InFocus: Israel / Maj-June 2024

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In an increasingly interconnected world, international collaboration in science and technology serves as a cornerstone for addressing global challenges and fostering innovation. The partnership between Israel and Serbia epitomizes the power of such cooperation, bringing together the unique strengths and expertise of both nations to advance scientific knowledge and technological prowess. Israel, renowned for its cutting-edge innovations and robust start-up ecosystem, has long been a beacon of technological advancement. Its dedication to research and development has propelled it to the forefront of numerous scientific fields, from biotechnology to cybersecurity. Serbia, with its rich history of scientific inquiry and a rapidly growing tech sector, offers a wealth of academic and practical insights, contributing significantly to various scientific disciplines.

The cooperative spirit underlying this partnership extends beyond scientific achievement; it embodies a shared commitment to progress, innovation, and mutual benefit. It is a testament to the belief that through collaboration, we can transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences to create a better, more sustainable future for all.

As we embark on this journey of discovery and innovation, we are confident that the fruits of Israeli-Serbian scientific cooperation will not only advance our understanding of the world but also inspire future generations to continue the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

Dragan Nikolić editor

4

INTERVIEW

ISRAEL IS HIGH-TECH LEADER H.E. YAHEL VILAN Ambassador of Israel to Serbia

H.E.

ISRAEL IS HIGH-TECH LEADER

We posses technology, know how, experience and all of that is on disposal to Serbian municipalities and the industry

Israel is known for its advancements in renewable energy technologies. What opportunities do you see for collaboration between Israel and Serbia in this sector, and how can both countries benefit from such partnerships? Israel and Serbia have signed an MOU on Cooperation in Green Energy in February 2022. The document foresees, beside promoting investments in green energy, also cooperation and exchange of scientific and technical experiences in the field of renewable energy, green hydrogen, geothermal energy etc. The legal framework for joint scientific projects in these areas exists. It’s up to academia, industry and startup community to use it.

WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH THE CONTRIBUTION OF OUR COMPANIES TO THE GREEN TRANSITION OF SERBIA.

We will elaborate more on Israeli investments in green energy in Serbia in continuation of this interview. For now, i would say that we are very pleased with the contribution of our companies to the green transition of Serbia.

Credible Israeli investors in wind energy such as Enlight and solar such as Nofar, L.O.I. 360 already positioned them-

YAHEL VILAN Ambassador of Israel to Serbia

selves on the green energy map of Serbia. We as en embassy, experience increased interest, so there are other companies still in search for projects which we expect to be in pipeline in the near future.

Environmental sustainability is a global priority. Can you share any successful ecological initiatives from Israel that could be implemented in Serbia to address common environmental challenges?

Project and solution which can serve as an example of how the waste can be turned to energy and also in which way a landfill area can be rehabilitated and serve as a recreational and educational park, is Hyria Recycling Park and Ariel Sharon Park located on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. Dan Region Association of Towns for Sanitation and Waste Disposal, which operates Hyria Recycling Park, was funded at 1966 by six municipalities that became council members: Tel aviv Jaffa, Holon, Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Bnei Brak and Givatayim.

The association receives every day 3,000 tons of municipal waste from the six municipalities that are members, and serves 20-25 more municipalities, as well as private contractors. Hiriya Recycling Park is leading the country’s waste management field. On a daily basis it produces 1000 CMH of biogas in its Refused Derived Fuel plant.

Ariel Sharon Park is an ambitious environmental rehabilitation project, one of the biggest in the world. The park is set on the Hiriya, formerly a 60 meter high mound of waste next to Ben Gurion Airport, now converted into the centerpiece of the new Ariel Sharon Park. The park contains cycling trails, a zoo, recreational pond, picnic areas etc.

At the visitor center, virtually everything (including the building itself – which was once a huge compost shed) is recycled: furniture and accessories are made out of tires, cans and bottles, as is a gigantic, colorful ceiling fixture.

Beside these two examples in cleantech and waste management, Israel is a world leader in waste water treatment with 90% of waste water treated to the level of use in agriculture.

by Dragan Nikolić

We posses technology, know how, experience and all of that is on disposal to Serbian municipalities and the industry which will have to meet the EU standards but more than that to keep the environment clean and safe for the generations to come! Our economic department is open to connect you to the relevant Israeli representatives in the water sector.

