - 1<br />

RSL E<strong>le</strong>ctronics Ltd. - 2<br />

RUNCOM Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Savyon Diagnostics Ltd. - 1<br />

SCT Stem Cell Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Sea Or Marine Ltd. - 1<br />

SercoNet Ltd. - 1<br />

Sheer Networks Ltd. - 1<br />

Shiron Satellite Ltd. - 1<br />

Sol-Gel Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Sphericon Limited Ltd. - 1<br />

Surface Technologies Ltd. - 1<br />

Tadiran Batteries Ltd. - 1<br />

Tadiran Spectralink Ltd. - 1<br />

Tadiran Te<strong>le</strong>com Communication - 1<br />

Target-In Ltd Ltd. - 1<br />

Tekoa Mushroom Farm Ltd. - 1<br />

Textology Ltd. - 1<br />

Theravir Management Ltd. - 1<br />

Unicorn Ltd. - 1<br />

VCON Ltd. - 1<br />

Vitrouch Ltd. - 1<br />

VKB Ltd. - 1<br />

Vocal Tag Ltd. - 1<br />

Winetworks Ltd. - 1<br />

Wisair Ltd. - 3<br />

Yamar Ltd. - 1<br />

Yitran Communications Ltd. - 2<br />

Yodfat Engineers (1994) Ltd. - 1<br />

Institute for Democratic Education - 1<br />

The Inter University Computation Ceneter (Makhba) - 1<br />

Open University - 2<br />

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology - 80<br />

Tel Aviv University - 71<br />

Tel Hai Col<strong>le</strong>ge - 1<br />

Weizmann Institute of Science - 80<br />

OTHER SECTORS WINNERS<br />

Alma consulting - 1<br />

Arttic Israel - 4<br />

Assuta Medical Centers - 2<br />

Beacontech Ltd - 3<br />

Bloomfield Science Museum<br />

Jerusa<strong>le</strong>m - 1<br />

Clalit Health Services - 1<br />

Edna Pasher, PhD. & Associates - 3<br />

EFP Consulting - 5<br />

Elia Ben-Shabat Transportation & Traffic<br />

Engineering - 1<br />

Environmental & Water<br />

resources engineering - 1<br />

Ernst & Young (Israel) Ltd. - 1<br />

Euro-Consultants Ltd. - 7<br />

Gali<strong>le</strong>e center for promotion - 1<br />

Gali<strong>le</strong>e Development Authority - 1<br />

GII - Geophysical Institute of Israel - 1<br />

Global Research & Financing- 2<br />

Greek Orthodox patriarchate - 1<br />

Hadassah Medical Center - 7<br />

Hydrological Service of Israel - 1<br />

IOLR - Israel Oceanographic<br />

& LimnologicalResearchCenter - 14<br />

Institute for medical biomathematics - 1<br />

ISERD - Israel Directorate for the EU<br />

Framework Programme - 12<br />

Israe Cohen Institute<br />

for Biological control - 2<br />

Israel Anti-Drug Authority - 1<br />

Israel National Museum of Science,<br />

Technology and Space - 1<br />

Israel Pa<strong>le</strong>stine Center - 1<br />

Israel Science Foundation (ISF) - 2<br />

Israeli Olive Oil Board - 1<br />

Jerusa<strong>le</strong>m Development Authority - 1<br />

Jerusa<strong>le</strong>m Institute for Israel Studies - 1<br />

Jewish Agency - 2<br />

Kaplan Medical Center - 1<br />

Kenett-Preminger Associates Ltd - 1<br />

Kimron Veterinary Institute - 1<br />

Magnet Program - 1<br />

Mandel Leadership institute - 1<br />

Manufacturers Association of Israel - 1<br />

MATIMOP - Israel Industry Centre for<br />

R&D - 6<br />

Meir Hospital - 1<br />

Migal - Gali<strong>le</strong>e Technological Center - 5<br />

Ministry of Agriculture - 2<br />

Ministry of Environment - 1<br />

Ministry of Health - 8<br />

Ministry of Science - 4<br />

Municipalty of Holon - 1<br />

Museum of Science - 1<br />

ORT Braude Col<strong>le</strong>ge of Engineering - 1<br />

OSM-DAN Ltd. - 8<br />

Rad BioMed Incubator - 1<br />

Rambam Medical Center – Haifa - 4<br />

Schneider Medical Center - 1<br />

Shaare Zedek Medical Center - 1<br />

Sheba Medical Center - 4<br />

Sourasky Medical Center - 2<br />

Volcani Institute - 15


RAD BioMed: A Goodwill Ambassador of the<br />

Israeli Incubation & Seed Funding Models in Europe<br />

The Biomedical incubator located<br />

in Tel Aviv's “Silicon Val<strong>le</strong>y”, assists<br />

Israeli start-up companies on their<br />

road to making a difference in<br />

Europe / Ynon Avishar<br />

Transforming scientific research into a viab<strong>le</strong> commercial application<br />

is the goal of the Israeli Biomedical incubator RAD BioMed. The<br />

company is considered unique in Israel and Europe for its experience<br />

in <strong>le</strong>ading research projects and developing new technologies. It is<br />

focused in the life-sciences and covers the spectrum from academia<br />

and research labs to industrial imp<strong>le</strong>mentation through to profitab<strong>le</strong><br />

products addressing unmet clinical needs.<br />

EU early-stage biotech efforts are inspired by RAD BioMed's<br />

extensive experience and by Israel's unique system for encouraging<br />

early-stage start-ups via funding by the Office of the Chief Scientist<br />

of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (OCS). Dr. Idan Tamir - RAD<br />

BioMed's president and CEO , and Dr. Binah Baum - director of<br />

business development, note that RAD BioMed has become a goodwill<br />

ambassador of the Israeli incubation model, assisting European start-up<br />

endeavors and playing an active ro<strong>le</strong> in European-Israeli collaboration<br />

frameworks, representing Israeli advantages in transforming basic<br />

research into thriving biomedical companies.<br />

The RAD BioMed incubator was established in 1992 by Zohar and<br />

Yehuda Zisapel and in collaboration with the OCS. It was a pioneering<br />

effort of the RAD Data Communications Group.<br />

RAD BioMed is, first and foremost, an incubator that nurtures<br />

enterprises in the field of life sciences:<br />

n Biotechnology<br />

n Medical devices<br />

n Diagnostics<br />

n Drug delivery and targeting<br />

n Genomics & Proteomics.<br />

RAD BioMed provides its start-up enterprises with a physical<br />

infrastructure (laboratories and office space and support) in the<br />

high-tech compound on HaBarzel St. in Ramat Hachayal, Tel-Aviv.<br />

All additional funding, beyond that of the OCS, is provided by the<br />

incubator's owners. RAD BioMed provides business development<br />

and <strong>le</strong>gal services, as well as marketing and global exposure at<br />

international conventions to promote strategic alliances. It also helps<br />

raise capital for se<strong>le</strong>ct incubator graduates.<br />

Today, the RAD BioMed incubator manages eight companies:<br />

ArioMedica is developing a device for opening occluded peripheral<br />

arteries. ImmunArray develops arrays and software for diagnosing<br />

cancer and autoimmune diseases via a simp<strong>le</strong> blood test. SteadyMed is<br />

developing a sing<strong>le</strong>-use system for delivering drugs currently given by<br />

injection, and focuses on pain management. Recogene advances AIDS<br />

treatment using a novel gene therapy approach. R&A Biotechnology is<br />

developing a kit for the diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder via<br />

a simp<strong>le</strong> blood test. Proterec<br />

is developing unique enzymes<br />

which enab<strong>le</strong> inexpensive<br />

conversion of vegetab<strong>le</strong><br />

and other oils to bio-diesel.<br />

Maimonidex RA is developing<br />

Dr. Bina Baum<br />

Dr. Idan Tamir<br />

an antibody for the treatment<br />

of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Situgen is developing a disposab<strong>le</strong> device<br />

for efficient col<strong>le</strong>ction of umbilical cord blood - an important source<br />

for stem cells.<br />

Over the past two years RAD BioMed has extensively represented<br />

Israel's incubation model in Europe – recently, its de<strong>le</strong>gates were<br />

invited to attend the BioVal<strong>le</strong>y convention in Basel, Switzerland in<br />

June 2006, which focused on new funding approaches for biotech<br />

start-ups. They also attended the CEBR meeting in Berlin last August,<br />

which discussed new biotech incubation and seed funding approaches.<br />

The Israeli incubation method and the OCS support for start-ups,<br />

continue to draw interest and enthusiasm among European investors<br />

and bio-incubator specialists.<br />

RAD BioMed was recently invited to advance the development of<br />

European biotech consortia within the FP7 program. In the context<br />

of FP6, RAD BioMed has been a synergistic partner and a hosting<br />

incubator for projects of new member states, and plans to play a<br />

similar ro<strong>le</strong> in FP7.<br />

RAD BioMed's experts collaborated with their European col<strong>le</strong>agues<br />

on international “seed” investments in bio-medical start-ups, which is<br />

especially valuab<strong>le</strong> to new EU member states that exhibit advanced<br />

academic research but lack incubators or the capacity to develop<br />

start-up enterprises.<br />

RAD BioMed's assistance focuses on ways to progress beyond the<br />

first phase of the enterprise, securing funding for continued R&D,<br />

ensuring thorough follow-up for the development of the enterprise,<br />

and transforming theoretical research into marketab<strong>le</strong> products.<br />

In order to further the success of collaborations and interactions<br />

with European enterprises, the EU founded multinational European<br />

models such as European biotechnology incubator consortium NATIBS<br />

and the Council for European BioRegions (CEBR). These consortia<br />

promote international collaboration in biotechnological incubators.<br />

(For more information, see www.natibs.net or www.cebr.net). RAD<br />

BioMed incubator, an active participant in NATIBS, was chosen as<br />

a full member of CEBR and as the representative of the Israeli bioregion<br />

within this council.<br />

Israel can greatly benefit from Rad Biomed's European activity:<br />

Israeli startup companies are exposed in an institutional, orderly and<br />

non-episodic fashion to further development within the framework of<br />

European incubators, to the European venture capital community, to<br />

EC funding and to the European industry and market.<br />

“The advantages of these unique capabilities,” according to Drs.<br />

Tamir and Baum, “make our European activities a win-win proposition:<br />

everyone benefits from excel<strong>le</strong>nt value for their money by participating<br />

in joint ventures.”


∏ Ø π<br />

New and Improved:<br />

the Seventh Framework Program<br />

The new program is longer, more<br />

ambitious and better funded,<br />

according to Janez Potočnik<br />

Israel’s inclusion in the European Framework Programme for<br />

Research and Technological Development is the outcome of years<br />

of deliberation, political dialogue and timing. Discussions about<br />

enhancing trade began in the late 1980s, but it was only in 1993,<br />

after the signing of the Oslo accords, that the European Commission<br />

accepted Israel as a full partner in the European R&D program.<br />

Despite the agreement, Israel's status was still debated, but in<br />

1995, Europe finally accepted Israel’s request for researchers to<br />

be included in management committees with the same standing<br />

as other European Union member countries, and thus Israel was<br />

integrated into the Fourth Programme.<br />

Fruitful partnership<br />

The participation of countries in the Framework program is<br />

contingent on the payment of a fee based on the ratio between a<br />

country’s gross national product and that of Europe. In 1995, Israel<br />

joined the Fourth Programme, which had begun a year earlier,<br />

and paid a participation fee of 100 million euros. In return, Israel<br />

attained 50 million euros in grants to Israeli companies. Israel<br />

joined the Fifth Programme from the start, paying participation<br />

fees of 154 million euros, and was awarded 167 million euros<br />

worth of grants. Over the course of the Sixth Programme, which<br />

ends this year, Israel paid 190 million in participation fees and<br />

expects to receive some 203 million euros in grants.<br />

The Seventh Framework Programme will have an expanded<br />

time frame, 2007 - 2013. In keeping with the EU's decision to<br />

bolster Europe’s competitiveness, the programme’s budgets have<br />

been increased by 40 percent, and will total an estimated 54<br />

billion euros - including the EURATOM budget to which Israel<br />

is not a partner.<br />

The Framework Programme is conducted by the EU and does<br />

not replace national R&D budgets. Thus, for examp<strong>le</strong>, the Sixth<br />

Programme’s budget tota<strong>le</strong>d 17.5 billion euros - representing only<br />

5.4 percent of total public funding for civilian research in EU<br />

countries. Most budgets are consumed nationally. In the context<br />

of the Seventh Programme an effort will be made to change this.<br />

A mechanism will be established to promote exchange of ideas<br />

and coordination among the national support organizations and the<br />

EU, with the aim of influencing budgeting trends, and increasing<br />

the overlap between individual nations and EU proprieties.<br />

Priorities in cooperation<br />

The Seventh Programme is being organized in coordination<br />

with four main programs. The programs address the four main<br />

components of European R&D:<br />

Cooperation - joint research efforts among research organizations<br />

from different countries, whose aim is to achieve the <strong>le</strong>ading edge<br />

in an essential field in science or technology. This is Israel's largest<br />

and most important program, and its budget is expected to total<br />

32.26 billion euros.<br />

Ideas – support for new ideas in basic research. In practice,<br />

this will be done by the European Research Council, established<br />

as a new scientific foundation similar to the American National<br />

Science Foundation. Its budget will be 7.46 billion euros.<br />

Peop<strong>le</strong> – improving human resources, to be conducted by the<br />

Marie Curie Actions framework, responsib<strong>le</strong> for varied programs.<br />

The combined budget is 4.73 billion euros.<br />

Capacities - support focused on research infrastructures and<br />

studies for the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. The<br />

budget is anticipated to be about 4.22 billion euros.<br />

Since the Framework Programme’s overarching goal is to<br />

strengthen ties between industry and academia in advancing R&D,<br />

projects within the Framework Programme are undertaken mainly<br />

by consortia - collaborations among a number of organizations from<br />

diverse institutions and countries, for the benefit of all residents<br />

of the EU. The criteria for evaluating a project for the Seventh<br />

Programme are: scientific and technological excel<strong>le</strong>nce; degree<br />

of influence and the quality of the consortium and management<br />

of the project.<br />

Most of the activity is conducted in two formats: large projects,<br />

consisting of 10-20 partners for 36-60 months, with an average<br />

budget of 10 million euros (in practice, between 4 million and 25<br />

million euros). Small projects, consisting of 6-15 partners operating<br />

for 18-36 months, have an average budget of 1.9 million euros<br />

(effectively 0.8-3.0 million euros).<br />

Another significant area of activity for the Seventh Programme is<br />

the establishment of platforms in cooperation with major European<br />

industries and other interested parties who together will draft the<br />

European strategic agenda for R&D. Some of these platforms<br />

will issue calls for proposals, combining national financing with<br />

funding from the Framework Programme.


