Deepening scientific collaboration, Israel and UK establish fund for joint tech research projects
The United Kingdom and Israel, both advanced economies, maintain robust commercial and scientific bilateral relations. The two nations recently launched a $2.4 million fund dedicated to joint technology research projects. This initiative aims to encourage deeper scientific collaboration and support the development of innovative technologies that benefit both countries.
UK-Israel Innovation Fund is the first bilateral fund that is financed by both the British Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
The fund is for research that focuses specifically on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drug discovery, quantum technologies, advanced food packaging and alternative proteins. Researchers in both countries will be offered up to £200,000 (about $255,000) over three years for bilateral research projects within these fields.
British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters said the new fund will deepen the already considerable scientific cooperation between British and Israeli researchers.
“The UK and Israel have built a strong relationship on science and technology; the launch of the first UK-Israel bilateral research call marks a significant milestone, elevating the already fruitful collaboration between our research communities,” Walters said. “It provides a unique opportunity for top scientists from both nations to develop cutting-edge research in quantum [technologies], food tech and artificial intelligence in drug discovery.”
The ambassador praised the close economic and scientific cooperation between the UK and Israel.
“Our two nations continue to work closely together, driving innovation and economic growth despite regional challenges,” Walters said. “The UK’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for Israeli businesses to expand and flourish remains unwavering,” he said, adding: “The UK remains a solid, welcoming destination for Israeli businesses looking to expand their global reach.”
Eshchar Ben-Shitrit, the founder of the Israeli foodtech startup, Redefine Meat - which produced 3D-printed plant-based meat products - is one of many Israeli businesses with a presence in the British market.
“Operating in the UK as one of our initial global markets was a strategic decision, leveraging the country’s supportive environment, leadership in sustainability and innovation, and its well-developed retail sector,” Ben-Shitrit said.
While the new British-Israeli fund is relatively modest, it represents a positive development amidst increasing British and international political criticism of Israel’s military operations against Hamas in Gaza.
Great Britain and Israel have been collaborating in the field of technology and innovation for years.
The UK-Israel Tech Hub is a non-profit venture that has been operating out of the British Embassy in Israel since 2011. The "Hub" was founded by the British government to drive economic growth by helping British companies partner with cutting-edge technology companies in Israel and has earned a strong reputation as the finest “resident experts” in Israel.
Trade is booming between the UK and Israel. In 2023, bilateral trade between the UK and Israel reached £6 billion (approximately $7.8 billion).
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The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