Israel has a robust biotech industry. What are some of the latest breakthroughs in Israeli biotechnology that you believe could have significant impacts on healthcare or agriculture in Serbia?

Israel is a leading center of research in the field of life sciences and exact sciences and is ranked fourth in a global index measuring the average number of quotations per articles published in multidisciplinary research. Israel is ranked in the top five countries for the number of patents per capita and the Weizmann Institute of Science was ranked second in the world in the prestigious ‘100 Nature Index’. Israel is also home to world-leading clinical research centers.

ISRAEL IS A WORLD LEADER IN WASTE WATER

TREATMENT WITH 90% OF WASTE WATER TREATED TO THE LEVEL OF USE IN AGRICULTURE

ISRAEL

IS SET TO BE A WORLD LEADER IN BIOCONVERGENCE INDUSTRY

It has a strong medical device industry that includes more than 600 companies, exports of approximately 1.6 billion dollars, and R&D centers of the world’s leading medical devices companies (Medtronic, General Electric, Philips and others).

Some of the examples of Israeli bio-convergance breakthrougs are:

• Nanorobotics for Drug Delivery

Nano-Ghost27 is a nanometric drug delivery system developed by Prof. Marcelle Machluf from the Technion. The system is capable of homing in on cancerous tumors and precisely delivering the treatment to the cancerous cells without harming the surrounding healthy cells.

• Regenerative Medicine

The Precise-Bio company29 has developed a revolutionary technology in the field of tissue printing and engineering that enables printing at the resolution of an individual cell. The company is regarded one of the leaders in this field and is the first in the world to implant a printed cornea in a para-clinical trial and to demonstrate complete functionality of the engineered organ.

Israel has an opportunity to become a leading player in the bio-convergence industry thanks to its strong techno-

logical base and other vital fundamentals including strengths in physics, engineering, data science, leading research in life sciences and the ability to integrate all these fields.

• Serbia also keeps biotech sector high on its economic development agenda. There are already some connections established between the two biotech ecosystem. The embassy put it as priority and there will be more opportunities and platforms for joint cooperation in the upcoming period.

Innovation is a key driver of Israel’s economic growth. How can Serbia learn from Israel’s experience in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to boost its own economy?

Israel, as for many historic decisions, had no choice but to turn to know how of its people. As a country scarce in natural resources, our government established the Office of the Chief Scientist early as in 1969 under the Ministry of Economy and Industry, tasked with implementing government policy regarding support and encouragement of industrial research and development projects.

In the early ‘90s, Israel invested in two programs that put wind in sails of the high tech industry. One of them was The Yozma program which led to establishment of 10 venture capital funds dedicated to attracting foreign investments. The rest is history…

The embassy actively works with and supports all the stakeholders of the Serbian startup ecosystem from the very beginning.

It is evident that the ecosystem is growing. Based on conducted international survey of Startup Genome, the value of Belgrade and Novi Sad ecosystem reached 1.11 billion USD in 2023 with 66% of annual growth.

Serbia is Chairing the Global Partnership of AI, it has an Institute for AI and a Strategy for development of this sector.

The country is investing in establishment of a BIO4 campus as a unique hub for biotech industry, research and academia. It also established a Center for 4th industrial revolution we have cooperation with.

Taking into consideration all of the mentioned, Serbia is on a very good path and in certain areas such as gaming, blockchain and big data, a leading hub in this part of Europe.

Education and research play crucial roles in advancing technology and innovation. Are there any existing or upcoming educational exchange programs between Israel and Serbia aimed at promoting knowledge transfer in fields like renewable energy and biotechnology?

Investments in education, research and development are crucial in building, scaling and maintaining the knowledge/ technology driven economy where most of the developed countries are headed to.

Israel as such, invests the highest percentage of its GDP in R&D among all OECD members. In 2022 it was 6%!

As for the education exchange cooperation we used to have running the Program of educational, scientific, cultural, youth and sports cooperation since 2009. It is in pipeline of Agreements to be renewed.