The Seventh Programme seeks to resolve disputes and differences<br />

of opinion that troub<strong>le</strong>d the Fifth and Sixth Programmes, and<br />

solutions to past criticism. One issue was the tremendously<br />

cumbersome processes and the lack of f<strong>le</strong>xibility. The new program<br />

endeavors to simplify processes concerning the imp<strong>le</strong>mentation of<br />

methods to calculate overheads, financing rates and the adoption<br />

of a two-stage screening system.<br />

The Framework Programme’s Commissioner for Science and<br />

Research, Janez Potočnik, concurs with the importance of the<br />

simplification process in the Seventh Programme.<br />

“The Seventh Programme should touch peop<strong>le</strong>’s lives,” says<br />

Nanotechnology:<br />

Good things come in small packages<br />

Cima NanoTech ltd. develops materials that are changing the face<br />

of the e<strong>le</strong>ctronic manufacturing industry / Daniel Efrati<br />

It may sound like science fiction, but nanotech (the capacity to<br />

create materials on the sca<strong>le</strong> of one millionth of a meter) offers<br />

the capacity to create new materials with extraordinary qualities,<br />

such as a substance stronger than steel, yet significantly lighter.<br />

Theoretically, one could manufacture a car with a chassis strong<br />

enough to pass the toughest crash tests, yet light enough to lift<br />

with your bare hands. In medicine, it may be possib<strong>le</strong> to build<br />

mo<strong>le</strong>cular structures capab<strong>le</strong> of being inserted into individual<br />

cells to fight cancerous growths. Nanorobots could also supervise<br />

control<strong>le</strong>d drug re<strong>le</strong>ase, and conduct other medical tasks that once<br />

seemed impossib<strong>le</strong>.<br />

Nanotech also has exciting applications in e<strong>le</strong>ctronics and<br />

computers. Current methods of e<strong>le</strong>ctronic component production<br />

seem to have achieved their full capacity for miniaturization,<br />

creating the need for even smal<strong>le</strong>r new materials. New trends are<br />

focused on manufacturing transistors (several dozen nanometers<br />

in size) and component platforms the size of a sing<strong>le</strong> mo<strong>le</strong>cu<strong>le</strong>.<br />

The <strong>le</strong>vel of development and production of nanotechnologies<br />

in Israel is highly regarded. In certain fields, Israeli industry is<br />

even considered the world <strong>le</strong>ader. Cima NanoTech is one of the<br />

most prominent Israeli nanotech firms in e<strong>le</strong>ctronics. The high<br />

quality of its products has achieved international recognition, and<br />

a joint initiative with a Japanese company is poised to <strong>le</strong>ad to a<br />

marketing breakthrough.<br />

Whi<strong>le</strong> headquarters for Cima NanoTech Inc., are located in<br />

the United States and managed by Mr. Jon Brodd, most product<br />

development and manufacturing takes place in the Israeli subsidiary,<br />

in recognition of the experts in this field concentrated in Israel. The<br />

company has a multidisciplinary team of 24 experts in material<br />

engineering and chemistry. The Israeli offices are <strong>le</strong>d by Dr.<br />

Fernando de la Vega, an internationally recognized expert.<br />

Cima NanoTech has developed two types of nanomaterial based<br />

Potočnik, “and one way to achieve this is to simplify. When I<br />

saw the structure of the Sixth Programme, it was not so easily<br />

understood. Our first aim was 'Let's make the programme so simp<strong>le</strong><br />

that even the commissioner can explain it.’”<br />

In an interview with Cordis News, the EU’s Internet news site,<br />

Potočnik explained that the simplification of the procedures is<br />

essential to researchers.<br />

“When you see what it takes to get a contract, and you see how<br />

much reporting there is, you try to really push in the opposite<br />

direction. This is not only my political message, but what I hope<br />

will be a reality.”<br />

technologies: transparent-to-light, e<strong>le</strong>ctrically conductive coatings,<br />

of the sort used in plasma screens; and ink which allows the use<br />

of ink jet printers to print advanced e<strong>le</strong>ctric circuits manufactured<br />

by nanometallic powders.<br />

Development is focused in three areas: First, varied applications<br />

of conductive transparent films, intended for use in various screens,<br />

smart windows and innovative e<strong>le</strong>ctronic fixtures. Second, material<br />

to full printing of miniaturized e<strong>le</strong>ctronic components. Third, the<br />

development of materials for solar cells.<br />

In Europe there is a great deal of interest in nanotechnologies,<br />

given expression by the European Union's Seventh Framework<br />

Programme for Research and Development.<br />

The European Framework Programme was founded in 1984<br />

as part of the trend to improve European competitiveness in the<br />

field of R&D, and it is renewed every four years.<br />

The Programme's research committee declared nanotechnology to<br />

be a preferred area of development, and Israeli is the only country<br />

outside of Europe to take part in EU nanotech programs.<br />

Cima NanoTech is one of the few Israeli companies to integrate<br />

itself into this program, and has partnered in two EU projects. The<br />

company is also a partner in a consortium comprising 13 industrial<br />

firms and 12 academic research groups. This group advances<br />

research in nanotechnology under the auspices of the magnet<br />

program of Israel's Ministry of Industry and Trade, guided by Mr.<br />

Ilan Pe<strong>le</strong>d. Dr. de la Vega, heads this consortium, which is also<br />

a partner in the EU research program. The project is examining<br />

health and environmental aspects of nanomaterials.<br />

The Seventh EU Framework Programme for Research and<br />

Development will advance alternate energy sources through the<br />

use of advanced materials. Cima NanoTech's proven research and<br />

manufacturing capabilities make it a <strong>le</strong>ading candidate for this<br />

program, as well as other chal<strong>le</strong>nges.


10 / 11<br />

European Framework Programme<br />

Scores Well with<br />

Israel's Research Community<br />

An overwhelming proportion of academic researchers and industry executives believe<br />

that participation in the European Framework Programme yields value<br />

A Dahaf survey, conducted by Prof. Mina Tzemach, reveals that<br />

most researchers in industry and academia believe the European<br />

Framework Program is worthwhi<strong>le</strong> for Israel and we should<br />

continue to participate.<br />

Israel has participated in the European Framework Programme<br />

(FP) for the past nine years. The Programme requires academic<br />

researchers, commercial firms and even public offices to adopt<br />

management and practices in accordance with accepted practices<br />

of the various European research groups. Does the Israeli research<br />

community know how to integrate into the European program and<br />

get the most out of it?<br />

Important funding for academia<br />

The initial probe conducted by the ISrael Europe Research<br />

and Development Directorate (ISERD) revea<strong>le</strong>d that successful<br />

outcomes justified the cost of Israeli participation in the EFP. Israel<br />

has paid 190 million euros to be a partner in the Sixth European<br />

R&D Framework Programme, and has, to date, recouped 203<br />

million euros directly, via research grants awarded to Israeli<br />

organizations. Most of these funds - 112.4 million euros—were<br />

channe<strong>le</strong>d to Israeli universities. Thus, the European Union has<br />

become the most significant source of academic funding in Israel,<br />

second only to the Israel Science Foundation.<br />

The value of know<strong>le</strong>dge<br />

Israel’s participation in the FP was not intended to serve as a<br />

source of revenue, but how does one estimate the Programme's<br />

true value? One possib<strong>le</strong> answer is an assessment of the value of<br />

the know<strong>le</strong>dge gained by Israeli researchers. Data provided by<br />

ISERD, which facilitates the relationship between Israel and the<br />

EU in R&D matters, demonstrates that Israel' participates in a<br />

broad range of programs (with funding of 3.55 billion euros). The<br />

Framework has afforded Israeli researchers access to over NIS<br />

200 million in grants, granting them access to know<strong>le</strong>dge whose<br />

monetary value is more than six times that sum.<br />

To gain feedback from participants in Framework programs,<br />

ISERD’s steering committee commissioned a survey. To assure<br />

comp<strong>le</strong>te anonymity, the Dahaf research institute, <strong>le</strong>d by Prof.<br />

Mina Tzemach, was commissioned to conduct the survey.<br />

Strategic importance<br />

Although the results of the survey are not yet final, initial<br />

data reveals the participants’ attitude toward the FP. There were<br />

316 persons interviewed for the survey: 291 researchers and 25<br />

executives.<br />

When asked if the project was re<strong>le</strong>vant to the main focus of their<br />

work, or addressed secondary subjects, 76 percent of industry<br />

respondents said it was re<strong>le</strong>vant to their main work topic and<br />

the overwhelming majority felt their projects were of strategic<br />

importance to their company’s work: 18 percent defined the<br />

projects as “highly strategic,” whi<strong>le</strong> 48 percent defined them as<br />

“quite strategic.” Only 8 percent felt they were “of no strategic<br />

importance.”<br />

One survey question investigated the respondents’ assessment of<br />

their own contribution to the European projects: Among executives,<br />

68 percent said their participation contributed to their marketing<br />

efforts. Seventy-four percent of executives said they were exposed<br />

to advanced know<strong>le</strong>dge (the rate was 71 percent among academics).<br />

The FP provided 74 percent of executives and 53 percent of<br />

academics with access to new technology in which they would<br />

otherwise not have been involved.<br />

A very high percentage of interviewees concurred that their<br />

participation in the FP made a qualitative contribution to their<br />

know<strong>le</strong>dge or careers: Ninety percent of executives and 93 percent<br />

of academics said they encountered new ideas. Ninety percent<br />

of executives and 89 percent of academics said they acquired<br />

new skills. Eighty-eight percent of executives and 89 percent of<br />

academics agreed that their involvement in the program advanced<br />

their professional connections, and 88 percent of executives said<br />

the projects had improved the image of their companies.<br />

Integrity of intel<strong>le</strong>ctual property<br />

The Dahaf survey also examined the issue of possib<strong>le</strong> damage<br />

to researchers or their organization due to the exposure of their<br />

know<strong>le</strong>dge to the other participants in their specific projects.<br />

Only 2 percent of academic respondents reported any harm to<br />

their intel<strong>le</strong>ctual property, and there was no report of any damage<br />

from industrial researchers.<br />

The final questions, regarding the interviewees’ attitude toward<br />

their participation in the FP, revea<strong>le</strong>d similar feelings among<br />

academics and executives. Ninety-five percent of respondents from<br />

academia and 92 percent from industry said their involvement in<br />

the projects was worthwhi<strong>le</strong> or very worthwhi<strong>le</strong> for them.<br />

Is the program worthwhi<strong>le</strong> for Israel? One question noted that<br />

the government pays considerab<strong>le</strong> sums for Israel’s partnership<br />

in the EU’s research program, and that not all of the funds are<br />

returned in the form of research grants.<br />

If so, asked the survey, is it worthwhi<strong>le</strong> for Israel to participate<br />

in the program? Ninety-six percent of respondents from industry<br />

and 80 percent from academia felt that it would be worthwhi<strong>le</strong>,<br />

even an the event that only 80 percent of the participation costs<br />

are recouped. Seventy-one percent of executives and 15 percent<br />

of academics felt it would be worthwhi<strong>le</strong> even if only 60 percent<br />

of the participation costs were returned to Israel in the form of<br />

R&D grants.


A very high percentage of participants concurred that they gained a qualitative<br />

contribution to their know<strong>le</strong>dge or careers<br />

Key findings: Survey on European<br />

Framework Programme<br />

The strategic importance of participation to the<br />

company’s work (percentage of respondents)<br />

Highly strategic 18%<br />

Quite strategic 48%<br />

Not very strategic 24%<br />

Not strategic at all 8%<br />

Did not respond 2%<br />

The importance of the project to the researcher's work<br />

Industry Academia<br />

Very important 70% 86%<br />

Quite important 12% 11%<br />

How worthwhi<strong>le</strong> was your participation in the program?<br />

Industry Academia<br />

Very worthwhi<strong>le</strong> 62% 68%<br />

Quite worthwhi<strong>le</strong> 30% 27%<br />

The project's contributions<br />

(percentage of respondents)<br />

Industry Academia<br />

Developing technological infrastructures 62%<br />

Marketing 68%<br />

Learning new technologies 74% 52%<br />

Encounters with new ideas 90% 93%<br />

Professional reputation 92% 85%<br />

The company’s image 88%<br />

Professional connections 88% 89%<br />

Human resources development 52% 54%<br />

Israel’s participation in the sixth<br />

European research program<br />

Grants to Israeli organizations (in millions of euros)<br />

Other 24.4<br />

Academia 112.5<br />

Number of Israeli participants in approved projects<br />

Other 145<br />

Number of proposals submitted by Israeli organizations<br />

Other 788<br />

Academia 429<br />

Academia 2,010<br />

Industry 64.5<br />

Industry 209<br />

Industry 1,318<br />

Source: Dahaf


12 / 13<br />

Cars of the Future:<br />

Motorola Israel is in the Driver's Seat<br />

New systems to create an autonomous communication system on the road<br />

The car of the future will be a communications center for<br />

information on road conditions and general environment and<br />

the vehic<strong>le</strong> itself. Each car will be a link in a widespread mobi<strong>le</strong><br />

information network. This vision is the brainchild of Motorola,<br />

and is being advanced through the ITS (Intelligent Transportation<br />

Systems) project, initiated and <strong>le</strong>d by Motorola as part of the<br />

European R&D Project. In 2005, Motorola established the REACT<br />

consortium, followed by the January 2006 COM2REACT followup<br />

consortium, the recipient of a 5 million euro grant. Motorola<br />

is currently drafting a proposal for a third consortium, to develop<br />

M2M (machine to machine) capabilities at its comp<strong>le</strong>mentary<br />

products division, managed by Aharon Mirsky.<br />

The guiding princip<strong>le</strong> of these first two projects is that cars have<br />

the capacity to gather information on road and traffic conditions<br />

and transmit it to command and control centers that can analyze<br />

the data and adjust road signs and send recommendations to<br />

drivers.<br />

Dr. Chanan Gabay, who <strong>le</strong>ads the consortiums, explains that<br />

Motorola came up with the idea in response to a study of the<br />

priorities of the Framework Project.<br />

“An important EU goal is the reduction by half of casualties<br />

from traffic accidents by 21010” says Gabay. “The EU is troub<strong>le</strong>d<br />

by the disproportionate number of road accident casualties, in<br />

comparison with air traffic accidents.”<br />

Gabay realized that significance of the remark. Air traffic,<br />

unlike land traffic, is control<strong>le</strong>d by a closed circuit of command<br />

and control towers: no plane takes off, flies or lands without<br />

permission from the tower. The idea proposed by Motorola Israel<br />

is to create a closed command and control system on the basis of<br />

car computers developed in Israel, sensors instal<strong>le</strong>d in the cars and<br />

cellular communication between motor vehic<strong>le</strong>s and the regional,<br />

municipal or national control center.<br />

The first consortium, which provides a demonstration of the<br />

concept, has ten partners, among them Munich Technical University,<br />

Dutch e<strong>le</strong>ctro-optic sensor manufacturer TNO and the Bavarian<br />

Transportation Administration. The system includes a skid sensor, to<br />

identify skid hazards, a visibility sensor which recognizes weather<br />

conditions such as rain and fog, a motion sensor to check traffic<br />

conditions via two smart, software-control<strong>le</strong>d video cameras.<br />

The sensors are connected to a car computer made by Motorola<br />

Israel, and a cellular communication system transmits the data to<br />

a command and control center developed by the German company<br />

Tranver, with Munich University and the Bavarian Transportation<br />

Administration. This past June, there were trials on Munich roads,<br />

which were reviewed by the automotive industry in September.<br />

The follow-up project, COM2REACT, is designed for situations<br />

in which a vehic<strong>le</strong> is in an area with no command and control<br />

center.<br />

“The idea is to turn the car into part of a mesh network, in<br />

which cars communicate directly with one another,” explains<br />

Gabay. “One car in every region will be ab<strong>le</strong> to assume control<br />

of the network, gather the data from the nearby cars, process it<br />

and send it to a major control center. Essentially, this is a virtual<br />

control center that shifts from one car to another.”<br />

Although the EU panel that examined the proposal was impressed<br />

enough to award it the highest score, they noted they didn't believe<br />

the proposal was feasib<strong>le</strong>. The follow-up development team was<br />

joined by Peugeot Citroen labs, Te<strong>le</strong>fonica of Spain, Navteq, the<br />

largest digital map creator in Europe, the Israeli startup Sphericon<br />

and Jerusa<strong>le</strong>m Transportation, which is building the light rail line<br />

in Jerusa<strong>le</strong>m. David Lubinski, the Israeli importer for Peugeot<br />

Citroen, volunteered to assist the project, which will be tried on a<br />

f<strong>le</strong>et of Citroen C3 cars. A demonstration of the system is planned<br />

for October 2007 in Paris.<br />

Why are you embarking on such a comp<strong>le</strong>x project?<br />

"In 2009, says Gabay, “cars will be outfitted with a black box<br />

(eCall), which will be ab<strong>le</strong> to send out an automatic emergency<br />

call. This means that, as of 2009, all new cars on Europe's roads<br />

will be equipped with a communication device. Motorola’s direct<br />

gain is insight into market trends: we will <strong>le</strong>arn which accessories<br />

and products are in demand, and what solutions Europeans are<br />

seeking.<br />

“The project also helps answer questions about communication<br />

between vehic<strong>le</strong>s and the operations of control and distress centers,<br />

the nature of the systems and their technological features. We are<br />

looking for a business model that will enab<strong>le</strong> us to operate the<br />

services connected with eCall, and our project demonstrates the<br />

added value offered by the system.”


