New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo toured the Jerusalem facility of Mobileye and met with the company's Founder and CEO Amnon Shashua on June 28 to discuss how the company's software could be applied to New York's mass transit system.
Mobileye's software enables Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technology that could have possible applications on the country's largest transit system.
"We have seen tremendous growth in software development for navigational systems to make automobiles safer and more reliable, and if this software works well on the road then we owe it to commuters to test its application for train and rail," Gov. Cuomo said. "I met with Mobileye today to discuss the possible application of their technology for New York's mass transit system. The MTA spends millions of dollars on navigational tools, and we want to look beyond the handful of companies who essentially have a monopoly on the rail system to develop a navigation program capable of supporting the 21st century transit system New Yorkers need and deserve."
The governor's tour of Mobileye was part of a larger economic development trip to Israel where he signed a $2 million partnership agreement for two programs, including a Smart Cities Innovation Partnership.
The Smart Cities Innovation Partnership, which will include Empire State Development and the Israel Innovation Authority, will issue a grant to establish five Smart Cities in Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) regions in New York and test bed sites in Israel. The sites in New York and Israel will partner to provide opportunities for companies to explore new markets and resources to assist with business development, technology acceleration and mentorship. Empire State Development, in conjunction with the Israel Innovation Authority, will issue a $2 million grant to support the Smart Cities Innovation Partnership, with each agency contributing a 1:1 grant match. Cities participating in the partnership should have similar concerns and strategic goals.
In each city, areas will be designated to serve as a testbed for one of the following purposes:
- New and emerging technology
- Cybersecurity
- Supplier chain
- Real time monitoring of utilities
- Removing water contaminants
- Testing UAS and/or autonomous vehicles
- Traffic flow systems
The partnership will also invite global entrepreneurs, academics, technologists and companies to test, develop and validate their innovative technologies. Partnerships will include opportunities for students and workers to further develop their knowledge and experiences. Each Smart City will host an annual Future of Technology day that includes opportunities for companies to explore new markets.
The second program included in the agreement is for the New York State's Hot Spot and Incubator programs, a $5.125 million program, which will implement a new focus on Israeli companies.