However, Israel with its Agency for International Cooperation and Development MASHAV offers a numerous number of training courses in various fields from postharvest technologies to startup accelerators, water treatments, rural development, trauma and disaster preparedness. The embassy distributes courses to the target audience and before Covid we used to have round 50 professionals from Serbia attending courses in Israel.

MASHAV switched courses to online during Covid and these days the activity has been back on track after temporary suspension since October the 7th.

Currently, we have two courses with open calls to apply!

SERBIA IS ON A VERY GOOD PATH AND IN CERTAIN AREAS SUCH AS GAMING, BLOCKCHAIN AND BIG DATA, A LEADING HUB IN THIS PART OF EUROPE.

Investing in green technology is essential for a sustainable future. How can Israeli investors and companies contribute to the development of green technology in Serbia, and what incentives might encourage such investments?

Transition to green sources of energy is inevitable for various reasons: sustainability, healthier enviornment, raising energy efficiency and independence which is crucial for any country. In this regards, we are very proud of achievements of the Israeli investors in green transition of Serbia which has even higher targets than Israel!

Our companies like Enlight which togehter with their Serbian partner New Energy Solutions developed two windfarms: Kovačica of 104MW installed capacity - operating and Pupin of 95MW which will be operational by the end of the year.

Another Israeli company, Nofar Energy, has just announced start of construction of Ada solar park of 26MW, the biggest solar park in Serbia at the moment which should be added to the grid by the end of the year which will bring energy stability to the country in the upcoming winter season!

We also have company LOI 360 developing an agri solar parks in Sremska Mitrovica of 75MW.

All of these investments signify that Serbia enjoys a positive outlook among Israeli renewable energy investors and

definately is under loop which is also reflected in high number of inquiries the embassy receives.

Looking ahead, what are some potential areas for future economic partnerships between Israel and Serbia that could drive mutual growth and development, particularly in high-tech industries?

Priority sectors that we as an embassy promote are: clean tech which includes renewable energy and waste water treatments, hi tech and startup ecosystem, cyber and biotech. In line with Serbia’s economic agenda we would put priority on renewable energy, cyber and biotech as sectors to be exploited much more. Israel has a cutting edge, efficient technology in regards to waste water treatment and is the country that treats 80% of waste water to the level of agriculture use. In line with its specific geopolitical position, Israel had to face cyber threats much earlier than other Western countries, thus it has a wide portfolio of cyber security solutions for governments, companies and critical infrastructure. We invite and welcome Serbian authorities and private companies to engage with Israeli companies directly or with our support so as to bring benefits such as clean environment, safety, efficiency and higher standard of living for all.

YOM HA’ATZMAUT IN BELGRADE

The Embassy of Israel marked the 76th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel

On Monday, June 3, 2024, at Madlenianum theatre, the Embassy of Israel to Serbia marked the Israel’s Independence Day. Guests were welcomed by H.E. Yahel Vilan, the Ambassador of Israel, and his wife.

Esteemed guests, with many members of Serbian diplomatic corps, had the opportunity to view an exhibition Flowers of Nova, works by Israeli artists, and dedicated to the victims, survivors, and those abducted during the massacre at a music festival in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

At the reception at Madlenianum, a concert was also held by famous Shira Utfila ensemble, featuring a special guest from Israel, Lala Tamar, who performs Moroccan, JudeoSpanish, flamenco, and Middle Eastern music.

Yom Ha’atzmaut is Israel’s Independence Day, celebrated annually on the 5th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which typically falls in April or May in the Gregorian calendar. It commemorates the Israeli Declaration of Independence, which took place on May 14, 1948. YOM HA’ATZMAUT COMMEMORATES THE ISRAELI DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

by Dragan

HATIKVAH, THE ISRAELI NATIONAL ANTHEM, REFLECTS THE HOPE AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE FOR A HOMELAND OF THEIR OWN

The day is marked with various festivities and ceremonies throughout Israel, as well as by Jews worldwide. It’s a time of joy and celebration, as Israelis reflect on the significance of their independence and the establishment of the modern state of Israel.