Three-fold Protection<br />

for Golden Opportunities<br />

Dr. Yoram Tsivion is a jack<br />

of all trades. He is one of those<br />

rare individuals the expertise of<br />

whom spans many fields, among<br />

these is the realm of intel<strong>le</strong>ctual<br />

property. Dr. Tsivion recognizes<br />

that know<strong>le</strong>dge is an asset.<br />

Dr. Tsivion’s firm emphasizes<br />

protecting intel<strong>le</strong>ctual property<br />

Dr. Tsivion<br />

as it is essential to business<br />

development.<br />

Property is often conceived of in terms of tangib<strong>le</strong> assets.<br />

However there are other kinds of property. Books and music<br />

may be copyrighted. Innovative products and processes in almost<br />

every field of technology may be patented. Trademarks designate<br />

attributes which link products to their source, and plant breeders’<br />

rights apply to novel agricultural crops.<br />

These properties are all intangib<strong>le</strong> human creations.. There is<br />

no physical barrier to prevent exploitation of them. In lieu of a<br />

such, the need arises for a “<strong>le</strong>gal fence” to protect the rights of<br />

creators or inventors.<br />

The law grants exclusive rights to the patent owner and prevents<br />

others from utilizing patented inventions. To acquire a patent one<br />

must apply to the designated government office..<br />

The patent application details specifications for the invention,<br />

means for imp<strong>le</strong>mentation. and “protection claims”, a precise<br />

definition of exclusivity claimed by the inventor or patent owner.<br />

The patent application must demonstrate that the invention is<br />

novel, unique, has an industrial use, and offers some benefit.<br />

Abstract ideas and models may not be registered as patents - except<br />

for “business methods”, recognized as patentab<strong>le</strong> in the United<br />

States. Software can also be protected in the U.S. as a patent, and<br />

elsewhere usually under copyright law.<br />

Patent attorneys help inventors submit patent and trademark<br />

applications Filing and handling of a patent application requires<br />

know<strong>le</strong>dge in three aspects: technology, law and business. Firstly,<br />

one must confirm the invention's technological applications, and<br />

whether the <strong>le</strong>vel of innovation is patentab<strong>le</strong>. Secondly, one must<br />

assess whether submitting an application will be profitab<strong>le</strong>, taking<br />

in consideration the cost of patenting which may consume some<br />

tens of thousands of dollars over the years. After the decision is<br />

made, the patent application must be written and edited, which<br />

demands professional technological know<strong>le</strong>dge and fluency in the<br />

re<strong>le</strong>vant <strong>le</strong>gal aspects of the national and international treaties.<br />

Dr. Yoram Tsivion, a patent attorney, scientific consultant and<br />

founder of a patent agency has mastery of these three skills. Dr.<br />

Tsivion began his career in the world of patents as a client. He<br />

earned degrees in physiology and biochemistry, a doctorate from<br />

the Hebrew University, and a post-doctorate from the Weizmann<br />

Institute of Science. He is a born inventor, and for years he<br />

acquired patents for his inventions, which he imp<strong>le</strong>mented and<br />

registered. Dr. Tsivion has a broad-based technological background<br />

drawn from his past experience, which includes the development<br />

of defense technology systems. His experience as an inventor<br />

and his multidisciplinary know<strong>le</strong>dge in the natural sciences,<br />

technology and business, enab<strong>le</strong> him to offer his clients rich and<br />

diverse services.<br />

Dr. Tsivion's office is small enough to offer the client a personal<br />

touch, yet large enough with a staff of ten for a combined 40<br />

years of experience in the fields of communications, physics,<br />

chemistry, biology, e<strong>le</strong>ctronics, nuc<strong>le</strong>ar physics, medical device,<br />

pharmaceuticals, agronomy, mechanics, biochemistry and fields<br />

of engineering . The office is located in the Caesarea industrial<br />

park and provides services to large and small Israeli companies<br />

and private entrepreneurs. His clients also include overseas<br />

companies as well as Israelis who live abroad and develop their<br />

work in other countries, but fi<strong>le</strong> their applications via his office.<br />

Several “technological incubators” in Israel make use of Dr.<br />

Tsivion's services. As a scientific consultant, he is well equipped<br />

to cultivate ideas in their earliest stages.<br />

The uniqueness of the Tsivion firm is expressed in a number<br />

of aspects:<br />

n Dr. Tsivion specializes in a broad range of fields and the expertise<br />

of his staff enab<strong>le</strong>s the firm to offer services in various fields,<br />

including areas that require interdisciplinary understanding.<br />

n The firm stresses the financial viability of idea development and<br />

patent registration - assessing filing feasibility is the first stage of<br />

the consulting process.<br />

n The firm know<strong>le</strong>dge base and administration is comp<strong>le</strong>tely<br />

computerized allowing for efficient control and time management<br />

in handling patent applications. Advanced hardware and software<br />

provides significant reductions in filing costs. In certain countries,<br />

this allows for direct applications with minimal local assistance<br />

and the capacity to present immediate filing confirmations .<br />

This is a significant advantage for companies and individuals<br />

seeking to publicize their invention in anticipation of an exhibit<br />

or presentation to a potential investor.<br />

Yoram Tsivion’s firm operates under the understanding that<br />

know<strong>le</strong>dge is power and power must be protected, and <strong>le</strong>veraged—<br />

to the greatest extent possib<strong>le</strong>, and they use every facility at their<br />

disposal to provide their clients with the highest quality of service<br />

coup<strong>le</strong>d with the most financially advantageous pricing.


14 / 15<br />

Smal<strong>le</strong>r is better:<br />

Israeli Nanotechnology is making an impact<br />

“Since the focus in nanotechnology is still on innovation, and a<br />

great deal of the work is being conducted in universities, Israel has<br />

a significant advantage in this field,” says Dr. Reshef Tenne, who<br />

<strong>le</strong>ads Weizmann Institute’s Department of Materials and Interfaces<br />

and the Martin and He<strong>le</strong>n Kimmel Center for Nanosciences.<br />

Israel’s contributions to the field are apparent in initial reports<br />

of the European Union’s Sixth Framework Programme. One<br />

success story is directly linked to Dr. Tenne. The company founded<br />

on the basis of his scientific discovery, APNANO Ltd., <strong>le</strong>ads a<br />

consortium (with an investment of 18.9 million euros) which is<br />

examining the uses of nanopartic<strong>le</strong>s as lubricants and coatings<br />

for metallic surfaces in machine parts. Partners in the consortium<br />

include several major German corporations.<br />

Through Tenne’s research, carried out with Dr. Menachem<br />

Gannot and Dr. Lev Margulis, globu<strong>le</strong>s with diameters of <strong>le</strong>ss<br />

than 100 billionth of a meter were developed. Their lubrication<br />

is better than oil, and this achievement <strong>le</strong>d to the founding of<br />

APNANO. The globu<strong>le</strong>s developed by the company are intended<br />

to replace lubricant oils in car and aircraft engines. This material,<br />

designed for body armor, vehic<strong>le</strong> protection and with applications<br />

for super-large TV screens, is made of a unique metal with shock<br />

absorption five times as strong as steel.<br />

What will be the impact of nanotechnology in the future?<br />

“In the first phase, nanotech will enter simp<strong>le</strong> or even trivial<br />

fields. For instance, medicines that today exist only in formulas<br />

and need to be taken every six hours, we’ll be ab<strong>le</strong> to take just<br />

once a day and in smal<strong>le</strong>r dosages, because distribution will be<br />

better. Upgrading our miniaturization abilities and our ability<br />

to allow smart devices in our bodies will drastically change<br />

medicine, allowing us to carry out invasive procedures without<br />

painful surgery. We’ll also see improvements in foods, in optics,<br />

in e<strong>le</strong>ctronics – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”<br />

The potential for nanotechnology to transform industry through<br />

the use of new materials is demonstrated in the NOESIS project,<br />

whose participants include IAI and the Weizmann Institute of<br />

Science. The funding from the Sixth European Framework<br />

Programme is five million Euros. Other partners include Fiat, the<br />

National Center for Scientific Research in France, the Hamburg<br />

Technical University and others.<br />

This project examines the possibility of creating a new type<br />

of composite materials for use in the aerospace industry, based<br />

on combining carbon nanotubes with current materials. The new<br />

materials offer new mechanical qualities for airplane parts, such<br />

as sensory abilities, and even responsive abilities and the operation<br />

of certain devices.<br />

IAI is one of the companies deriving the most benefits from the<br />

European Framework. It has recently won the <strong>le</strong>ad of the SPEED<br />

project, with a sum of 19.2 million Euro (out of which 1.7 million<br />

are awarded directly to IAI), which will operate for three years<br />

and will work in collaboration with <strong>le</strong>ading European industrial<br />

corporations, including Airbus, Daim<strong>le</strong>r-Chrys<strong>le</strong>r, Bosch, Saab,<br />

Astral and more. The project deals with defining and imp<strong>le</strong>menting<br />

system development processes, and its goal is to bring about a<br />

significant decrease in the time and cost of developing comp<strong>le</strong>x<br />

systems, such as satellites, radars, UAVs and sophisticated e<strong>le</strong>ctronic<br />

systems. Germany’s Airbus co. is responsib<strong>le</strong> for administrative<br />

coordination, and IAI’s Dr. Winokur will act as the project’s<br />

technical administrator.<br />

Shining new light on nano-industry<br />

One large nano-project, with 16.7 million Euros earmarked, is<br />

being imp<strong>le</strong>mented by the CHRPAN consortium, and proves that the<br />

European Framework Programme is a good opportunity to acquire<br />

information and not just to impart it. Partnering in this project are<br />

the Technion and ColorChip from Israel, alongside Fraunhofer,<br />

Phillips, Germany’s Carl Zeiss, the French Committee for Atomic<br />

Energy and more. This consortium was founded on the basis of<br />

a new material processing technology using multip<strong>le</strong> ion beams,<br />

developed by the Austrian firm IMS. The technology has many<br />

uses in fields such as creating micro-<strong>le</strong>nses for cameras, creating<br />

templates for nano-etching technology, fabrication of biological<br />

and chemical components for nano-labs, improving the production<br />

process for e<strong>le</strong>ctronic components and more.<br />

The Technion in Haifa <strong>le</strong>ads the consortium’s research group,<br />

and its first meeting was held in Israel. ColorChip’s ro<strong>le</strong> in this<br />

consortium has been to develop the abilities of the beam developed<br />

by IMS in the manufacture of advanced optics. ColorChip is<br />

an Israeli start-up firm from Caesarea, which has developed an<br />

innovative technology for the creation of optical components,<br />

manufactured on glass surfaces, for the optic communications<br />

market. The company develops and produces components for<br />

household fiber-based communication systems. This January,<br />

the company comp<strong>le</strong>ted its IPO with $9.5 million, <strong>le</strong>d by the<br />

Bessemer Venture Partners fund and with the participation of the<br />

Motorola investment fund.<br />

New Metals<br />

Metals in general, and nanometallic materials in particular,<br />

hold special importance for the future of the chemical, vehicular,<br />

pharmaceutical and other industries. The SELECTNANO<br />

consortium, administrated by Bar-Ilan University and with the<br />

participation of the Hebrew University and Israeli companies<br />

OSM-DAN and InkSure, plans to supply nanometallic powders for<br />

European heavy industry, based on the new Sonoe<strong>le</strong>ctrochemistry<br />

procedure, developed at Bar-Ilan University by Dr. Aharon<br />

Gedanken and his team. The consortium has a budget of 2.78<br />

million Euros.<br />

An EU survey, examining scientific publications from 1996-<br />

2000, placed the Bar-Ilan Center for nanosciences 13th in Europe,<br />

as measured by the number of quotes on artic<strong>le</strong>s published by its<br />

researchers. Taking part in the project are three Israeli entities:<br />

Bar-Ilan University, the Hebrew University and Savyon Ltd.<br />

Leading the project is Kent University.<br />

In 2004, Bar-Ilan won one of the largest projects in the field<br />

of new materials with the founding of the 11.9 million Euro<br />

NABCO consortium, for the development of nanomaterials for<br />

use as biological markers for the biotech industry. The project<br />

will be concluded in 2008.


