Antwerp start-ups visit world tech leader Israel
Seventy representatives from the tech and research industries are in Israel to meet investors and start-ups in one of the world’s most tech-forward countries
Digital innovation on the agenda
The visit includes tours of the Technion institute of technology and the Rambam Medical Center, both in Haifa (pictured). The visit will also take in the DLD Innovation Festival in Tel Aviv, which brings together start-ups, established companies and investors.
“It’s no coincidence that this working visit is focused on digital innovation and cleantech,” said Caroline Bastiaens, city councillor in charge of economic affairs, who is leading the trip. “Our research shows that these are two sectors where growth is expected. Our visit aims to realise partnerships between businesses from Antwerp and from Israel, as well as encouraging Israeli investors to invest in our city, and getting start-ups on both sides to work together.”
Tel Aviv is considered one of the most innovative cities in the world, a leader in a country with more start-ups per head than any other. Antwerp, meanwhile, has created an innovation ecosystem of 350 start-ups and 10 incubators, and a broad international network of partners.
Antwerp start-ups will get the chance to pitch to a number of major Israeli venture capital firms, as well as take part in business-to-business events. The delegation has about 70 members, including representatives of businesses and start-ups, Antwerp University and regional initiatives such as Leuven-based nanotech research centre imec.
Photo: Loopstation/Wikimedia