Yom Ha’atzmaut is typically celebrated with public events such as concerts, parades, fireworks displays, and barbecues. Many schools and institutions also hold special activities and programs to commemorate the occasion.

One of the central traditions of Yom Ha’atzmaut is the singing of Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, which reflects the hope and aspirations of the Jewish people for a homeland of their own.

Overall, Yom Ha’atzmaut is a time for Israelis to come together in unity and pride, celebrating their shared heritage and the achievements of the nation since its founding. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and sacrifices made in the pursuit of independence and peace.

Nikolić

THE PROJECT THAT IS CHANGING SERBIA

The project, which is valued at around 413 million euros, aims to integrate academic and research institutions with the private sector

The Bio4 campus in Belgrade is a significant scientific and technological project currently under development in Serbia.

The campus, named for its focus on four key areas—biomedicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and biodiversity—is set to become a central hub for bioeconomic development in Southeast Europe.

The project, which is valued at around 413 million euros, aims to integrate academic and research institutions with the private sector, including major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Roche. It is expected to house over 1,400 professors and researchers, 4,000 students, and more than 1,000 PhDs, working in some of the most sophisticated laboratories in Europe

The campus will feature a variety of facilities, including a sports center, accommodation for students and researchers, and an interactive museum. It will also include a national genetic resource database, or biobank, which will be crucial for biotechnology research and development.

Construction of the Bio4 campus began with site preparation in late 2023, and it is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The campus will support the Serbian Institute for Virology, Vaccines, and Serums “Torlak” in becoming a leading center for scientific research and production, particularly in the fields of biomedicine and biotechnology

The Bio4 campus represents a significant investment by the Serbian government in the country’s scientific infrastructure, with the aim of addressing global and local challenges through technological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration

BIO4 CAMPUS TO ATTrACT ISrAelI HIGH-TeCH COMPANIeS

At the beginning of January this year, Ambassador of Israel to Serbia, His Excellency Yahel Vilan, met with Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, Dr. Jelena Begović, at the Government of the Republic of Serbia, accompanied by a delegation from the ministry.

During this meeting, the Minister and the Ambassador discussed practical steps in deepening cooperation between

Serbia and Israel, as well as about the BIO4 Campus. Minister Begović explained to Ambassador Vilan that the goal of the BIO4 Campus is to attract brave companies and startups, and there is room for Israeli companies to participate in the development of this ecosystem, which is estimated to play an important role in the entire bioeconomic system of the region in the future.

Minister Dr. Begović emphasized on this occasion that among other things, the long-term goals of the BIO4 Campus are to attract the diaspora to return to work in Serbia in this campus, but also for scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs from around the world to find their place for work and research within this ecosystem. It was noted at the meeting that cooperation between biotechnology companies from Israel and scientific research organizations from Serbia could be very significant for both sides, especially in the areas of food production technology and agriculture in general.

Ambassador Vilan also referred to recent meetings of his delegation with the Point of Return, with which further deepening of cooperation is also planned.

Construction of the Bio4 campus began with site preparation in late 2023, and it is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026

THE KOFFLER ACCELERATOR

The Koffler Accelerator Building, within Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel houses various research facilities and laboratories, including advanced particle accelerators used for scientific experiments in fields such as physics, chemistry, and materials science. It serves as a hub for cutting-edge research and collaboration among scientists from around the world.

Within its walls, researchers conduct experiments to explore the fundamental properties of matter, investigate the origins of the universe, and develop innovative technologies with potential applications in various industries.

The Weizmann Institute of Science is known for its contributions to scientific knowledge and technological advancements, and the Koffler Accelerator Building is a testament to its commitment to excellence in research and innovation.

Photo: Alexander_Peterson / Shutterstock.com

NOFAR ENERGY CONSTRUCTS THE LARGEST SOLAR POWER PLANT IN SERBIA

A project worth 25 million euros, with an estimated annual electricity production of 33,150,000 kWh

In Belgrade, on May 27th, 2024, the Israeli company

Nofar Energy laid the foundation stone for two solar power plants with a capacity of 26 MW. In terms of total capacity, this is the largest solar park that should be connected to the grid by the end of the year. With this act, the construction of two solar power plants, Ada1 and Ada2, in the North Banat district of Vojvodina, on a location covering 30 hectares in the town of Ada, begins. The project is worth 25 million euros, and the estimated annual

electricity production is 33,150,000 kWh, which roughly meets the supply needs of more than 9,000 households.

