Five UK embassies to roll out Israel Tech Hub model

The British Government is to replicate the successful model of the UK-Israel Tech Hub in Tel Aviv across five of its other embassies around the world, with a focus on emerging markets.

In an announcement late last week, Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said the tech hubs would form a key part of the Government’s new Digital Strategy, which aims to develop partnerships between British companies and local tech firms.

The UK-Israel Hub has facilitated more than 80 partnerships in five years, with a combined value of £62 million. Typically, they have seen bigger UK firms like Royal Bank of Scotland, engineering company Dyson and pharmaceutical giant GSK team up with smaller Israeli technology start-ups and universities.

British Ambassador to Israel, David Quarrey, said the announcement “is further evidence that tech relations between the UK and Israel are stronger than ever, and are now an inspiration for the UK’s tech engagement around the world”.

Hub Director Naomi Krieger Carmi said she was “delighted” to have the Hub recognised as a successful model, adding: “We will create a global tech network for the UK, with Israel in a central position.”