Open for business: How science, technology, and trade unite the UK and Israel - opinion
In an era where collaborations and partnerships are essential to economic, technological and social growth, UK-Israel relations stand as a model of success.
An illustrative image of solar panels and wind power generation equipment.(photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)ByBEN MYERSUpdated: Walking through the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, I was left fascinated (if somewhat confused – I am not a scientist) by the cutting-edge research that epitomizes Israel’s research credentials. Beyond the science, the visit reinforced something even greater: the deep and enduring ties between the UK and Israeli innovation.
In an era where collaborations and partnerships are essential to economic, technological and social growth, UK-Israel relations stand as a model of success.
This has been a painful and difficult year, with unbearable suffering and challenges that threaten the already delicate fabric of life here. Despite that, our two nations have continued to work together closely, driving innovation and economic growth, with notable achievements in science, academia, technology, business, and trade, proving the strength of UK-Israel bilateral relations.
The incredible achievements of UK-Israel bilateral ties
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, the first ever government funded UK-Israel bilateral research call for proposals was published with funding of NIS 9 million (£1.8 million) for joint UK-Israeli research projects in food-tech, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery.
Business ties are equally robust. Per capita, Israel ranked among the top ten countries for foreign direct investment projects in the UK in 2023-2024 among European countries, with 19 Israeli companies expanding or establishing operations in the UK, creating 532 new jobs. Over the past five years, more than 400 Israeli companies have set up or expanded their operations in the UK, creating approximately 4,000 new jobs and over £906 million worth of investment.
AMOS HAGGIAG, Optibus CEO and co-founder (L), and Eitan Yanovsky, CTO and co-founder. (credit: OPTIBUS)Take Optibus, for example, a leading Israeli company, which recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary in the UK. Optibus leverages AI to enhance sustainable, efficient, and accessible public transportation networks, powering 70% of public buses in the UK.
Or Nofar Energy. In November, the renewable energy company completed a significant financial closing with a consortium of leading international and Israeli banks, including Bank Hapoalim and Bank Leumi, totaling approximately £152 million for the Cellarhead project, one of the largest energy storage projects in the UK, with a capacity of approximately 624 MWh.
The UK-Israel Tech Hub was established in 2011 to strengthen and raise the profile of UK-Israel bilateral tech partnerships. Fondly referred to as “the hub,” in 2023-2024 alone they facilitated 80 strategic partners and secured over a million in R&D funding for health-tech studies.
In March 2024, six Israeli health-tech companies were selected to pilot their technologies in the UK, as part of a partnership between The Northern Health Science Alliance and Israeli Innovation Authority. In November, we launched The Dangoor Health-Tech Academy, a first-of-its-kind academy to connect Israeli startups with the UK Healthcare sector. The nine startups chosen are advancing healthcare solutions utilising AI in diagnostics, eating disorders, mental health, Femtech, neuroscience, personalised treatments, and nutrition.
The UK healthcare market, a global powerhouse, is increasingly open to innovative solutions. This makes it an ideal partner for Israel's vibrant startup scene, renowned for its groundbreaking technologies.
Israeli companies have strong credentials in the cybersecurity and fintech fields. Last year, Barclays bank announced their official investment in Velotix, an AI-Powered Data Security Platform. The hub was a pivotal in securing partnership, driving the introduction and engagement that made it possible.
These milestones are testament to Israel's tech sector’s relationship with the UK that has grown steadily over the past decade. Israeli companies and funds have invested over £3 billion into the UK economy, generating an estimated £1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) in over a decade.
Holding Eistein’s Nobel Prize in my hand, I felt the power of science, both for the research that improves our lives, but also the connections it creates between peoples. Beyond the economic and social impact, partnerships like the ones I have described highlight the importance of science, technology, and trade diplomacy. Innovation is not just about economic growth; it's about connecting people, companies, and ecosystems and ultimately building strong bonds between nations.
Through science, technology and trade, we are building a future where both nations thrive together, despite the challenges, with innovation leading the way. Our doors are open for Israeli entrepreneurs and innovators who seek to expand globally, and we will continue to invest in opportunities that strengthen this vital relationship.
The writer is deputy ambassador at the British Embassy in Israel.
