Israel unveils multi-million pound boost to widen its high-tech ecosystem
The government's NIS 25m national programme will include innovation centres for the Druze, Circassian and Bedouin communities
The Israeli government has launched a NIS 25m (£5.8m) national programme aimed at widening participation in its high-tech sector, with new innovation centres planned for the North and the Negev.
The initiative, led by the Israel Innovation Authority alongside the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, is designed to promote technological entrepreneurship within the Druze, Circassian and Bedouin communities as part of a broader effort to strengthen regional economies.
A key element of the initiative will be the establishment of Israel’s first dedicated innovation centre for the Bedouin community, backed by leading figures from the country’s technology sector including Eyal Waldman, founder of Mellanox. The centre will operate in the Negev with funding of around NIS 10 million over five years, supporting the creation and scaling of new startups.
Alongside the Bedouin centre, two further innovation hubs will be launched to serve the Druze and Circassian communities across the Carmel, Galilee and Golan regions. Together, the centres will provide entrepreneurs with access to professional mentoring, acceleration programmes, academic partnerships, investor networks and support in raising capital.
Dr Alon Stopel, chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority, said demographic and geographic inclusion was critical to the future of Israeli tech.
“Israeli high-tech requires an ever-growing pool of talent to continue to scale up. These centres will create infrastructure for entrepreneurship, professional training and connections to the high-tech ecosystem, leading to new startups and stronger innovation.”
Gila Gamliel, Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said: “The establishment of innovation centres in the North and the Negev is a strategic government initiative designed to reduce gaps and create genuine equality of opportunity.
“Integrating diverse populations is essential for the continued growth of Israel’s high-tech engine.”
Drorit Steinmetz, acting Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office, said the initiative would help convert existing talent into long-term economic infrastructure.
“This initiative connects high-quality human capital with academia and industry, creating real opportunities for economic growth, regional development and expanded employment prospects,” she said.
The two centres serving Druze and Circassian communities will operate with a combined investment of NIS 15 million over five years. They will support entrepreneurs from the idea stage through seed funding, offering acceleration programmes, mentoring, investor access and assistance with fundraising.
One centre, Northtech Galil, will operate in the Galilee and Golan regions, working with partners including academic institutions, technology firms and community organisations. It will focus on early-stage ventures involving students, graduates and former soldiers from the Druze and Circassian communities.
A second centre, Beyon-D Innovations, will be headquartered in the Carmel and operate additional sites across northern Israel. It will support ventures from early awareness through to early investment rounds and plans to establish a dedicated investment fund for Druze entrepreneurs.
Yasser Jadbaan, Chairman of the Forum of Druze and Circassian Local Authority Heads, said the centres would combine economic and social impact “so that members of the community can lead startups and develop innovative solutions.”
The Bedouin innovation centre, backed by a NIS 10 million investment over five years, will be the first initiative of its kind for the community. The centre will be operated by Bedaiatech and will focus on startup creation, mentoring, acceleration programmes and connections to investors and academic institutions.
Avi Cohen, Director General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, said the centre would serve as a regional anchor for high-tech activity, enabling “economic development, the creation of startup companies and human capital training.”
Partners in the Bedouin innovation centre include local funds, industry groups and technology leaders, with the aim of building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem rooted in the local community.
The new centres will join 13 existing innovation hubs operating in Israel’s periphery, from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat, as part of a national programme led by the Israel Innovation Authority to strengthen regional entrepreneurship, develop talent and expand Israel’s long-term economic growth.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