A consortium is a joint venture of <strong>le</strong>ading academic and industrial<br />

entities which work together to develop generic technologies. The<br />

European Union's research budgets allow Israeli companies and research<br />

organizations to take part in European consortia. Since the Fifth European<br />

Programme, Israelis can participate in consortia not only as members,<br />

but also serve as coordinators, <strong>le</strong>ading and facilitating research for the<br />

entire consortium.<br />

Shaham & Assoc. C.P.A (Isr.) and EurOption Ltd's expertise in finance<br />

and administration enab<strong>le</strong>s these organizations to manage the comp<strong>le</strong>x<br />

financial issues of European consortia with tremendous success. The firm<br />

has specialized in managing the finances of more than 20 Israeli consortia<br />

in 15 years. The firm's reputation and specific orientation have drawn<br />

several European consortia to request Shaham & Assoc.’s services of<br />

financial management and coordination, to manage professionally funds<br />

and reports. These comprehensive services of financial management are<br />

provided to consortia <strong>le</strong>d by Migal, K.L.A. Tencor, PalBam, the Hebrew<br />

University of Jerusa<strong>le</strong>m, the Gali<strong>le</strong>e Development Authority, Tadiran<br />

Spectralink and others.<br />

Shaham & Assoc. offers many advantages. First, it allows the<br />

who<strong>le</strong> consortium to take full advantage of EU benefits. The firm's<br />

thorough understanding of EU regulations and its familiarity with R&D<br />

accountancy enab<strong>le</strong>s clients to receive swift and maximum support. In<br />

most cases, organizations receive support for all eligib<strong>le</strong> costs, including<br />

overheads.<br />

The firm's excel<strong>le</strong>nt organizational skills assure compliance with strict<br />

EU accounting requirements, which necessitate that financial reports be<br />

submitted within 45 days of the conclusion of each R&D period. Adherence<br />

to this schedu<strong>le</strong> is crucial to secure funds for continued research, and in<br />

addition, to maintain a positive cash flow.<br />

For examp<strong>le</strong>, the final sett<strong>le</strong>ment of accounts for the Ocsli consortium<br />

(whose R&D period concluded in December 2005), was comp<strong>le</strong>ted by<br />

April 2006!(a record, considering that financial and technological reports<br />

had to be attained from each European and Israeli consortium member,<br />

and they had to be coordinated, consolidated and presented to the EU.<br />

The process was closely monitored, and full support was achieved for<br />

all R&D expenses). These records are appreciated not only by clients,<br />

but also by the European commission authorities, who views them as<br />

indicators of high-<strong>le</strong>vel professional Israeli management.<br />

The firm removes the burden of financial management from the<br />

Managing the f inancial<br />

support from the European<br />

R&D Funds<br />

The digital age shrinks distances and stresses quality.<br />

Accounting firm Shaham Assoc.C.P.A.(Isr.)along with<br />

EurOption Ltd specialize in managing the varied financial<br />

management aspects and accounting reports of over ten<br />

European consortia! / Daniel Efrati<br />

coordinating company, allowing the organization and the coordinator<br />

specifically, to focus its efforts fully on research and technology. The firm<br />

has developed professional cooperation with the EU's officers (as well as<br />

ISERD), <strong>le</strong>ading to excel<strong>le</strong>nt results for all consortium members.<br />

Consortium members can be confident that reliab<strong>le</strong> financial management<br />

Shaham & Assoc. C.P.A (Isr.) and EurOption Ltd's expertise in financial management and coordination, enab<strong>le</strong>s<br />

consortium coordinator to manage the comp<strong>le</strong>x financial issues of European consortia with tremendous success<br />

will allow them to secure needed funding. When choosing and allocating<br />

their resources among research projects, authorities will always prefer<br />

consortia whose finances are properly managed.<br />

Shaham & Assoc.’s know<strong>le</strong>dge and extensive experience are also a<br />

valuab<strong>le</strong> “asset” for individual firms seeking the support of the European<br />

Programme. They can gain financial and accounting advice based upon<br />

an in-depth understanding of the entire system, and count<strong>le</strong>ss successful<br />

interactions and specific financial reports prepared for EU officers. The<br />

Sixth EU Programme requires that all participating consortium members<br />

present a comp<strong>le</strong>te R&D cost report and an Audit Certificate. To meet<br />

these requirements, accounting firms that are not specialists cannot<br />

meet easily the demands. Shaham has <strong>le</strong>vered its know<strong>le</strong>dge and EU<br />

connections to allow companies to hand<strong>le</strong> these requirements easily, by<br />

supplying ongoing accounting services that answer the specific needs<br />

of each company.<br />

Shaham & Assoc.’s know<strong>le</strong>dge and extensive experience are also a valuab<strong>le</strong> “asset” for varied individual firms, seeking<br />

the support of the European Programme. They can gain financial and accounting advice based upon an in-depth<br />

understanding of the entire system, and count<strong>le</strong>ss successful interactions with EU officers regarding R& D cost reports<br />

These services allow the full utilization of benefits and the acceptance<br />

of the greatest amount of support in the shortest time, whi<strong>le</strong> fully obeying<br />

the law and EU ru<strong>le</strong>s (hundreds of pages long). Financial trust is assured,<br />

a crucial aspect of a company's reputation.<br />

These services can be provided only by an accountant well-versed<br />

in these comp<strong>le</strong>x fields, and therefore it's no surprise that remarkab<strong>le</strong><br />

industrial companies and academic institutes from the first rank of Israeli<br />

R&D <strong>le</strong>aders have chosen Shaham & Assoc. Clients include Ormat,<br />

Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Universities, Alvarion, Compugen, RAD<br />

Communications, V-CON (an Emblaze subsidiary), Atena/GS-3 (an H.<br />

Mer subsidiary) and many others.<br />

In anticipating the Seventh Framework Programme, we expect that<br />

many more will seek the benefit of the know<strong>le</strong>dge, experience and<br />

expertise of the Shaham & Assoc.C.P.A Firm as well as EurOption Ltd.<br />

This expertise will be especially value in light of program changes and<br />

new comp<strong>le</strong>xities anticipated in accounting and R&D cost reporting<br />

guidelines and eligibility.<br />

(For further information - p<strong>le</strong>ase contact directly - Shaham &<br />

Assoc. C.P.A / EurOption Ltd. TEL: 03-5751122)


16 / 17<br />

The European Framework Programme:<br />

RSL, IAI and ATCT:<br />

Improving aircraft maintenance<br />

Investment: 40 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Daim<strong>le</strong>r-Chrys<strong>le</strong>r, Tha<strong>le</strong>s, A<strong>le</strong>nia, SAGEM, BAE,<br />

Airbus, Marconi and others.<br />

Airlines spend some 20% of operating costs on maintenance, but<br />

it is possib<strong>le</strong> to reduce these costs. Mechanics spend some 30%<br />

of their time trying to locate malfunctions, and human errors in<br />

maintenance are responsib<strong>le</strong> for 15% of all accidents. The goal<br />

of the TATEM project is to recognize and corroborate the use of<br />

various techniques and technologies to make aircraft maintenance<br />

more efficient.<br />

Wisair: Pervasive UWB low spectral radio<br />

Investment: 37.2 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Motorola, Tha<strong>le</strong>s, STMicroe<strong>le</strong>ctronics, Mitsubishi,<br />

Te<strong>le</strong>phonica, France Te<strong>le</strong>com and others.<br />

Wisair is participating in the PULSERS consortium, a strategic<br />

and prestigious project of the EU's Sixth Framework. The goal<br />

is the development of ultra-wide-band technology for wire<strong>le</strong>ss<br />

communications, including technology, infrastructure, applications,<br />

regulations, locating UWB technologies and more. The project's<br />

importance has <strong>le</strong>d to the involvement of key international<br />

industries.<br />

IS-4 International:<br />

Responding to airborne threats<br />

Investment: 36 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Siemens, Rockwell, Airbus, BAE, Tha<strong>le</strong>s, EADS,<br />

Gali<strong>le</strong>o Avionics and others.<br />

Leading European aerospace firms have invited the Israeli IS-4 to<br />

join the SAFEE consortium, <strong>le</strong>d by the French SAGEM company.<br />

The consortium's goal is to develop new methods and technologies<br />

to improve in-flight security, particularly against terror threats. The<br />

goal of the consortium members is to ensure that every plane will<br />

comp<strong>le</strong>te its journey safely. The infrastructure under development<br />

includes sensors, communication systems and command and<br />

control systems capab<strong>le</strong> of dealing with in-flight threats.<br />

Apnano: Nanopartic<strong>le</strong>s for<br />

machine parts<br />

Investment: 19 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Uppsala University (Sweden), Newcast<strong>le</strong> University<br />

(UK), EADS, Rolls-Royce, the French Atomic Energy Committee<br />

and others.<br />

The Foremost Project is based upon Israeli technologies developed<br />

at the Weizmann Institute, with applications developed by Apnano,<br />

a producer of nanometric tubes and materials from non-organic<br />

compounds. These materials are exceptionally resistant to abrasion,<br />

Stories of<br />

pressure and heat, and Apnano has developed the capacity to<br />

mass produce them. The consortium examines ways to use these<br />

materials as coatings for engineering surfaces and as lubricants,<br />

to save energy and improve performance of machine parts (in<br />

aviation, automotive, energy production and heavy industry).<br />

BioKine Therapeutics: Innovative<br />

Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases<br />

Investment: 18.8 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Pierre and Marie Curie University (Paris), Munich<br />

University, Lodz Medical School, Novartis and others.<br />

The INNOCHEM consortium comprises a large number of research<br />

and industrial groups focusing on new chemo-kine-based treatments<br />

for autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. After five years,<br />

clinical trials will be held. BioKine is located in Rehovot.<br />

Theravir and the Hebrew University:<br />

Advancing Genetics in Medicine<br />

Investment: 18 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Bologna Technological Institute, The Czech Institute<br />

for Mo<strong>le</strong>cular Genetics, Ulm University (Germany), and others.<br />

The CLINIGENE consortium was founded with the aim of<br />

establishing a European network of researchers and industrialists<br />

in medical genetic research. The shared goal is to advance gene<br />

therapy through the development of safe and reliab<strong>le</strong> systems.<br />

The network also focuses on gene transfer and the integration of<br />

studies and multidisciplinary developments in the treatment and<br />

mobilization of genes. A full range of organizations are involved<br />

in developing genetically based medical products and treatments.<br />

These include academia, industry, regulatory bodies, clinics and<br />

hospitals.<br />

Technion and ColorChip: Nanometric<br />

Structures<br />

Investment: 16.7 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Fraunhofer, Phillips, Carl Zeiss (Germany), the<br />

French Atomic Energy Committee and others.<br />

The CHARPAN consortium advances innovative technology in<br />

processing materials through multip<strong>le</strong> ion beams, developed by<br />

the Austrian IMS company. The technology has many potential<br />

applications, among them: production of camera micro-<strong>le</strong>nses to<br />

creating templates for nano-etching technology, fabrication of<br />

biological and chemical components for nano-labs and improving<br />

the production process for e<strong>le</strong>ctronic components. The aim is<br />

to develop solutions for the production of minuscu<strong>le</strong>, comp<strong>le</strong>x<br />

three-dimensional templates with precision at a nanometric <strong>le</strong>vel.<br />

A follow-up project, involving the Technion in operation.


Israeli Success<br />

Israel has enjoyed<br />

impressive success - and<br />

considerab<strong>le</strong> financial<br />

support - in response to<br />

proposals presented to<br />

the European Framework<br />

Programme for Research<br />

and Technological<br />

Development. Below are<br />

projects which highlight<br />

Israeli contributions to<br />

varied fields. The focus is<br />

on originality in science<br />

and technology<br />

Yamar: Preventing Accidents<br />

Investment: 16.6 Million Euro<br />

Other Key Partners: Daim<strong>le</strong>r-Chrys<strong>le</strong>r, Fiat, Motorola,<br />

Siemens<br />

Yamar joined one of Europe’s strongest endeavors to develop a<br />

vehicular accident prevention system. The SPARC project is seeking<br />

to create a platform that allows vehic<strong>le</strong>s to receive information<br />

on road conditions from various information sources, including<br />

cameras, GPS and radar, to assess risk and avoid accidents. It<br />

is anticipated that the partners will adapt the system- originally<br />

planned for trucks - to private vehic<strong>le</strong>s.<br />

Stem Cell Research at Hebrew University<br />

Investment: 16.5 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Basel University, Edinburgh University, the Dresden<br />

Technological University and others.<br />

The special qualities of stem cells provide many opportunities<br />

to <strong>le</strong>arn about the nature of the human cell division process<br />

and diseases. SCT is a member of the ESTOOLS consortium,<br />

coordinated by the UK's Sheffield University. The consortium<br />

is working toward developing and imp<strong>le</strong>menting instructional<br />

tools on genetic activities and mo<strong>le</strong>cular networks that regulate<br />

the regeneration and cellular differentiation in human embryonic<br />

stem cells. The goal is to develop a research platform to advance<br />

bio-medical breakthroughs.


18 / 19<br />

Crytec: Frozen Food Quality<br />

Investment: 165 Million Euro<br />

Key Israeli partners: Volcani, Afcon, Motorola Israel, Freshpoint<br />

Quality Assurance and OSM-Dan<br />

This four-year project of the CHILL-ON consortium is designed<br />

to meet the need to supply quality control for frozen foods. The<br />

project will include the development of a computer infrastructure<br />

based tracking system capab<strong>le</strong> of supplying the authorities with<br />

the tools to carry out quality control and monitoring of the<br />

marketing routs of frozen and chil<strong>le</strong>d foods. Among the project's<br />

goals are improving storage and delivery systems, innovative<br />

packing solutions, a mobi<strong>le</strong> control unit and an information and<br />

communication technology software system. In its first phases<br />

the project will focus on fish and seafood, broadening to poultry<br />

in a later stage.<br />

Exent Technologies and Amal:<br />

Multimedia applications<br />

Investment: 15.8 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Phillips, VTT Finland, Fraunhofer, DT Austria<br />

Eindhoven University, Portugal Te<strong>le</strong>com and T-online.<br />

Exent Technologies <strong>le</strong>ads the Games@Large consortium, a fouryear<br />

project dedicated to developing new computing architecture<br />

to advance processing powers. The goal is to provide affordab<strong>le</strong><br />

solutions for businesses and homes that will permit any device<br />

to operate computer games on any platform, from computers to<br />

te<strong>le</strong>vision. The projected comp<strong>le</strong>tion is planned for 2010, and it<br />

will be re<strong>le</strong>ased in the European market by T-Online and Portugal<br />

Te<strong>le</strong>com, in Latin America by Portugal Te<strong>le</strong>com and in North<br />

America and Asia by the Israeli Exent company.<br />

Weizmann Institute: Proteins for<br />

biomedical uses<br />

Investment: 15 Million Euro<br />

Key Partners: Oxford University, The European Mo<strong>le</strong>cular<br />

Biology Laboratory, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility,<br />

York University and others.<br />

The SPINE2-COMPLEXES consortium, <strong>le</strong>d by Oxford University,<br />

is planned as a four-year project. Its two main goals are in the<br />

field of structural biology: developing systems to gain insight<br />

into proteins, and examining the function of proteins and protein<br />

comp<strong>le</strong>xes in signaling pathways that affect human health.<br />

Protelogics: Investigating proteins at<br />

Technion and Hebrew University<br />

Investment: 15 Million Euro<br />

Other Key Partners: the Technion in Haifa, the Hebrew University,<br />

the Medical Center University (Netherlands), the Pasteur Institute<br />

(France), the Max Delbrück Center for Mo<strong>le</strong>cular Medicine<br />

(Germany) and more.<br />

The RUBICON consortium, <strong>le</strong>d by Sweden's Karolinska Institute,<br />

is investigating the ro<strong>le</strong> of the ubiquitin protein and ubiquitin-like<br />

modifiers in the cellular inhibition process. The project focuses<br />

on promoting rapid advancement in researching the mo<strong>le</strong>cular<br />

princip<strong>le</strong>s of protein changes caused by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like<br />

mo<strong>le</strong>cular bonding. Investigations will also examine the ro<strong>le</strong> these<br />

mo<strong>le</strong>cu<strong>le</strong>s have on the inhibition of basic biological processes, and<br />

the implications for treatment of pathological conditions, such as<br />

chronic inflammations, nerve degeneration and cancer.<br />

Tel Aviv and Hebrew Universities and<br />

Savyon Diagnostics: Nanometric chips<br />

Investment: 12 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: Genetix (UK), the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov<br />

Institute (Russia), the East China University of Science and<br />

Technology and others<br />

The Nacbo consortium, <strong>le</strong>d by Kent University, seeks to develop<br />

materials for use in biological recognition processes via the<br />

construction of nanometrically etched chips. The project focuses<br />

on mo<strong>le</strong>cular diagnostics and will develop new and improved<br />

solutions in biology, medicine, chemistry, process engineering<br />

and the environment. Among other goals, it will help develop,<br />

manufacture and market testing kits for infectious diseases.<br />

Tel Aviv and Hebrew Universities and<br />

Weizmann: The future internet<br />

Investment: 8.9 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: the Swedish Institute of Computer Science<br />

(SICS), Ericsson, France Te<strong>le</strong>com, Magdeburg University, CETIC,<br />

ICTP and others.<br />

The EVERGROW consortium is an international laboratory which<br />

studies and advances the chal<strong>le</strong>nges for the next generation of the<br />

internet. Under development is the construction of a system that<br />

simulates the internet of the future using a high-speed computer<br />

grid. The goal is to <strong>le</strong>arn how the web will work, analyze traffic<br />

characteristics, its physical and logical structure, control systems<br />

and its service potential. The consortium will develop scientific<br />

models for the development of the internet of the future.


