Boeing 77x family. Photo: © Boeing Boeing and Ben-Gurion University (BGU) of the Negev are joining forces to tackle one of aviation’s fastest-growing challenges: cybersecurity. The two announced this week the launch of a new research center in Beer-Sheva focused on protecting next-generation aircraft and aerospace systems as they become more digital, autonomous, and interconnected.
This will be accomplished through newly developed security frameworks that will serve future aviation platforms, including secure communications, solid autonomous systems, and trustworthy digital technologies meant to withstand the increasingly complex cyber threats.
The collaboration will reunite Boeing’s global aerospace expertise and BGU’s well-established power in cybersecurity research. For BGU, the partnership represents an important step toward its plans to become a global cybersecurity hub. University President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz: “The establishment of this cybersecurity research center with Boeing is an important milestone for Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.”
President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Prof. Daniel Chamovitz. Photo: Courtesy of Ben-Gurion UniversityHe went on to explain that the partnership perfectly shows the way “a deep connection between breakthrough academic research and a leading international corporation” can advance innovation, while strengthening the Negev “as a leading technological center”, and training "the next generation of cybersecurity experts for the benefit of Israeli and global society.”
The initiative is backed by a five-year framework agreement valued at more than $10 million. The dedicated research center will operate within BGU’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, allowing university researchers, graduate students, and Boeing specialists to work side by side on real-world challenges facing the aviation industry.
“This agreement reflects the strength of BGU’s research ecosystem and its global leadership in cybersecurity, AI, and related technologies,” said Prof. Dan Blumberg, BGU’s Vice President for Regional and Industrial Development. “Together with Boeing, we will explore the frontier of aviation cybersecurity and develop new capabilities that strengthen the entire aerospace industry.”
Prof. Yuval Elovici, head of BGU’s Cyber Security Research Center: “Boeing is a natural partner for BGU. This collaboration is poised to advance new security capabilities for the next generation of aviation technologies while using the latest AI developments.”
The center was officially inaugurated during a ceremony attended by Dr. Brendan Nelson, President of Boeing Global, and Boeing Israel President Ido Nehushtan. The latter spoke about Boeing’s long-standing connections with the country as well as the growing role of Israeli technologies across Boeing’s global programs.
Boeing President Brendan Nelson. Photo: Courtesy of Ben-Gurion University and BoeingThe project was facilitated by BGN, BGU’s technology transfer company, with a focus on turning academic research into practical solutions that can shape the future of aviation security worldwide.
As we announced earlier today, the Technion is also collaborating with Boeing, with the start of the application development phase of the SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) project announced following President Nelson's visit to the institute.