Over the past decade about 7,000 tech companies have been founded in Israel and high-tech goods and services account for 15 percent of gross domestic product. Of these, however, only 30 Arab-led tech firms are generating revenue, according to Israel’s Economy Ministry. With high tech serving as Israel’s most powerful economic engine, government leaders are increasingly looking to ensure Arab citizens, currently significantly underrepresented in the high tech industry, have access to related entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
Last week, two government offices, the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Authority for Economic Development for Minorities Sector, hosted the second annual High-Tech Conference for Minorities in Nazareth. This conference brings together government, private sector, civil society and high tech leadership with an aim to advance entrepreneurship and high tech participation among Israel’s minorities – including attracting support from investors and mentors and increasing public awareness.
Israel’s Chief Scientist, Avi Hasson, announced that his office recently raised government R&D subsidies for Arab entrepreneurs from 50% (as in other sectors) to 85%, allocating an additional NIS 2 million for this purpose. The office has already received 20 proposals for support.
Minister of Economy, Arieh Deri (Shas), also spoke about his Ministry’s support, saying that, “Integration of Arab professionals into Israel’s economy in general and high tech in particular, is a priority for Israel.”
The conference included workshops and panel discussions featuring successful young Arab entrepreneurs, such as Prof. Fuad Fares from Prolor Biotech, who shared their path to success, and CEOs of international companies, angel investors, and accelerators such as Takwin Labs to share and develop strategies for developing greater inclusivity in the industry.
Civil sociey organizations such as PresenTense, Tsofen, NGT3 and AlFanar, who have been the early promoters of advancing Arab employment and entrepreneurship in high tech, highlighted the social and economic potential of boosting Arab participation in the industry and how existing strategies can be scaled up and improved through greater, cross-sector collaboration.
Read more about the conference on Israel21.