Israeli Universities are Producing More Startups as their Connections with the Tech Industry Strengthen

Israeli universities and medical centers have experienced significant success in recent years with regards to creating startups, as data released by Israel’s tech transfer companies indicates. In 2020, nearly 13% of all new startups created were from universities and medical centers, marking a substantial increase in this sector.

The rise in the number of startups is attributed to the emergence of tech transfer companies, which were established within universities to manage intellectual property assets, transfer knowledge and technologies to the business sector, and bridge the gap between research and commercial products.

Over the last four years, from 2016 to 2020, there has been a 121% increase in the number of startups founded by universities and medical research centers. This figure rose from only 3.2% in 2016 to almost 13% in 2020.

Notable startups include Mobileye, an Intel-owned Jerusalem-based self-driving technology firm; Alpha Tau Medical Ltd., a developer of radiation therapy; and Aleph Farms, a developer of cultivated meat.

The data highlights the significant role that Israeli universities and medical centers play in the startup ecosystem, with a high number of new startups created in the country being attributed to these institutions.

This growth is a result of the innovative research and development that is taking place in Israeli universities and hospitals. Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship within these institutions has been a deliberate effort.

One of the critical factors contributing to this growth is the establishment of tech transfer companies, which help researchers commercialize their research and create viable businesses by serving as intermediaries between researchers and the business sector.

The tech transfer companies provide researchers with the necessary tools and support to identify the commercial potential of their research and navigate the complex process of starting a business.

Another factor that has contributed to the success of startups founded by universities and medical centers is the availability of funding. Investors are attracted to startups founded by these institutions, knowing that they have the potential to develop groundbreaking technologies and innovative products.

The Israeli government has been proactive in providing funding and support for startups, offering tax incentives, grants, and other forms of financial support to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Israeli government has recognized the importance of universities and medical centers in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship and has taken steps to provide additional support. In 2020, the government announced a $33 million investment in the creation of a new startup incubator at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, designed to support the creation of new startups and promote innovation and entrepreneurship within the university.

The success of Israeli startups founded by universities and medical centers highlights the potential of collaboration between academia and the business sector. The availability of funding, the establishment of tech transfer companies, and the government’s proactive support have all contributed to this success.

The startups emerging from these institutions have the potential to transform industries and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. With continued support, it is likely that Israeli universities and medical centers will continue to play a crucial role in the startup ecosystem and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

In conclusion, the Israeli universities and medical centers have become a significant contributor to the country’s startup ecosystem, and their success in creating startups has been remarkable. The growth in the number of startups founded by these institutions is due to the establishment of tech transfer companies, the availability of funding, and the government’s proactive support.

The startups that have emerged from these institutions have the potential to transform industries and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. With continued support, it is likely that Israeli universities and medical centers will continue to play a crucial role in the startup ecosystem and contribute to the country’s economic growth.