IBM Israel and Weizmann Institute:<br />

Improving design of e<strong>le</strong>ctronic systems<br />

Investment: 7.6 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: Infineon Technologies, STMicroe<strong>le</strong>ctronics,<br />

Fourier University in Grenob<strong>le</strong>.<br />

The PROSYD consortium, <strong>le</strong>d by IBM Israel, began its work in<br />

January 2004 and will conclude the project in December 2006.<br />

The goal is to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of<br />

the European IT industry by developing a new standart - based<br />

approach to designing e<strong>le</strong>ctronic systems. This new methodology<br />

will unify and streamline different phases in the development of<br />

e<strong>le</strong>ctronic systems, including definition requirements, planning,<br />

imp<strong>le</strong>mentation and verification, into a comp<strong>le</strong>te planning sequence.<br />

This project is intended to improve work processes and to achieve<br />

a 30% increase in productivity.<br />

Optibase: Arttic advances a new<br />

appropach to digital rights and management<br />

Investment: 6 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: France Te<strong>le</strong>com, Imperial Col<strong>le</strong>ge of London,<br />

NagraViaion (Switzerland), the Industrial Technology Research<br />

Institute of Taiwan and others.<br />

The goal of the TIRAMISU project, <strong>le</strong>d by the Optibase company,<br />

is to develop new methods for copyright protection of digital media,<br />

without damaging the potential distribution, marketing and use of<br />

Most e<strong>le</strong>ctronic communications is based upon linking up with GEO<br />

satellites located in a distance of 36,000 km (at “C” or “Ku” band) over<br />

the equator. These satellites remain in fixed positions relative to the<br />

earth's movement. Since deployment requires a steady and permanent<br />

link between the device and the satellite, connectivity between a<br />

satellite and an airborne jet, seafaring vessel or high-speed train can<br />

be prob<strong>le</strong>matic. The new te<strong>le</strong>communication systems developed by<br />

ORBIT give clients fast, reliab<strong>le</strong> broadband internet abilities.<br />

The chief technological achievement of these systems is their high<br />

stabilization capability and ability to maintain line of sight with the<br />

satellite even under the difficult, complicated conditions of mobi<strong>le</strong><br />

vehic<strong>le</strong>s in which these systems are instal<strong>le</strong>d. Business peop<strong>le</strong> (or<br />

anyone, for that matter) can continue their routine communications<br />

from a plane or a boat – send and receive e-mail, conduct te<strong>le</strong>phone<br />

conversations and other activities.<br />

ORBIT's latest cutting-edge system is a low profi<strong>le</strong> antenna for<br />

high-speed trains. Thousands of passengers can continue surfing the<br />

net and remain in virtual touch as though they were still at home or<br />

their office. This capability could save thousands of work-hours which<br />

would have been lost without this technology. Supertankers carrying<br />

fuel or other substances can keep tabs in real time of the changing<br />

price of their cargo (during the months they spend at sea).<br />

Other long-term seafarers – tourists on extended cruises or crews on<br />

military ships –can receive real-time information from various landbased<br />

media: they can watch TV, or even see the happy face - sent as<br />

internet fi<strong>le</strong>s – of their daughter who just passed her driving test… or<br />

Home and Away<br />

the content. The project will investigate Digital Rights Management<br />

(DRM) technologies and develop an approach that utilizes the best<br />

technologies to facilitate the distribution of digital media to TV<br />

sets, DVD players, music players, cell phones and PCs, without<br />

damaging the property rights of the digital media.<br />

Gilat: Satellite Communications<br />

Inter-Operability<br />

Investment: 5.4 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: Avanti Communications (UK), Tellitec Engineering<br />

(Germany), and the Universities of Helsinki and Salonika<br />

Gilat Satellite Networks <strong>le</strong>ads the VIVALDI consortium, which<br />

focuses on developing architecture, technologies and protocols for<br />

broadband access to satellite applications in hybrid networks. The<br />

goal is to develop inexpensive access technology for applications<br />

and services which demand high quality of service (QoS), such<br />

as VoIP.<br />

Mekorot: Safety for drinking water<br />

Investment: 5.2 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: University of Barcelona, UNESCO, UWI,<br />

Cranfield University (Belgium), the Aachen Water Research<br />

Institute, the Berlin Technical University and others.<br />

Mekorot is participating in two projects to improve the quality of<br />

water and safely use recyc<strong>le</strong>d drinking water. The projects (Switch<br />

and Reclaim Water) investigate re-using urban sewage water to<br />

stem the world water shortage. Both projects investigate methods<br />

use their phone to reprimand their child for not doing homework…<br />

The technology developed by ORBIT is based on a combination of<br />

e<strong>le</strong>ctronic mechanics and algorithms, embedded in a system capab<strong>le</strong><br />

of stabilizing, tracking and locking on a satellite even whi<strong>le</strong> moving<br />

quickly and erratically.<br />

Whi<strong>le</strong> these systems are largely for the civilian world, they can be<br />

used for military purposes, since the need for real time information is<br />

a defining characteristic of the batt<strong>le</strong>field of the future. It's no accident<br />

that systems developed by ORBIT have been integrated in military<br />

carriers developed by all of Israel's defense industries – Elisra, Elta,<br />

IAI, Elbit and RAFAEL.<br />

The fact that the systems are integrated in different carriers requires<br />

technological cooperation between ORBIT and other companies, largely<br />

on the antenna/modem/distribution-system link. This link is an essential<br />

aspect in maximizing the company's technological capabilities.<br />

ORBIT, founded in the 1950's, has subsidiaries in the U.S and Britain.<br />

The Israeli office has some 200 employees, with another hundred or so<br />

at the subsidiaries. The engineers and technologically-trained workers<br />

are graduates of some of the finest institutes of higher education in their<br />

fields. In recent years, the company has achieved considerab<strong>le</strong> growth: It<br />

controls some 25% of the world market for seaborne stabilization, aiming<br />

and tracking systems. Thanks to its unique and powerful technological<br />

capabilities, the company joined the sixth round of the European<br />

Union's R&D Framework Programme, developing communication<br />

systems for use in high-speed trains and aircraft.<br />

These capabilities will continue to attract collaborations between


20 / 21<br />

to safely return water to underground sources such as aquifers.<br />

Treatment plans are compared, and the effects of chemical and<br />

microbiological activity on water are examined.<br />

Hadassah Medical Center: New Genetic<br />

Treatments<br />

Investment: 5 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: the Max Delbrück Center for Mo<strong>le</strong>cular Medicine<br />

(Germany), the Kennedy Center Eye Clinic (Denmark), the Hungary<br />

National Medical Center and others.<br />

The INTHER consortium develops gene transfer strategies for<br />

treating inherited and acquired human disorders. The partners<br />

will develop and imp<strong>le</strong>ment varied technologies. The three year<br />

project will develop and test genetic treatment methods for somatic<br />

diseases that are a priority for European health.<br />

IAI and the Weizmann Institute<br />

for Science: Nanotubes for aircraft<br />

construction<br />

Investment: 5 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: Fiat, the French National Institute for Scientific<br />

Research, the Hamburg Technical University and more.<br />

The NOESIS consortium is a collaboration with IAI and the<br />

Weizmann Institute in the field of carbon nanotubes for aircraft<br />

construction. The project focuses on the development of composite<br />

flight materials possessing new metallurgic qualities and sensory<br />

capabilities, including in-flight tracking of aerodynamic structures<br />

and varied response capabilities.<br />

Elop: Detecting Atmospheric Flight<br />

Hazards<br />

Investment: 4.7 Euro<br />

Other Partners: Tha<strong>le</strong>s, the National Office for the Teaching<br />

and Study of Flight (ONDRA – France), Louvain University<br />

(Belgium) and others.<br />

Elop <strong>le</strong>ads the Fidelio consortium, founded to imp<strong>le</strong>ment<br />

atmospheric hazard detection laser technology for aircraft. The<br />

goal is to improve safety in all-weather flight. The focus in the<br />

development of a LIDAR-type laser, adapted for use on aircraft in<br />

keeping with appropriate safety, reliability and weight parameters.<br />

The European aerospace industry is enthusiastic about this highly<br />

regarded project, which the European Commission presented as a<br />

model project in its June 2006 Aeronautics Day in Vienna.<br />

Saliwell: Smart Re<strong>le</strong>ase of Anti-Narcotic<br />

Medicines<br />

Investment: 3.9 Million Euro<br />

Israeli partners: Bio-Rad, Relsoft System, Assuta Medical Center<br />

(coordinator) and Israel's Anti-Drug Authority<br />

Other Partners: Fraunhofer, the Universities of Warsaw, Pa<strong>le</strong>rmo<br />

and Berlin<br />

The goal of the IntelliDrug project is to develop an innovative<br />

intra-oral device to re<strong>le</strong>ase medicines for treating drug addictions.<br />

The goal is to control re<strong>le</strong>ase over the course of days, weeks and<br />

months, in accordance with individual patient data. A monitoring<br />

apparatus will gather information to be analyzed by an internal<br />

signal processing system.<br />

Compugen: Models for RNA Research.<br />

Investment: 3.8 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: Zurich University, Warsaw University, the<br />

European Mo<strong>le</strong>cular Biology Laboratory (Germany) and<br />

others.<br />

The RIBOSYS consortium, <strong>le</strong>d by Edinburgh University is planned<br />

as a three-year project. It will investigate RNA metabolism<br />

processes in yeast, in the framework of a project adapting biological<br />

system approaches as models for understanding metabolism. The<br />

project will build a model of the comp<strong>le</strong>x cellular pathways of<br />

RNA metabolism through the biological system. The investigation<br />

of yeast offers insight into human cellular pathways, which are<br />

difficult to examine.<br />

The Jewish Agency and the Technion: A<br />

toolbox for cultural heritage<br />

Investment: 3.7 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: the Technion, ORT France, Fondazione IARD<br />

and others.<br />

The MOSAICA project is developing a computerized toolbox for<br />

intelligent presentations, accessing information for self-discovery<br />

experiences and advancing semantic and communal approach to<br />

cultural heritage. The development is intended for all European<br />

cultural heritage, but will begin with Jewish heritage. The French<br />

ORT education network is a partner.<br />

Motorola Israel and ARTTIC: Safer and<br />

smarter driving<br />

Investment: 3.7 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: The Munich Technical University, TNO (the


A.T.I. Ashkelon:<br />

The Road to Revenue<br />

The A.T.I. Ashkelon technological<br />

business center invites inventors<br />

and entrepreneurs to realize their<br />

business potential<br />

/ By Ynon Avishar<br />

Every scientific and technological<br />

entrepreneur dreams of transforming a<br />

brilliant idea into a productive business<br />

venture. One impressive success<br />

was recently achieved by an Israeli<br />

company cultivated at ATI, the Ashkelon<br />

Technological Industries businesstechnology<br />

center. The company’s<br />

excel<strong>le</strong>nt idea <strong>le</strong>d to the sa<strong>le</strong> of the firm<br />

to a giant multinational corporation for<br />

David Wazana<br />

$120 million.<br />

David Wazana, the energetic Managing Director of ATI, says<br />

that the ro<strong>le</strong> of his technological center is to transform abstract<br />

ideas into prosperous businesses. ATI helps firms develop concepts<br />

into business entities in fields including medical equipment, biomedicine,<br />

dental equipment, energy, environmental projects,<br />

advanced materials, nanotechnology, water treatment and<br />

communications.<br />

Managing Director Wazana and the ATI board of directors<br />

help draw strategic investors to projects with the potential to<br />

earn high profits. ATI opens the gates to private, institutional and<br />

venture-capital firms, and offers a team of skil<strong>le</strong>d technological<br />

and business development experts to support the projects through<br />

all steps of the path of business success.<br />

Another significant advantage ATI provides for researchers and<br />

entrepreneurs is world class marketing connections to support the<br />

product's technological development and commercial marketing.<br />

ATI has strong ties in Asia (China, Taiwan and South Korea),<br />

Europe and the United States.<br />

Wazana notes that “In twenty years, we've built an enormous<br />

amount of experience. We are ab<strong>le</strong> to recognize success stories from<br />

the start, by thoroughly examining the business and technological<br />

aspects of an idea. ATI may be seen as a technological capital<br />

fund, which offers excel<strong>le</strong>nt terms for advancing new projects<br />

and financial support from government, private investor and<br />

strategic funds.”<br />

The ATI technological business center, began in the early 1990's<br />

as a tech incubator. But it is highly regarded for its success in<br />

bringing to life brilliant ideas for high-profit business projects.<br />

In addition to wise, caring guidance for entrepreneurs, ATI<br />

recommends setting up shop in Ashkelon – a vibrant and strategically<br />

located city, with convenient train routes to the Haifa and Ashdod<br />

ports and Ben Gurion International Airport.<br />

ATI has already founded several successful industrial<br />

manufacturers. These companies now have operations throughout<br />

the countriy, from Rehovot and Ashdod to Jerusa<strong>le</strong>m and Netivot. For<br />

instance, Nutra<strong>le</strong>ase, located in Mishor Edumim, is a manufacturer<br />

of health food supp<strong>le</strong>ments produced by the use of nanotechnology.<br />