Nofar Energy is expanding its portfolio of renewable energy sources with an advanced project of 26 MW solar power plants, here in Serbia, and the plan is to have them start operating as early as the ending of this year.

“We decided to hire Girisim Elektrik for the construction phase, which is one of the leading engineering companies in the. We are in the phase of several larger projects with

a total capacity of 270MW and we are working intensively on the steps that would bring these projects to the point of realization where we are today, with Ada 1 and Ada 2. I also want to emphasize that our company extremely appreciates the support of commercial banks and I am pleased to point out that the banking sector recognizes and supports projects of this type. - emphasized Yoav Shafrir, general director of Nofar Adria.

Nofar uses advanced technologies in solar projects, thereby enabling reaching a more efficient, ecological and stable energy market.

It is estimated that this type of renewable energy production will affect the preservation of the environment by reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by 25,000 tons, fuel savings of 12 million liters, forest conservation in an area of over 7,000 hectares and 581,000 trees in a period of 10 years.

NOFAR USES ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN SOLAR PROJECTS, THEREBY ENABLING REACHING A MORE EFFICIENT, ECOLOGICAL AND STABLE ENERGY MARKET

ABOUT NOFAr eNerGY

The company Nofar Energy was founded in 2011. It specializes in the development, production and maintenance of photovoltaic plants and wind farms. The company’s activities include ground-based solar projects, floating solar projects on water tanks, rooftop solar projects and electricity storage projects. The company is active in ten countries (Israel, USA, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Romania, Poland, Italy, Greece and Serbia).

The company’s total production capacity is 1.9 GWH of stored energy and 2.8 GWH of solar energy. The development strategy until 2025 is to reach the capacity of 2.5 GWH of stored energy and the production of solar energy of 5 GWH.

Nofar’s ongoing ambition is to help reach the goal of zero emissions globally by 2050, through green and clean renewable energy – replacing old, expensive and polluting energies. The company invests significant resources in environmental impact management and measurement (ESG) and promotes several initiatives designed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They are ranked as the third largest Israeli sustainable energy company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

H.E. Yahel Vilan, Ambassador of Israel to Serbia

Yoav Shafrir, CEO Nofar Adria

THE STATE OF HIGH-TECH

The World Economic Forum established the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Serbia is among the first countries in the world to have its own center. It has existed for several years and operates with significant help and support from the pioneering center in this field located in Israel.

The world is in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution – a period during which technological breakthroughs and industrial disruptive technologies are blurring geographical borders and challenging existing regulatory frameworks. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and autonomous transportation are rapidly changing our lives, creating new risks and opportunities, and raising ethical issues. Government regulations must keep up with the rapid pace of technological changes to bring progress to Israeli citizens.

To help government regulation adapt to rapidly changing technology, the World Economic Forum founded a network of Centers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR). This network aims to create and share knowledge, experience, and best

THE ISRAELI CENTER, ESTABLISHED IN 2019, PROMOTES TECHNOLOGICAL FIELDS AT THE HEART OF THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER’S (C4IR – WEF) ACTIVITY

practices related to innovative technologies’ regulation by establishing collaborations between governments, leading corporations, the private sector, and experts from around the world.

The C4IR network began operation in San Francisco in 2017 and operates centers in China, Japan, and India. Alongside the official centers, there are other countries that have

joined as ‘Affiliate Centers’ including South Africa, Colombia, Brazil, the UAE, Norway, and Saudi Arabia.

In January 2019, as part of Government Resolution No. 4481, it was decided that the State of Israel would join the C4IR. Accordingly, in August 2019, the Innovation Authority established the Israeli Center for Regulation of Innovative Technologies, serving as an Affiliate Center in the C4IR network.

Participation in the network will advance the readiness of the Israeli market for new technologies, specifically innovative disruptive technologies that will significantly influence life in Israel. The Israeli center will work with local regulators to assist them in adopting flexible and innovative regulations suitable for technological developments. These regulations will allow for the promotion of innovation, research, and improved services while preserving public interests such as safety and privacy.

