REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR WISCONSIN-ISRAEL R&D PARTNERSHIPS

MADISON – Department of Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver announced today a Request for Proposals (RFP) to companies and researchers interested in the development of joint Wisconsin-Israel R&D Partnerships.

“We’ve worked hard to create joint venture opportunities for Wisconsin companies, both here and overseas,” said Secretary Olver.  “Long-term collaborations between Israeli and Wisconsin businesses show much promise.”

The focus of the RFP is to enhance bilateral cooperation in the development of innovative technologies to be commercialized in the global marketplace. These projects can be in all technology areas and must present significant commercial opportunities in both jurisdictions. Participants from both countries are invited to submit joint project proposals. Individual firms or teams interested in responding to this request are invited, on a non-binding basis, to express their interest in the project.

The RFP is a result of a bilateral collaborative trade agreement between Israel and Wisconsin. The agreement, signed by Governor Jim Doyle and Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Ben-Eliezer, promotes collaboration and a strong working relationship between Wisconsin and Israel in research and development. Governor Doyle led a trade mission to Israel in 2009 to identify collaborative opportunities with Israel’s leading companies and researchers in the water technology, renewable energy and high-technology sector. Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, the Department of Commerce has partnered closely with the Israeli Economic Mission to coordinate targeted investment attraction and matchmaking events in areas of innovative technology.

To view the Request for Proposal please visit

http://commerce.wi.gov/GV/GV-Israeli-RFP.html

Companies and individuals interested in learning more about the RFP should contact the following individuals in the respective jurisdiction: