The UK and Israel are set to sign an innovation and tech collaboration agreement aimed at fostering joint tech projects and advanced research areas, including quantum computing. The deal, which follows a meeting between science ministers in London, will involve a commitment of £1.7 million in support for collaborative tech initiatives. The agreement aligns with the UK’s broader objective of forming tech and innovation partnerships worldwide, similar to agreements reached with countries like India, Japan, Switzerland, and South Africa.
Israel is renowned for its innovation and startup ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on research and development (R&D). The collaboration with Israel spans three key areas: research, commercialization, and bilateral government priorities. Israel’s high R&D spending has contributed to a thriving technology landscape, producing successful startups such as website builder Wix and navigation app company Waze, which Google acquired in 2013.
George Freeman, the UK’s Minister for the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, emphasized Israel’s reputation as a global innovation hub and highlighted the significance of this collaboration in supporting the UK’s mission to become a science superpower.
Ofir Akunis of Israel’s Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology noted that the agreement would strengthen scientific and technological cooperation and networking between both countries, benefiting their scientific communities and broader economies.
This collaboration follows the UK’s recent agreement with the EU to participate in the Horizon Europe scientific research program, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to fostering international research and innovation partnerships.