Source: The Innovation Authority of the State of Israel

THE CENTER FOR THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, LOCATED IN BELGRADE, IS THE FIRST AND ONLY ONE IN THE BALKANS

The Innovation Authority believes that creating a flexible, innovative regulatory environment adapted to technological developments provides a significant opportunity to advance an innovation ecosystem for growing technologies. This environment is necessary for the Israeli high-tech industry to maintain its leading technological position in these fields and to enable the State of Israel to provide its citizens with the tremendous benefits promised by technological progress.

The Israeli Center, established in 2019, promotes technological fields at the heart of the International Center’s (C4IR –WEF) activity, the development and application of which influence productivity and growth in the State of Israel. The Center promotes collaborations with the Ministries of Transport, Health, and Justice in the fields of regulation of smart transportation, autonomous vehicles, drones, Artificial Intelligence, and information economics.

JELENA BOJOVIĆ Director of

C4IR Serbia

The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia (C4IR Serbia) was established in 2022 through a partnership between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the World Economic Forum. Since its launch, we have operated under the auspices of the Office for IT and eGovernment, focusing on enhancing Serbia’s technological ecosystem for applying Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, particularly in AI and biotechnology. Our efforts aim to connect Serbia with the international community and facilitate knowledge exchange with the world’s leading experts. As part of these initiatives, the Centre annually supports the Government in hosting the international conference Biotech Future Forum in Belgrade, attracting global leaders from science, industry, and policy, including notable representatives from Israel. For example, one of our keynote speakers last year was Dr. Ami Appelbaum, former Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority, alongside Professor Timothy Lu from MIT and Reshma Shetty, founder of Ginkgo Bioworks from the US.

Additionally, C4IR Serbia places great importance on being part of the global C4IR network of the World Economic Forum, collaborating closely with other C4IRs to address significant global challenges. A prime example of this collaboration is our partnership with C4IR Israel and C4IR Telangana in advancing the field of bioeconomy, as the only centers in the network focusing on this critical area. Currently, we are jointly developing a publication that will analyze the bioinformatics capacities of Serbia and Israel.

A BEACON OF INNOVATION AND GROWTH

The Israeli life science industry exemplifies how a small nation can make a significant global impact through innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment

Israel, often dubbed the “Startup Nation,” is renowned for its dynamic and innovative economy. Among its most vibrant sectors is the life science industry, which has rapidly evolved into a global leader. This industry encompasses biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and digital health, collectively driving substantial economic growth and making significant contributions to global healthcare advancements.

The roots of Israel’s life science industry can be traced back to the establishment of the state in 1948. Early investments in education and healthcare laid a strong foundation, which was further strengthened by the influx of highly skilled immigrants, particularly from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s. This talent pool fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to the birth of numerous startups and research institutions.

Israel boasts a high concentration of research institutions and universities, such as the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, which are renowned for their cutting-edge research. The collaboration between academia and industry is seamless, promoting the translation of research into commercial products.

The Israeli government has played a pivotal role in nurturing the life science sector. Initiatives like the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) provide substantial funding for R&D projects, startups, and collaborations. Additionally, tax incentives and grants encourage both local and international investments.

Israel has one of the highest per capita venture capital investments in the world. This financial support is crucial for the growth of life science startups, enabling them to advance their technologies and bring products to market.

The small size of the country fosters close-knit networks among scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors. This collaborative spirit accelerates innovation and facilitates the sharing of ideas and resources.

The Israeli life science industry has produced several groundbreaking innovations. Companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals have become global leaders in generic drugs and specialty pharmaceuticals. Additionally, biotech firms such as Pluristem Therapeutics are pioneering regenerative medicine using placental cells.

Israel is home to a plethora of successful medical device companies. Medtronic’s acquisition of Mazor Robotics, a leader in surgical robotics, highlights the country’s expertise in this field. Another example is ReWalk Robotics, which developed an exoskeleton allowing paraplegics to walk.

