Start-Up Nation Central

Start-Up Nation Central was founded to help realize the potential of Israel’s innovation and its impact on the world. Witnessing how Israel’s innovation culture responded to the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of remarkable -- innovation that the country and its supporters can take great pride in. The sector didn’t just survive the widespread restrictions on travel and assembly, it thrived. In 2020, Israel’s tech sector raced ahead, boasting a record-breaking $10.5 billion invested in tech companies. The Israeli entrepreneurial spirit was able to shine just as the world was most in need of its creativity, agility, and resourcefulness.

Like our partners in the industry, Start-Up Nation Central was able to quickly adjust to the realities of COVID-19, transitioning to remote work without missing a beat. We released a special “CoronaTech” startup landscape map providing detailed information on Israeli companies helping to combat the virus. This was one of the first resources available to governments and others from abroad. Subsequently, Start-Up Nation Central’s series of digital engagements, virtual summits, and webinars helped ensure that Israel’s tech sector remained firmly on track, fueled by increased global interest and investments even as the world was sealed shut.

The year 2020 also hailed the historic Abraham Accords that established official ties between Israel and four of its regional neighbors. The region is poised to become a global powerhouse of innovative solutions for global challenges, including in the fields of digital health, fintech, food security, water abundance, and renewable energy. Start-Up Nation Central is already working closely with key corporates, investors and government leaders in the region. We were honored to host the first UAE Ambassador to Israel, his Excellency Mohamed Al Khaja, to discuss mutual partnerships in tech innovation. Start-Up Nation Central also signed a series of strategic cooperation agreements with leading Emirati stakeholders.

Start-Up Nation Central’s ongoing mission is to ensure Israel’s continued capacity for innovation, while fostering the culture that enables it. During 2020, we advanced the mission on several fronts. By constantly improving our flagship Start-Up Nation Finder Innovation Business Platform—use of which increased by 45% this year—we provided the world with easily accessible and up-to-date insights and data about Israel’s tech ecosystem. Through the publication of a series of special industry reports, our expert research team showcased the breadth and depth of the country’s key innovation sectors. This provided a wealth of information for prospective investors and multinationals seeking collaboration.

Our business units took a hands-on approach to connecting start-ups with corporate, government, and financial sector decision-makers, organizing more than 100 physical and digital engagements. We also expanded our reach in social media and brought innovation success stories to hundreds of local and international media reports.

Key to enabling all of our activities, especially in a locked down world, was the construction and launch of our new broadcast studio. Featuring advanced recording and broadcasting capabilities and a television-quality control room, “The Hub” proved indispensable for building bridges when in-person contact was impossible. This facility set a new standard for remote conferencing that will remain long after the pandemic is over.

In addition to our core activity, we recognize the importance of government policies that enable innovation. The launch of a new Start- Up Nation Central Policy and Research Institute will tackle challenges around the growth of the innovation economy.

We also welcomed another addition to the Start-Up Nation Central Family: Asif – Israel’s Culinary Institute. Housed in our Tel Aviv headquarters, Asif celebrates Israeli innovation passion through culinary culture and tradition.

We believe that 2021 presents a key moment for Israel as the world adapts to a different COVID-19 reality, hopefully a receding one, and toward the new digital age.

Looking back on 2020 and forward to 2021, I already see the passion and hard work of Start-Up Nation Central’s talented team, together with the trust and support of the organization’s dedicated donors, who recognize the value in bolstering Israel’s standing in the world as a leader in innovation. I recognize the years of impactful leadership that Professor Eugene Kandel brought to Start-Up Nation Central, and feel privileged to take the baton and continue its work.

Avi Hasson

Incoming Chief Executive Officer