As part of its conference on “High-Tech Growth and Debt Financing”, executives of the ISRAEL INNOVATION AUTHORITY rang the bell to open this morning’s trade, and at the same time marked the first anniversary to the Authority's establishment.
The conference examined policy and financing tools for high-tech companies at various growth stages: government strategy, financial ecosystem and financing tools relevant to the financial sector and high-tech companies.
Aharon Aharon, ISRAEL INNOVATION AUTHORITY CEO: “Israel has burst on to the world stage as a leading innovation center, as a result of sage government investment in constructing a technological infrastructure. The leap that Israel has made, from being an economy with an average level of innovation to a global technological center, justifiably branded as the Start-Up Nation, resulted in it being a model to be followed by both developed and developing nations. This achievement should not be taken lightly. Today, Israel is ranked very high in most innovation indices, exceling in the strength of its civilian R&D – 4.3% of GDP and leading entrepreneurial activities. These achievements are the result of decades of an intelligent innovation policy based on successful partnership between the private and governmental sectors. We are especially proud of the variety of collaborations that have taken place with TASE, which include: companies' analysis, high-tech funds, removal of obstacles to mergers and acquisitions and, of course, debt financing”.
Ittai Ben Zeev, TASE CEO:” ISRAEL INNOVATION AUTHORITY is operating for a year and today it is safe to say that everyone understands its enormous importance ISRAEL INNOVATION AUTHORITY and achievements. I am delighted that the State has identified a real need and a growth engine for the economy, which has done and will continue to do wonderful things. The Authority, as a business entity, identifies goals and supports entrepreneurs and companies. To our view, it provides a wonderful example of a positive ecosystem for the Israeli economy, which also aligns it with the aims of TASE".
Pictured, from right to left: Nili Shalev, Head of European Cooperation and Head of ISERD at the Israel Innovation Authority; Michal Reisfeld, Head of Marketing and Communications Division at the IAA; Aharon Aharon, Israel Innovation Authority CEO; Sagi Dagan, Head of Corporate Growth Division; Naomi Krieger-Carmi, Head of Societal Challenges Division; and Ittai Ben-Zeev, TASE CEO.
Photo credit: Yossi Zamir, for no financial consideration.
