UK-Israel Partnership Powers Innovation
The UK and Israel continue to strengthen their collaboration across science, technology, and trade, fostering innovation and economic development. In 2024, the two nations launched their first government-funded bilateral research initiative, investing NIS 9 million (USD 2.4 million) in projects spanning food technology, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence for drug discovery.
Economic ties have also deepened, with Israel ranking among the top ten sources of foreign direct investment in the UK in 2023-2024.
Nineteen Israeli companies expanded or established UK operations, creating 532 new jobs. Over the past five years, more than 400 Israeli firms have invested over USD 1.14 billion, generating approximately 4,000 jobs.
Notable contributions include Optibus, an AI-driven public transportation optimization company that powers 70% of the UK’s public buses, and Nofar Energy, which secured USD 193 million for the Cellarhead project, one of the UK’s largest energy storage ventures at approximately 624 MWh.
The UK-Israel Tech Hub, founded in 2011, has played a pivotal role in fostering technology partnerships. In 2023-2024, it facilitated 80 strategic collaborations and secured over USD 1.26 million for health-tech R&D.
Programs like The Dangoor Health-Tech Academy have connected Israeli startups with the UK healthcare sector, advancing AI diagnostics, mental health solutions, and personalized treatments. These efforts highlight the growing significance of science, technology, and trade diplomacy in driving economic progress.
