This week, CFI hosted an online briefing for Conservative parliamentarians with Professor Eugene Kandel, CEO of Start-Up Nation Central.
Professor Kandel briefed MPs and Lords on Israel’s innovation ecosystem and answered questions on Start-Up Nation Central’s work. The organisation facilitates partnerships between start-ups and businesses, governments, and academic institutions.
Parliamentarians heard about Israel’s high-tech success in dozens of industries including cyber security, agritech and digital healthcare, learning that there is one innovative company for every 1,300 people.
Professor Kandel noted the potential for collaboration between Israel and the UK, as well as Israel and its new Gulf partners including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in areas such as research and development and commercial investment.
The briefing was chaired by CFI Honorary President Lord Polak CBE. Among parliamentarians to attend were CFI Parliamentary Chairman (Lords) Rt. Hon. The Lord Pickles, CFI Officers Bob Blackman MP, Craig Tracey MP and Christian Wakeford MP, as well as Scotland Minister Iain Stewart MP.
Also in attendance were Maria Caulfield MP, Holly Mumby-Croft MP, Alan Mak MP, Lord Gold, Lord Grade CBE, Baroness Redfern and Welsh Senedd Member Russell George MS.