ISRAEL HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST PER CAPITA VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS IN THE WORLD

THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT HAS PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN NURTURING THE LIFE SCIENCE SECTOR

Leveraging its prowess in software and data analytics, Israel has become a hub for digital health innovations. Companies like Zebra Medical Vision use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance medical imaging, while Healthy.io transforms smartphones into medical-grade diagnostic tools.

Beyond generics, Israeli companies are at the forefront of novel drug development. BioLineRx, for example, is advancing a robust pipeline of oncology and immunology therapies.

Despite its success, the Israeli life science industry faces several challenges. Regulatory hurdles, competition for talent, and the need for substantial capital investments can impede growth. Additionally, navigating global markets and achieving large-scale commercialization remains a complex endeavor.

However, the industry’s future looks promising. Continuous investment in R&D, coupled with a supportive government and an ever-growing talent pool, positions Israel well to maintain its leadership in life sciences. Emerging fields such as personalized medicine, genomics, and advanced biotechnologies offer new avenues for innovation and growth.

The Israeli life science industry exemplifies how a small nation can make a significant global impact through innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment. As it continues to evolve, Israel’s contributions to healthcare and biotechnology will undoubtedly benefit patients and healthcare systems worldwide, solidifying its role as a pivotal player in the global life sciences arena.

BET DAGAN, ISRAEL Scientific Center of the Ministry of Agriculture. State project on cultivation natural predators of agricultural pests. Ladybugs in Petri dishes in an incubator

Photo: Protasov AN / Shutterstock.com

HAIFA, ISRAEL

Life Sciences Park sign on the office building in Haifa Life Sciences zone. Photo: MagioreStock / Shutterstock.com

ISRAELI BASKETBALL IS PLAYED IN BELGRADE

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Israel, with a passionate fan base and a strong community presence

Israeli basketball has a rich history and a significant impact both domestically and internationally. Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Israel, with a passionate fan base and a strong community presence. The sport plays a significant role in Israeli culture and has a unifying effect, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. Israeli basketball continues to thrive and make an impact on the global stage, showcasing the country’s talent and passion for the game.

The top professional basketball league in Israel is the Israeli Basketball Premier League (Ligat HaAl). Founded

ISRAELI BASKETBALL CONTINUES TO THRIVE AND MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

in 1954, it has grown to become one of the most competitive leagues in Europe. The league features teams from across the country and has been a launching pad for many Israeli and international players. Israeli teams regularly compete in European competitions such as the EuroLeague, EuroCup, and the Basketball Champions League. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s success in the EuroLeague has

significantly raised the profile of Israeli basketball internationally.

Israel has invested heavily in basketball infrastructure and youth development programs. The country has numerous basketball academies and training centers that focus on nurturing young talent. These programs have produced players who have gone on to play in top European leagues and the NBA.

The most successful and well-known Israeli basketball team, Maccabi Tel Aviv has dominated the domestic league and has been a formidable force in European competitions. The team has won numerous Israeli championships and has been crowned EuroLeague champions several times, with their first title in 1977 and their most recent in 2014.

Another prominent team, Hapoel Jerusalem, has also enjoyed success both domestically and in European competitions. The team has won several Israeli championships and the Basketball Champions League.

Home games in Belgrade

Due to ongoing security concerns stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli basketball clubs have relocated some of their home games to Belgrade, Serbia.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, a prominent team in the EuroLeague, will play its home games at the Aleksandar Nikolić Hall in Belgrade. This decision was made to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. Maccabi’s first home game in Belgrade is scheduled played on November 9, 2023 against FC Bayern Munich. Later, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, hosted some of its home EuroLeague games at the Belgrade Arena. So far, The Tel Aviv team played 15 of their home EuroLeague games there this season.

Similarly, Hapoel Jerusalem will also play its home games in Belgrade. All three of Hapoel’s home games in Group G of the Basketball Champions League took place in Pionir Hall, started with their match against Galatasaray on November 1.

The relocation of these games highlights the collaborative efforts between Israeli basketball clubs and the Serbian government and Belgrade city administration to ensure the continuity of the sports seasons amidst challenging circumstances.

Photo: OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES / Shutterstock.com