Its nano-emulsion supp<strong>le</strong>ments may be absorbed in liquids without<br />

affecting taste, texture or clarity.<br />

Other companies include two water treatment firms working<br />

with Mekorot: Treatec21, which develops water purification<br />

technologies, has recruited significant capital. The company has<br />

expanded, advanced business ties and is developing a line of<br />

products. Another firm, En Gibton, develops unique ceramic-based<br />

and organic materials to filter biological and chemical contaminants<br />

from well waters. These replace environmentally hazardous and<br />

inefficient carbon-based filters.<br />

M.S.Vision, a medical device company, is developing a unique<br />

c<strong>le</strong>ansing system for internal medical examinations. The system<br />

c<strong>le</strong>ans endoscope <strong>le</strong>nses and prevents loss of clarity upon contact<br />

with bodily fluids, thus maintaining a c<strong>le</strong>ar field of vision throughout<br />

the procedure.<br />

Homeland security company Sea-Eye develops underseas<br />

communication systems based on sea-floor-to-surface signaling<br />

by advanced acoustics, allowing the transmission of real-time<br />

video. Arcoline Ltd. is developing an automatic circuit breaker<br />

capab<strong>le</strong> of re-routing power supplies to peripheral substations in a<br />

record 0.3 milliseconds, in the event of power failures. This swift<br />

shut-down prevents damage that may be caused by the current<br />

generation of circuit breakers, which disconnect at the relatively<br />

slow speed of 1.5 milliseconds.<br />

Botanocap Ltd. develops natural agricultural and veterinary<br />

pest control microcapsu<strong>le</strong>s of essential oils to replace harmful<br />

chemicals and pesticides.<br />

Uri-Dent Ltd. develops innovative dental crowns for children<br />

made out of polymers with metallic qualities, for children’s<br />

molars. They are tooth-colored and without al<strong>le</strong>rgens (nickel<br />

free). The company was founded in 2003 by Dr. Uri Zilberman,<br />

who directs the children’s dental division of Ashkelon's Barzilai<br />

Hospital. His highly regarded crown has passed the scrutiny of<br />

the American FDA.<br />

Topimed Ltd. is developing a skin ointment to treat damage<br />

caused by age, disease or medical side effects. This ointment<br />

works very efficiently on inner dermal layers.<br />

Would you like to join this roster of success stories? The only<br />

address you need to transform your great idea into a commercial<br />

success is ATI: 08-675-1122, ati@ati.co.il


22 / 23<br />

Netherlands), the National Institute for the Study of Information<br />

and Automation (France).<br />

The React consortium, founded and <strong>le</strong>d by Motorola Israel, is<br />

seeking to manufacture an aid for safe and smart driving, using a<br />

sensor suite instal<strong>le</strong>d inside the vehic<strong>le</strong>. The sensors will monitor<br />

weather conditions and road infrastructure, and broadcast the<br />

information to a command and control center. This data will be<br />

analyzed in real time by a unique decision making model, and<br />

used to broadcast warnings and instructions to drivers, authorities<br />

and road security and enforcement services. By using vehic<strong>le</strong>s<br />

as mobi<strong>le</strong> sensors, the system can provide up-to-the-second<br />

information on all traffic routes.<br />

Holon Institute of Technology and<br />

Wisair: Fiber optics communications<br />

Investment: 3.6 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: the Va<strong>le</strong>ncia Technological University, the Centre<br />

for Photonics (UK), Tes E<strong>le</strong>ctronics, Tha<strong>le</strong>s.<br />

The UROOF project comprises a consortium investigating the<br />

technological feasibility for delivering ultra-wideband radio<br />

signals through fiber-optic infrastructures. Other partners in the<br />

consortium are development institutes.<br />

Palbam: Utilizing magnesium<br />

technologies for aerospace by IAI and Alubin<br />

Investment: 3.4 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: IAI, Airbus, EADS, Hanover University and<br />

others.<br />

Airbus <strong>le</strong>ads the MAGFORMING consortium, coordinated by<br />

the Israeli Palbam. The project advances magnesium processing<br />

methods for the aerospace industry, and focuses on developing<br />

technologies to improve the use of magnesium to lower aircraft<br />

weight, decrease fuel consumption for land vehic<strong>le</strong>s and develop<br />

new magnesium production and industrial design technologies.<br />

Ben Gurion University: Deciphering the<br />

Genetic Code<br />

Investment: 3.1 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: University of Brussels, the Stockholm<br />

Bioinformation Center, the Ontario Cancer Institute, ALMA<br />

and others.<br />

Decrypting the information coded in the gene sequence and its<br />

application to the biological function of genes and proteins is a<br />

key chal<strong>le</strong>nge in the post-genomic era. The GeneFun consortium<br />

focuses on the computerized prediction of gene functionality, and<br />

seeks to solve prob<strong>le</strong>ms pertaining to data in genome data bases,<br />

to develop data quality assessment methods, automatic sequence<br />

analysis and use of the internet to decode sequences.<br />

The Weizmann Institute and Evogene:<br />

Engineering Plants<br />

Investment: 3 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: The Czech Institute of Experimental Botany,<br />

the French National Center for Scientific Research, Geneva<br />

University and others.<br />

Plants may be viewed as environmentally friendly, solar powered<br />

factories, capab<strong>le</strong> of manufacturing medicinal proteins. The<br />

TAGIP consortium, guided by the Weizmann Institute, focuses<br />

on integrating target genes in plants to induce them to produce<br />

medicinal compounds. The project also addresses a range of issues<br />

to make medicines more effective.<br />

KLA Tencor Israel: New measuring<br />

technologies for CMOS production<br />

Investment: 2.9 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: AMD Germany, the Belgium University of<br />

Micro-E<strong>le</strong>ctronics and others.<br />

KLA <strong>le</strong>ads the OCSLI consortium which promotes measuring<br />

technologies for the production process of silicon chips, using<br />

65 nanometer technologiesand beyond. The chip production<br />

process involves the creation of multip<strong>le</strong> layers of material, which<br />

requires accurate measurements to reduce the chip rejection rate.<br />

The project was comp<strong>le</strong>ted in October 2005 by developing new<br />

solutions for a reliab<strong>le</strong> measuring system.<br />

Bar-Ilan University, Inksure and OSM-<br />

DAN: Nanometals against forgery<br />

Investment: 2.8 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: the Hebrew University, the Max Planck Institute,<br />

POMETON (Italy), BASF (Germany) and more<br />

Bar-Ilan University <strong>le</strong>ads the Se<strong>le</strong>ctNano consortium, designed<br />

to find new applications for nanometallic partic<strong>le</strong>s. The project is<br />

based upon a new process cal<strong>le</strong>d Sonoe<strong>le</strong>ctrochemistry, developed<br />

in Bar-Ilan, which allows the production of metallic partic<strong>le</strong>s at a<br />

nanometric sca<strong>le</strong>. These partic<strong>le</strong>s can be used as anti-counterfeiting<br />

measures by adding them to the ink used in printing coding labels<br />

and as pigment and coatings additives and in the production of<br />

conductive materials. The partic<strong>le</strong>s' use will be tested by inclusion<br />

in paints and inks used for authentication purposes.<br />

The Hebrew University and Tel Aviv<br />

University: DNA-Based Nanoe<strong>le</strong>ctronics<br />

Investment: 2.3 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: Regensburg University, Madrid University, the<br />

Lausanne School of Technology and others.<br />

The DNA-NANODEVICES group includes Europe's <strong>le</strong>ading<br />

scientific institutes in the field of nanoe<strong>le</strong>ctronics. The group is<br />

seeking to develop systems for production of extremely small DNA<br />

- based nano devices. The aim is to investigate different aspects<br />

of this future technology, including a theoretical understanding<br />

of aspects of energy; developing control technologies for the<br />

new components and classification. The main goal is to develop<br />

a prototype e<strong>le</strong>ctronic component based upon a sing<strong>le</strong> DNA<br />

mo<strong>le</strong>cu<strong>le</strong>.<br />

The Volcani Institute, Analyst Research<br />

Laboratories and OSM-DAN:<br />

Insight into fertility<br />

Investment: 2.2 Million Euro<br />

Other Key Partners: the Wessex Institute of Technology, the<br />

MRC Institute of Health and the Environment (UK), the National<br />

Research Institute (France) and others.<br />

In recent years, much interest has been focused on the general<br />

decrease in fertility. Experiments demonstrate that many chemicals


imitate the activity of fertility hormones, which may mean that<br />

exposure to environmental pollutants could affect reproductive<br />

rates. The F&F consortium, managed by the Israeli OSM-DAN,<br />

is investigating the effect of environmental on fertility, to identify<br />

and assess the presence of pharmaceutical products found in the<br />

environment (particularly fertility hormones such as estrogen,<br />

androgen and thyroid hormones), and to study their effect upon<br />

human fertility.<br />

Haifa, Hebrew, Tel Aviv Universities and<br />

Weizmann: Social networks<br />

Investment: 1.8 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: The French Center for Scientific research,<br />

University Col<strong>le</strong>ge London, Vienna Technical University and<br />

others.<br />

The PhD project, which includes research centers throughout<br />

Europe, connects <strong>le</strong>ading research groups with young researchers<br />

(PhDs and post-doctorates) from various mathematical fields,<br />

including probability science, multidimensional geometry,<br />

combinatorics, mathematical physics and more. The goal of<br />

the program is to train the researchers in new scientific fields<br />

and to create a network of connections and contexts, which will<br />

use mathematics to promote prominence for existing scientific<br />

fields. Other Israeli partners are the Hebrew University, Tel Aviv<br />

University and the Weizmann Institute.<br />

The Emek Yezreel Col<strong>le</strong>ge:<br />

Investigating quality of life<br />

Investment: 1.5 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: the Czech Republic Academy of Science,<br />

University of Piraeus, Shimane University (Japan), University<br />

of Lubliana, University of Warsaw and others.<br />

The GEN.DI.STA.CRI. project is one of a variety of social science<br />

programs funded by the EU to promote insight into the link<br />

between social trends and quality of life. This project examines<br />

the decline in quality of life of citizens of 16 countries as a result<br />

of the crisis in welfare policies, and compares the positions of<br />

men and women.<br />

Volcani Institute: Fighting pests<br />

Investment: 1 Million Euro<br />

Other Partners: The Montpellier Institute of Agricultural Research<br />

(France), Koppert Biological Systems (Spain), the University of<br />

Practical Life Sciences (Austria) and others.<br />

The spider mite (Tetranychus) is a pest which harms fruit crops,<br />

vegetab<strong>le</strong>s and decorative plants. The mite may have a natural<br />

enemy, the Neoseiulus Califomicus, but its efficiency and range<br />

are climate-dependent. The Euromite consortium is <strong>le</strong>d by the<br />

Vulcani Institute and includes the Israeli companies Bio-Bee Sde<br />

Eliyahu, the Arava Development co., Kivun and the Yisrael Cohen<br />

Institute for Biological Control. They are working together to<br />

col<strong>le</strong>ct different species of spider mites from different climates,<br />

classify them and nurture more effective species of predators,<br />

especially species adapted to dry climate conditions.<br />

Volcani Institute: Know<strong>le</strong>dge transfer<br />

Investment: 700,000 Euro<br />

Other Partners: Scientia Terrae of Brussels and others.<br />

Earth and water based multicellular microorganisms have a great<br />

deal of influence, both positive and negative, on agriculture and<br />

public health. The TRICHONEMA project advances the transfer<br />

of know<strong>le</strong>dge between academia and industry with experience in<br />

fighting microorganisms using fungi. In many cases, these links can<br />

<strong>le</strong>ad to productive cooperation in the aftermath of the project.


24 / 25<br />

A simp<strong>le</strong> new test<br />

predicts pregnancy complications<br />

This year, Diagnostic Technologies (DTL), based in Yokneam Illit,<br />

proved that with the right idea, even a young start-up can <strong>le</strong>ad an important<br />

consortium in the European R&D Framework..<br />

In November 2005, DTL submitted a grant application to the EU 6th<br />

R&D framework of life sciences and healthcare program. The application<br />

aims to screen early in pregnancy women who are at risk to develop<br />

preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder associated with pregnancy induced<br />

hypertension and damage to the kidney, liver or the brain of the mother. In<br />

addition, the application included a plan to tailor medications for women<br />

identified as being at risk to develop preeclampsia. The company assemb<strong>le</strong>d<br />

a consortium of European partners, which earned the outstanding project<br />

prize honor in lifesciences and healthcare for 2006.<br />

Consortium members include PerkinElmer of Finland, which holds<br />

world distribution rights to the preeclampsia diagnostic kits developed by<br />

DTL; the company’s Portuguese distributor of preeclampsia diagnosis ,<br />

and the European <strong>le</strong>aders in preeclampsia research, who are the company<br />

partners in the clinical trials in Austria, Hungary, England, Italy and<br />

Switzerland. These partners are world <strong>le</strong>aders in the field, including<br />

Professor Kypros Nicolaides of England, a pioneer in first trimester<br />

prenatal diagnostics.<br />

The proposal submitted to the European Framework Project was<br />

scored very high obtaining a score of 28.5 out of 30, and received the<br />

full funding requested - 2.3 million euros. The three-year project has<br />

three main goals:<br />

1. Improving the efficacy of first trimester prediction of the risk for a later<br />

development of preeclampsia based on blood tests and the determination<br />

of placenta protein 13 (PP13), a biomarker developed by DTL to predict<br />

the risk for preeclampsia.<br />

2. Examining the efficacy of longitudinally repeated blood tests of<br />

preeclampsia biomarkers coup<strong>le</strong>d with monitoring the efficacy of antipreeclampsia<br />

drugs and food supp<strong>le</strong>ments currently in use; and<br />

3. Developing new products to advance diagnosis and treatment for<br />

women at high risk for preeclampsia.<br />

Genetic treasure<br />

Behind the award-winning proposal is the basic research conducted<br />

in Israel, which <strong>le</strong>d to the scientific breakthrough by researchers at the<br />

Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. In the early 1990s,<br />

Technion scientists sought an efficient way to conduct genetic tests, and<br />

focused their efforts on the placenta, whose characteristics make it the<br />

perfect tissue for conducting genetic studies. They discovered approximately<br />

56 specific proteins and genes related to processes regulating pregnancy<br />

development or pathology. Among the proteins they had identified and<br />

isolated was Placental Protein 13, or PP13, a protein that was discovered<br />

to be associated with the development of preeclampsia. The Technion<br />

researchers discovered that the <strong>le</strong>vel of this protein is abnormal in women<br />

who will go on to develop preeclampsia. In 1994, DTL was founded to<br />

explore commercial applications for this discovery. In the early years,<br />

the company was based in the Technion’s laboratories.<br />

After fine-tuning its technology, DTL <strong>le</strong>ft the Technion in 2001 and<br />

developed a simp<strong>le</strong> method for the determination of the protein in blood<br />

samp<strong>le</strong>s of pregnant women. It quickly became c<strong>le</strong>ar that the test enab<strong>le</strong>d<br />

to predict in the first trimester with a very high degree of certainty woman’s<br />

risk of developing preeclampsia in the third trimester. DTL’s registered<br />

patents are on the protein and genetic sequence of PP13, on monoclonal<br />

antibodies to detect its <strong>le</strong>vel and on kits to screen women at risk for<br />

preeclampsia. The patents covered a number of parameters which made<br />

it especially strong in the field of modern biotechnology, protecting the<br />

intel<strong>le</strong>ctual properties that are the cornerstone of DTL’s activities.<br />

One in five pregnancies is at risk<br />

There is a considerab<strong>le</strong> potential market: Infertility affects approximately<br />

