IAI North America, a U.S. subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, has selected the next three startups for the second cohort of its IAI Catalyst program, powered by Starburst.

Operating out of IAI North America’s Innovation Center in Herndon, Virginia, the accelerator program is designed to help startups develop their technologies and gain success in the U.S. market.

Dalus, Lola Vision Systems and Nefeli Air are the latest three companies to have been backed by Catalyst, and all three aim to shape the next generation of AI and autonomous technologies in some of the most critical areas of the aerospace and defence industries. Dalus is developing advanced model-based systems engineering (MBSE) software to streamline the integration of complex hardware; Lola Vision Systems, a fabless semiconductor company, specialises in the AI development of silicon for autonomous machines; and Nefeli Air is leveraging AI to create software that detects aerial obstacles.

"Cohort 1 of the IAI Catalyst accelerator set a high standard of success for future cohorts," says Eytan Eshel, BG (res.) Executive VP, CTO Israel Aerospace Industries. "IAI’s goal for a U.S. innovation centre is to foster cutting-edge technological growth in the aerospace and defence industries by investing in startups trying to break into the market. The startups chosen for Cohort 2 will bring game-changing technology to the U.S. market. We look forward to seeing how these three startups grow with our mentorship."

Stephen A. Elliott, President and CEO of IAI North America, adds: "IAI North America’s innovation centre is important because it fosters innovative development in the aerospace industry from companies who might not have the support to break into the market otherwise. We hope to expand upon the success of Cohort 1 and position these startups to surpass their goals and be successful in this competitive market."