Agreements Strengthen UK-Israel Ties

During a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), Science Minister Sam Gyimah signed new landmark agreements which will boost innovation, as well as academic and scientific collaboration between the UK and Israel. Focusing on implementing improvements around ageing and Artificial Intelligence, the partnership will look to develop new technologies and opportunities in these areas.

Science Minister Sam Gyimah said: “The UK has a strong science and innovation relationship with Israel and I have signed two landmark agreements which will take this to the next level. There are so many strategic opportunities for these two innovation power houses. Increased collaboration will help to realise this potential.

“Many of the challenges we face, from an ageing society to disruption caused by AI and big data, are felt around the world. With our commitment to embrace the opportunities of these through our Industrial Strategy Grand Challenges, we need to work with our international partners, like Israel, to ensure we take advantage of these global changes and improve people’s lives for the better.”

The government to government innovation agreement, signed with the Israel Innovation Authority, is being supported by a multi-year £4 million bilateral programme. The programme, receiving £2 million of funding from each country, will be led by Innovate UK and will support developing new innovative ideas in a number of areas, including artificial intelligence and advanced materials.

Minister of Economy and Industry, Mr. Eli Cohen: "Israel is recognised as the “Start-Up Nation” with more start-ups per capita than anywhere but Silicon Valley, an established entrepreneurial culture and hundreds of multinationals looking for innovation here. Collaboration with Israeli innovation ecosystem will help UK enterprises unlock the potential of integrating innovating technology to transform their business.

“This agreement will help drive economic growth in both countries. The goal is to create partnerships in which British companies help Israeli innovations go global and Israeli innovation gives British companies a global competitive edge."

The Science Minister also visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories where he confirmed the number of scholarships being offered through the British Council’s Higher Education Scholarship Palestine (HESPAL) is increasing this year. This increase will enable the next generation of senior academics at Palestinian universities develop and enhance links between Palestinian and UK universities.