20% of coup<strong>le</strong>s in the western world, and about 20% of pregnancies are<br />

at risk. Among the worst complications is preeclampsia, a pregnancy<br />

disorder that is associated with sudden hypertension, a damage to the<br />

kidney, the liver and the vascular system, which can exuberate to brain<br />

convulsion and stroke. When women develop the severe disorder delivery<br />

is initiated, and the newborn are often delivered prematurely and suffer<br />

from motor and cognitive disorders and blindness. Women who suffered<br />

from preeclampsia are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular ailments<br />

later in life. Preeclampsia affects 5-7% of all pregnant women and is<br />

responsib<strong>le</strong> for 18% of maternal deaths during pregnancy, and about<br />

one third of pre-term deliveries. The treatment of women and newborns<br />

suffering from complications of preeclampsia as estimated by the US<br />

Department of Human Health is approximately $30 billion annually.<br />

“Even though the World Health Organization has determined that<br />

preeclampsia is the second most common cause of death among<br />

pregnant women, to this day, no simp<strong>le</strong> test has been found to predict<br />

its development.”<br />

DTL’s business model is based on providing solutions to the growing<br />

pre-natal diagnostics industry. A growing proportion of women in the<br />

western world undergo numerous prenatal tests to ensure the success of<br />

the pregnancy. The company goal is to provide means and tools that will<br />

enab<strong>le</strong> every pregnant woman to undergo a simp<strong>le</strong>, quick and inexpensive<br />

screening test during the earliest stages of her pregnancy to reveal her <strong>le</strong>vel<br />

of risk for developing preeclampsia. If a woman is defined as belonging<br />

to the high-risk group, the next goal is to create a system of surveillance<br />

that will follow the progress of her pregnancy, via repeated tests and<br />

examine the efficacy of preventive treatment. The PP13 test is positioned<br />

to assess the development of the illness and its stages and to indicate if<br />

a treatment has been effective in preventing preeclampsia.<br />

At present, the company’s main shareholder is the Haifa-based Teuza<br />

Venture Capital Fund and the company chairman, Giora Meyuhas. Other<br />

investors include the Technion, Venture funds from the US and from<br />

England, Mr. Ken Abramowitz, the founder of NGN Capital - the largest<br />

US healthcare VC and private investors. DTL has raised over $4 million<br />

to date, of which $800,000 were grants provided by the Chief Scientist


Diagnostic Technologies of Yokneam is the only company in the world<br />

capab<strong>le</strong> of predicting future cases of preeclampsia (toxemia in pregnancy)<br />

office of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Employment.<br />

The PerkinElmer deal<br />

In December 2005 DTL signed an exclusivity agreement with<br />

PerkinElmer for the global distribution of tests based on PP13 for<br />

identifying women at high risk of developing preeclampsia. PerkinElmer’s<br />

announcement of the signing of the agreement noted that unlike other<br />

biomarkers for the development of preeclampsia, detectab<strong>le</strong> only a few<br />

weeks before the appearance of clinical symptoms, whereas PP13 indicates<br />

a woman’s risk right from the beginning of the pregnancy.<br />

“Clinical trials to date demonstrate that measuring PP13 in the mother’s<br />

blood in the first trimester of pregnancy predicts risk with a 90-percent<br />

accuracy rate,” stated the announcement.<br />

DTL is the first company in the world that has developed a test for<br />

predicting the development of preeclampsia from the early stages of<br />

pregnancy. The test kit has been approved for use in Europe and approval<br />

in other countries, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration<br />

(FDA), is anticipated soon. After signing the distribution agreement with<br />

PerkinElmer, which included an advance of $3 million, DTL moved into<br />

a newly equipped building in Yokneam, designed and operated according<br />

to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) regulations for manufacturing<br />

of medical products.<br />

DTL has established the European "Pregenesys" consortium whose<br />

aim is to advance the identification of early biomarkers to determine the<br />

risk for preeclampsia required to develop preventive treatment against<br />

preeclampsia. Prof. Nicolaides, head of the Fetal Medicine Foundation<br />

and a Pregenesys partner, illustrated the importance of the follow-up tests<br />

when he said that there is no proven method for preventing preeclampsia<br />

at present. “But there is evidence that taking low [daily] doses of aspirin<br />

from the first trimester can reduce its incidence,” said Nicolaides.<br />

DTL’s vision is to be the <strong>le</strong>ader of biomarkers for preeclampsia and<br />

women’s health disorders. The company is developing methods to<br />

increase the accuracy of the PP13 test. One method being examined is<br />

the combination of the PP13 blood test and the blood flow in the mother’s<br />

arteries to the placenta, which is measured via a Dopp<strong>le</strong>r ultrasound and<br />

can detect changes in blood flow to the placenta.<br />

Another project currently under way at DTL is the development of a kit<br />

for detecting papiloma virus associated with cervical cancer. The company<br />

is about to sign up with Grant Life Sciences of Los Ange<strong>le</strong>s an agreement<br />

to develop a new product for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer.


26 / 27<br />

Strategies for Winning Proposals<br />

Take into account a full range of<br />

factors - from EU priorities to your<br />

own long-term goals - when you<br />

plan to present a project to the<br />

Seventh European Framework<br />

Programme / Dror Yeger<br />

The Seventh European Union R&D Programme will soon be<br />

launched, and Israel is prominent among the participating nations.<br />

Israeli companies provide added value in both technological<br />

innovation and entrepreneurship. In encouraging R&D, the<br />

European Framework Programme offers great opportunities for<br />

Israeli industry, including help in entering European markets,<br />

creating strategic partnerships with <strong>le</strong>ading players, benefiting<br />

from grants and retaining full rights to intel<strong>le</strong>ctual property.<br />

The Seventh Programme will be conducted over the course of<br />

seven years, and its budget will reach over 50 billion Euros. Funding<br />

for small to medium companies has been increased by 75%. The<br />

Seventh Programme is continuing the Sixth Programme's efforts<br />

to simplify processes and allow more f<strong>le</strong>xibility, especially in the<br />

expansion of the authority of project coordinators.<br />

Your first consideration is whether to aspire to be a coordinator,<br />

or participate as a partner. Although partners need not take on<br />

certain responsibilities and administrative task, coordinators have<br />

an inherent advantage. They can develop and conduct projects<br />

adapted to their own organization's development plan. They direct<br />

the planning and procgress, have an impact on partner se<strong>le</strong>ction,<br />

and oversee the budget.<br />

This decision is significant over the long term. It is easier to join<br />

a project if you can provide "evidence of European Union club<br />

activities." If you have been a coordinator, you will have access<br />

to more information and offers to join projects than partners.<br />

Strategy for project presentation<br />

A company with a strong and unique technology has two<br />

options in presenting a project proposal. The first is the top-down<br />

approach: from this perspective, projects are defined by their<br />

technological value and re<strong>le</strong>vance to the technological objectives<br />

of the EU's programme. The downside is that this approach is <strong>le</strong>ss<br />

precise, and it may be difficult to link the project to EU priorities<br />

(transportation, education, health, etc.). For examp<strong>le</strong>, a company<br />

developing advanced wi-fi will have a difficult time selling the<br />

project, since it has no direct re<strong>le</strong>vance to urgent EU issues. The<br />

project may not be conducive to building a consortium, since the<br />

focus is strongly linked with the initiator's As a result, the partners<br />

gain <strong>le</strong>ss added value, which makes the enterprise <strong>le</strong>ss viab<strong>le</strong>.<br />

The solution to define your project's agenda more broadly.<br />

The wi-fi developer should develop a proposal to plan an entire<br />

system to provide wi-fi to all of Europe's major cities. This would<br />

include hardware, software and integration e<strong>le</strong>ments. This kind of<br />

project offers excel<strong>le</strong>nt <strong>le</strong>verage for the coordinator, since it can<br />

recruit potential clients and strategic partners, and <strong>le</strong>ad to future<br />

collaborations through a 'pull', rather than 'push' method.<br />

The second option is a bottom-up approach. First you define<br />

the need, and then tailor-fit your solution via technological<br />

development. This makes it easier to market the project, since its<br />

value is relative to the cost of the prob<strong>le</strong>m. The consortium will<br />

also have a more attractive line-up of partners, because it will<br />

include a broader range of players.<br />

For examp<strong>le</strong>, for a Motorola Israel project, which specializes in<br />

communication systems, traffic was defined as a major European<br />

prob<strong>le</strong>m. An offer was made to develop a traffic monitoring<br />

system, consisting of smart communication boxes instal<strong>le</strong>d in cars<br />

alongside a central data processing system. The partners were a<br />

governmental traffic control company, a large auto manufacturer,<br />

two universities, a large te<strong>le</strong>phone company and others.<br />

In practice, the "value" of a project can be perceived in several<br />

ways: lowering congestion would reduce wear and tear on roads,<br />

and reduce the number of lost work hours, decrease traffic accidents,<br />

reduce the volume of vehicular pollution (a priority of the Kyoto<br />

Accords), and improve European competitiveness with other<br />

world powers.<br />

Choose your partners carefully<br />

Upon reaching the partner se<strong>le</strong>ction phase, one must consider<br />

both the consortium's structure and the partners' core capabilities<br />

on the other. Partners are naturally assessed by qualities such<br />

as technological capabilities, core capabilities and potential for<br />

synergy in sharing and transferring know<strong>le</strong>dge. Thought must<br />

also be given to funding allocations (among countries, partners,<br />

universities and industry), and the type of partners that will be<br />

members of the consortium.<br />

To achieve a high rating in the clause on "quality and re<strong>le</strong>vant<br />

experience of the individual participants" clause, it is helpful to<br />

include universities, small and medium-size entities and players<br />

from new EU nations, such as Poland and Malta. It is important<br />

to be attuned to the EU pulse, understanding the latest trends in<br />

Brussels is imperative to building a winning consortium.<br />

Of course, the peop<strong>le</strong> involved make all the difference. Consider<br />

the ro<strong>le</strong> of key players in the organizations and their commitment<br />

to the project's success. Too many projects have fai<strong>le</strong>d because not<br />

enough consideration was given to the human e<strong>le</strong>ment. Personal<br />

relationships and networking is vital, whether you take on the<br />

ro<strong>le</strong> of a partner or a coordinator.<br />

Other factors include planning prob<strong>le</strong>ms, a lack of compatibility<br />

between budgets and outcomes, <strong>le</strong>ms with initiating and planning<br />

the proposal, lack of compatibility between budget and results, a<br />

strained, poor use of funds, and of course, overlap with projects<br />

approved in the past.


Even after receiving a project,<br />

there are still many factors<br />

that can make-it-or-breakit:<br />

management, intel<strong>le</strong>ctual<br />

property issues, budget control,<br />

European bureaucracy, departure<br />

or dismissal of partners and<br />

failure to achieve key mi<strong>le</strong>stones.<br />

It is also important to cultivate<br />

the ability to overcome cultural<br />

differences among group<br />

members.<br />

In recent years, there has<br />

been a significant increase<br />

in the number of specialized<br />

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of<br />

specialized consulting and management firms involved in all phases of<br />

managing international R&D projects<br />

consulting and management firms involved in all phases of<br />

managing international R&D projects. Beyond their diverse skills<br />

in areas from proposal writing strategies to in-depth networking,<br />

they take responsibility for thoughtful and professional management<br />

of all phases of the project, providing all partners (including the<br />

coordinator) with the peace of mind needed to focus their energies<br />

on core R&D activities.<br />

A comparative study proves that projects conducted by the<br />

Sixth Programme (done with the help of management firms)<br />

achieved better results and higher <strong>le</strong>vels of effectiveness than<br />

those conducted in the Fifth Programme (without the help of<br />

Innovation: the best response to long-term chal<strong>le</strong>nge<br />

In The Ambidextrous Organization, Dr. Tushman of Harvard University notes that due to the dynamic nature<br />

of today's market and the rapid pace of change, executives must plan for the short, medium and long ranges.<br />

Beyond the day-to-day administration of the organization, they must anticipate trends and assess future<br />

opportunities. How can this be achieved whi<strong>le</strong> coping with competing priorities and limited resources?<br />

In a survey of executives conducted by IBM (“Expanding the Innovation Horizon Global CEO Study<br />

2006”), 765 managers from firms throughout the world were interviewed on the topic of innovation. Of the<br />

respondents, 66% estimated that their business environments would undergo radical changes in the next<br />

two years, and that innovation would be essential to survival.<br />

Among the <strong>le</strong>ading insights expressed by the executives:<br />

n The responsibility for innovation must be <strong>le</strong>d at the <strong>le</strong>vel of the chief executive; Innovation is best created<br />

through cooperation with other companies (business partners, clients and others)<br />

n Collaborations with other companies are more efficient then self-produced innovation<br />

n Innovation can be achieved through the application of new business models, and not only by developing<br />

new products<br />

n New business models require cooperation with outside companies<br />

n The two greatest stumbling blocks to innovation are an unsupportive business culture and limited<br />

funding<br />

The Seventh R&D Programme provides an effective response to these issues through its structured system<br />

of practical research collaborations, generous budget allocations, and deference to intel<strong>le</strong>ctual property<br />

rights of participants.<br />

management firms.) This <strong>le</strong>d to the decision that for the Seventh<br />

Programme, the EU will underwrite 100% of all management<br />

costs, with no ceiling. This approach has been so well inculcated in<br />

Europe that conglomerates such as Airbus employ external project<br />

management departments to hand<strong>le</strong> aspects of management. We<br />

predict this trend will have an impact on Israel during the course<br />

of the Seventh Programme.<br />

Dror Yegar directs strategy for ARTTIC Israel, of ARTTIC<br />

International, which specializes in managing and building international<br />

R&D projects, including projects in the framework of the EU's R&D<br />

program. Contact: Yeger@Arttic.com


≤∏ Ø ≤π<br />

Ten recommendations for writing a winning proposal<br />

Important tips for presenting your project to the European Framework<br />

Programme for R&D<br />

The European Union’s Framework<br />

Programme for Research and<br />

Technological Development defines its<br />

goals by topics and broader research<br />

aims. The program is a competitive<br />

platform in which every proposal is<br />

examined against other proposals and the<br />

determining factor is the final total points<br />

awarded. Below are ten recommendations<br />

for building an attractive proposal, for<br />

proposal writers and everyone involved<br />

in advancing the project.<br />

1You must understand the program<br />

The Framework Programme’s goals<br />

are to strengthen Europe’s status in a<br />

know<strong>le</strong>dge-based society, increase<br />

the competitiveness of the European<br />

economy and bolster its technological<br />

foundation. For this purpose, Israel is part<br />

of Europe. It is important to be aware of<br />

the main programmatic <strong>document</strong>s and<br />

the strategic policy <strong>document</strong>s re<strong>le</strong>vant<br />

to your research proposal.<br />

2Choose the most suitab<strong>le</strong> topic<br />

A proposal submitted to the EU must<br />

match the requirements of the work<br />

plan of the public call from the re<strong>le</strong>vant<br />

program. You must identify how your<br />

project matches and contributes to the<br />

technological, scientific, policy and allover<br />

social goal as they are worded in<br />

the work plan. If your project meets<br />

more than one goal, make sure that<br />

the proposal relates first to the most<br />

important goal. To keep up to date with<br />

these goals, it is important to keep in<br />

touch with ISERD (the Israel Europe<br />

Research and Development Directorate)<br />

and participate in events that ISERD<br />

and the EU Commission organize in<br />

your field. It is advisab<strong>le</strong> to consult and<br />

meet the re<strong>le</strong>vant research officers at the<br />

EU Commission in Brussels whenever<br />

possib<strong>le</strong>.<br />

3Find the right partners<br />

The consortium structure proposed<br />

by the Framework Programme is very<br />

important and you must ensure (and<br />

emphasize in the proposal) that each of<br />

the consortium’s members represents a<br />

unique link in the project’s “value chain.”<br />

Each partner has a different task, and<br />

you must be confident (and indicate in<br />

the proposal) that the partners are suited<br />

and committed to the task assigned to<br />

them. The right partners are ones that<br />

comp<strong>le</strong>ment one another well.<br />

Stress 4 the excel<strong>le</strong>nce of the<br />

proposal<br />

Emphasize and explain why your<br />

proposal is of the highest standard and<br />

advances the state-of-the-art. Highlight<br />

your project's contribution to improving<br />

Europe’s competitive ability and to<br />

solving social prob<strong>le</strong>ms.<br />

5Remember that the proposal is a<br />

marketing <strong>document</strong><br />

Your proposal must compete with other<br />

proposals that have similar features.<br />

Remember, your <strong>document</strong> must sell<br />

your idea—especially the abstract. The<br />

examiner receives many proposals.<br />

The abstract will be read first and will<br />

determine the first impression, and thus<br />

the attitude to the other components.<br />

6Meet the criteria<br />

The EU Commission defines three<br />

basic criteria:<br />

(a) Scientific and technological<br />

excel<strong>le</strong>nce: Repeat and emphasize how<br />

the project advances the program’s goals<br />

in new and extraordinary ways.<br />

(b) Degree of influence: Define<br />

explicitly how your proposal promotes<br />

the program’s goals. Write in detail,<br />

to demonstrate your proficiency in the<br />

subject and in the program’s goals.<br />

(c) The quality of the consortium<br />

and the project’s management: Stress<br />

the unique contribution of each of the<br />

partners and demonstrate that the who<strong>le</strong><br />

is greater than the sum of its parts. The<br />

proposal must include a c<strong>le</strong>ar and detai<strong>le</strong>d<br />

operating plan for the execution of the<br />

project and the realization of its goals.<br />

Bear mind of course, that additional<br />

criteria and different focal points may<br />

come into play in varying programs. .<br />

7Read the guidelines carefully<br />

Proposals are evaluated n the basis of a<br />

questionnaire in which examiners verify<br />

that the proposal meets the requirements<br />

of each of the guidelines, and they must<br />

explain the rating they give each criterion.<br />

The proposal must therefore meticulously<br />

follow and relate to all the requirements<br />

in the guidelines.<br />

Show 8 that the proposal can be<br />

imp<strong>le</strong>mented<br />

The work plan must ref<strong>le</strong>ct the ability<br />

to imp<strong>le</strong>ment the proposed project, with<br />

a reasonab<strong>le</strong> budget and a well-planned<br />

and balanced timetab<strong>le</strong> that includes<br />

c<strong>le</strong>ar mi<strong>le</strong>stones and a detai<strong>le</strong>d, but<br />

reasonab<strong>le</strong>, analysis of the tasks. One<br />

must specify the risks (technical and<br />

organizational).<br />

9Pay attention to the fine details<br />

The final polish indicates a quality<br />

proposal. You must therefore review<br />

the proposal a number of times before<br />

submitting it, to ensure that it is worded<br />

c<strong>le</strong>arly and that the content is logically<br />

organizing. Give careful attention to<br />

consistency and comp<strong>le</strong>teness of the<br />

details.<br />

Take 10advantage<br />

of assistance<br />

Every bit of advice is valuab<strong>le</strong>.<br />

Consult with ISERD and with other<br />

experienced organizations to formulate<br />

and draft your proposal. Ask col<strong>le</strong>agues,<br />

project partners and, of course ISERD<br />

personnel, to review your proposal prior<br />

to submission.


The fast lane between Israel and Europe<br />

"Europe is Israel’s closest and<br />

most natural market,” says ISERD<br />

Director General Marcel Shaton<br />

"The European Framework Programme was designed to create<br />

scientific and industrial cooperation and help Europe increase its<br />

capacity to compete,” says Marcel Shaton, director general of<br />

ISERD (Israel Europe Research and Development Directorate).<br />

“Our participation in the program enab<strong>le</strong>s us to benefit from the<br />

achievement of these goals.”<br />

ISERD was established in 1996 to serve as the liaison between<br />

Israel and the European Framework Programme for Research and<br />

Technological Development. Its establishment was supported by<br />

Israeli government ministries: the Ministry of Industry, Trade and<br />

Labor, the Ministry of Science, Culture and Sports and the Planning<br />

and Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education.<br />

ISERD advances four fronts simultaneously:<br />

n promoting Israel’s interests at the European Commission and<br />

assuring that financing and projects are appropriate for Israeli<br />

organizations<br />

n conducting negotiations with the European Union regarding the<br />

terms of Israel’s participation<br />

n representing the European Framework to Israeli government<br />

offices<br />

n “marketing” the Framework Programme to research entities in<br />

eligib<strong>le</strong> Israeli research entities<br />

What is ISERD’s ro<strong>le</strong>?<br />

“Nine years ago, ISERD began its operations <strong>le</strong>d by: the<br />

chief scientist at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, who<br />

serves as chairman; the chief scientist at the Ministry of Science,<br />

Culture and Sports, and a representative of the Planning and<br />

Budgeting Committee, who serve as deputy chair. There are also<br />

representatives of the Finance and Foreign Ministries. ISERD<br />

formulates Israel’s position on all aspects of the Framework<br />

Programme and presentation to the EU authorities, ensuring the<br />

participation of Israeli entities in the program and reporting to the<br />

Israeli government on the imp<strong>le</strong>mentation of ISERD’s goals.<br />

“ISERD represents Israel in the Framework Programme’s<br />

management committees at the European Commission, is<br />

responsib<strong>le</strong> for the promotion of Israeli interests to the Framework<br />

Programme’s key organizations, such as research institutions<br />

and universities. We function as the national contact point for<br />

the 20 sub-programs in the Seventh Framework Programme and<br />

participate in networking and training projects. Our ro<strong>le</strong> includes<br />

increasing the awareness and recognition of the program in Israel<br />

among candidate organizations, university research authorities,<br />

the professional examiners at the chief scientist’s office at the<br />

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry. We are also a<br />

key contact for Israel’s consulting companies.”<br />

How can you quantify the benefit derived from Israel’s<br />

participation in the Framework Programme?<br />

“A review of the Sixth Programme, conducted by ISERD,<br />

revea<strong>le</strong>d that the Israeli partners in this program participated<br />

in projects valued at over 3.5 billion euros, even though they<br />

received only about 200 million euros [in research grants]. We<br />

figure that the total sum ref<strong>le</strong>cts the value of<br />

the know<strong>le</strong>dge Israel gained from the Sixth<br />

Programme, along with other e<strong>le</strong>ments, such as<br />

contacts and reputation.<br />

“Compugen, for examp<strong>le</strong>, partnered with a<br />

consortium that received a budget of 4 million<br />

euros from the EU. Even though only a quarter<br />

of that sum reached Compugen directly, over 80<br />

percent of the consortium’s activity was designed<br />

to enrich Compugen’s know<strong>le</strong>dge inventory,<br />

which benefited from the know<strong>le</strong>dge gained<br />

from the project. This means that the value of<br />

the know<strong>le</strong>dge the company received equals<br />

the value of the entire project. Without the EU,<br />

Compugen would have had to raise the total<br />

investment required for the project.<br />

“When I visited Peptor, I heard about their<br />

participation in a small consortium. Peptor<br />

received just a few tens of thousands of euros.<br />

There are new developments in themes, such as nanotechnology. There are<br />

larger budgets for safety in transportation and a greater emphasis on alternative<br />

energy. There will also be structural and organizational changes


30 / 31<br />

However, under the auspices of the consortium, clinical testing<br />

was conducted on a mo<strong>le</strong>cu<strong>le</strong>, thanks to a financing grant of 1.8<br />

million euros. This means that Peptor saved 1.8 million euros<br />

on tests that the company would have conducted anyway. These<br />

examp<strong>le</strong>s demonstrate how total project budgets can be used to<br />

measure the true value of the benefit Israeli organizations derived<br />

from their participation.”<br />

How did the Framework Programme develop?<br />

“Over the years, the EU’s attitude toward the R&D program<br />

changed. The original intention was to encourage research that<br />

supported policies. It gradually developed into a program that<br />

initiates research designed to respond to social prob<strong>le</strong>ms within<br />

the EU. This is the source of the emphasis on applied research.<br />

“At the same time, the program expanded: the budget for the<br />

Fourth Programme was doub<strong>le</strong> that for the Third Programme,<br />

and the budgets kept growing: from 13.5 billion euros for the<br />

Fifth Programme to 17.8 billion for the Sixth Programme, and<br />

an estimated total of 50 billion euros for the Seventh Programme.<br />

The Seventh Programme, unlike its predecessors, will run for<br />

seven years to bring it in line with the EU’s budget, which is<br />

drafted every seven years. The program’s budget will be about<br />

7 billion euros a year, although after 2010 there will be larger<br />

annual budgets.”<br />

What is new and different about the Seventh Programme?<br />

“There are new developments in themes, such as the increased<br />

budget for nanotechnology – which is up to 3.5 billion. There<br />

are larger budgets for safety in transportation and a greater<br />

emphasis on alternative energy. But there will also be structural<br />

and organizational changes. The Seventh Programme will establish<br />

a fund to finance research, to be cal<strong>le</strong>d the European Research<br />

Council (ERC). Its ro<strong>le</strong> will be similar to the American National<br />

Science Foundation. Individual researchers will be ab<strong>le</strong> to submit<br />

applications for funding. The ERC’s budget for 2007 will be 500<br />

million euros, designated for young researchers who comp<strong>le</strong>ted<br />

their doctorates within the past ten years.<br />

“Reimbursement of costs to universities will be substantially<br />

higher, relative to the Sixth Programme. Rebates to small and<br />

medium enterprises will also be increased, to preserve the program’s<br />

attraction for small companies in the EU. The EU Commission’s<br />

projects are becoming suitab<strong>le</strong> mainly for large companies.”<br />

What does this mean for Israel?<br />

“In the short term, there will be greater competition, since<br />

larger budgets will be re<strong>le</strong>ased only in another three years. Israeli<br />

companies and research organizations will have to study the calls<br />

for proposals more closely to find suitab<strong>le</strong> partners. In the Seventh<br />

Programme, Israeli organizations will be ab<strong>le</strong> to obtain financing<br />

for Homeland Security projects. This will be the first time Israeli<br />

participants will be ab<strong>le</strong> to join a pan-European program in the<br />

field of security.<br />

“One must remember that Israel is in the Framework Programme<br />

as an associate partner and enjoys all the rights of member<br />

countries. This is the only arena in which there is full integration<br />

between Israel and the European community. When a young<br />

Israeli engineer works with a German engineer, he or she gains<br />

insight into new thought processes and business methods and<br />

gains familiarity with the European industrial culture. This is an<br />

opportunity for Israelis to have close encounters with the EU.<br />

From the perspective of the Framework Programme, Israel is part<br />

of the European continent.”<br />

How much does the program cost?<br />

“In the Fourth Programme, Israel paid membership fees of 100<br />

million euros, and in return received grants totaling 50 million<br />

euros. In the Fifth Programme, Israel paid 154 million euros and<br />

received 167 million euros in grants. In the Sixth Programme we<br />

paid 191 million euros, and will receive a total of 203 million in<br />

grants. As for the Seventh Programme, we could receive up to 40<br />

percent more in grants. Negotiations are still under way between<br />

Israel and the EU.”<br />

What is the program’s impact on Israel?<br />

“It is evident that the Sixth Programme became the second<br />

largest financer of academic research in Israel, after the Israel<br />

Science Foundation. In the Fifth Programme there were some<br />

3,300 partnerships in proposals for projects and this number<br />

grew to over 4,000 in the Sixth Programme. A total of 783 Israeli<br />

proposals were accepted: university proposals numbered 429, there<br />

were 209 from industry and another 145 from other organizations,<br />

including government ministries. That is a success rate of close<br />

to 20 percent.”<br />

What are the main hurd<strong>le</strong>s facing Israel?<br />

“The competition in the Seventh Programme will be much stiffer,<br />

so greater effort must be invested in the quality of the projects.<br />

There will be large projects managed by big companies and research<br />

institutions. This requires a greater presence in Europe and a change<br />

in the nature of the preparations by Israeli organizations. They will<br />

have to promote their candidacy with marketing and sa<strong>le</strong>s skills:<br />

<strong>le</strong>arn the market well, and know the competition, the partners<br />

and the customers. The improved success<br />

rate for university proposals in the Sixth<br />

Programme, for examp<strong>le</strong>, was the result of<br />

better organization and a greater investment<br />

of effort in proposal preparation.<br />

“This past year, ISERD initiated a pilot<br />

support fund for small enterprises, to assist<br />

them in integrating into the Framework<br />

Programme. The fund awarded grants of<br />

up to NIS 10,000 so that small companies<br />

could send representatives to meetings,<br />

briefings or for consulting services, in<br />

exchange for expense receipts totaling NIS<br />

20,000. ISERD plans to expand and extend<br />

the pilot project with the commencement<br />

of the Seventh Programme.”<br />

What is the relative impact of the<br />

Framework Programme in the context of<br />

the full range of economic and scientific<br />

contacts between Israel and Europe?<br />

“The Framework Programme is a useful<br />

means for gaining entry to the European<br />

integration process, along with the<br />

EUREKA program and various binational<br />

programs. The Framework Programme is a<br />

European highway for which you are not<br />

only given a car, but also gas and travel<br />

expenses so that you can get to Europe and<br />

spend time there. It is worth noting that<br />

Europe is Israel’s closest and most natural<br />

market. One can go to Europe and return<br />

on the same day. We are accompanying<br />

the European integration process, and<br />

essentially, we are an inseparab<strong>le</strong> part of<br />

this process.”


ISERD Staff<br />

The Israeli Management Team for the European Framework Programme for Reseach and Development<br />

Information & Communications Technologies (ICT); Research Infrastructure<br />

Dorit Geifman<br />

Director<br />

dorit@iserd.org.il<br />

Dr. Eva Rockman<br />

Director<br />

eva@iserd.org.il<br />

Lior Ben Artzi<br />

Project Officer<br />

lior@iserd.org.il<br />

Smadar Hirsh<br />

Assistant to the Director<br />

Smadar@iserd.org.il<br />

Boaz Levi,<br />

Coordinator<br />

boaz@iserd.org.il<br />

Health; Food, Agriculture & Biotechnology; Environment; ERC<br />

Nanotechnologies; Materials and New<br />

Production Processes; Transport (incl.<br />

Aeronautics); Energy; Space; Security<br />

Dr. Neomy Soffer<br />

Director<br />

neomy@iserd.org.il<br />

Management<br />

Marcel Shaton<br />

General Managermarcel@<br />

iserd.org.il<br />

Orly Goldstein<br />

Coordinator<br />

orly@iserd.org.il<br />

Vered Arieli<br />

PR Officer<br />

vered@iserd.org.il<br />

Adva Schwartz-Ossad<br />

Project Officer<br />

Adva@iserd.org.il<br />

Yair Forman<br />

Coordinator<br />

yair@iserd.org.il<br />

Tony Levi<br />

Information and Web Specialist<br />

tony@iserd.org.il<br />

Marie Curie Fellowships; Social<br />

Sciences & the Humanities;<br />

Science in Society<br />

Einat Tamir<br />

Advisor<br />

einat@iserd.org.ilֿ<br />

Nitza Porat<br />

Secretariat<br />

nitsa@iserd.org.il<br />

ISERD conducts weekly guidance sessions for the Seventh Framework Programme<br />

Contact us to register for a session: 03-511-8122<br />

ISERD, Beit HaTaasiya, 29 Mered Street, Tel Aviv<br />

w w w . i s e r d . o r g . i l<br />

Gabriel Levy<br />

System Administrator<br />

gabriel<strong>le</strong>vi@iserd.org.il

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!