In 2023, the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA) underwent a transformative year defined by collaboration, growth, resilience, and a prevailing sense of hope – culminating in its most impactful year within its five-year history.
Our commitment to uniting a growing community of Israeli and Michigan innovators tackling our state’s challenges remained at the forefront of our work. Last year, we facilitated visits for 37 leaders to Israel, hosted 15 Israeli companies in Michigan, welcomed 86 Michigan leaders to experience Israeli innovations, and connected 1,218 Israeli and Michigan companies that generated $7 million in economic activity for Michigan.
June marked the launch of The Elevator, the first coworking space in the US designed to help Israeli startups and companies scale. The MIBA has since celebrated six Israeli tech companies that have partnered with The Elevator to scale in Michigan. Our community space has evolved into a bustling hub, welcoming over 350 individuals through coworking and events by the year’s end. The surging demand from Israeli innovators led us to double our teams in Israel and Michigan.
Beyond our standard programming successes, the MIBA pivoted following the events of October 7th to maximize our impact. We coordinated efforts to align Israel’s needs with Michigan businesses’ support, collaborating on military and infrastructure requirements. We offered our community webinar updates, incorporating insights into Israel’s business landscape from government leadership. With the MIBA’s annual Taste of Two Nations event postponement, supporters redirected contributions totalling $15,000 to Magen David Adom in Israel. And keeping with the Israeli spirit, we persevered with business activities by hosting Israeli companies in Michigan, actively contributing to ongoing efforts to support Israel’s economy.
Reflecting on five years of fostering connections between Michigan and Israeli businesses for economic development, we recognize our impact would not have been achieved without our partnerships. As we pursue our 2024 goals, stay tuned for ambitious plans that will elevate Michigan as the premier partner for Israeli innovation. We are grateful for your support on this journey.
Your Partner in INNOVATION,
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Special Edition – Stay tuned for a highlight of our CEO’s recent trip to Israel in the coming week. |
MIBA Launches New Event Series |
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We are excited to introduce our new event series, Connecting Communities, dedicated to illuminating Israel’s innovation landscape and demonstrating how technology is addressing Michigan’s most pressing challenges. In the first session of the Connecting Communities series, an exclusive panel will feature the MIBA’s CEO and experts from Reichman University and Iron Nation. The discussion will center on the present state of Israel’s economy, covering critical topics such as the impact of war, the status of foreign investments, and points of light that have shined through in these tumultuous times. Register to join the conversation on Wednesday, February 14, either in person at The Elevator in downtown Detroit or virtually! |
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CEO of Israel Innovation Authority Urges Industry-Government Collaboration |
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In a pivotal moment for Israeli high-tech, Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, emphasized the critical role of collaborative efforts between the industry and government in shaping its future.
With Israeli high-tech contributing 28% to Israel’s GDP and employing 12% of its workforce, Bin stressed the industry’s significance. While urging continuity within high-tech operations during the war, he introduced the “rapid route” to safeguard companies with limited runway. Bin advocated for increased government investment post-war, proposing a half-billion shekel annual startup fund for innovation. The comprehensive approach aims to position Israeli high-tech competitively on the global stage. See the full article here. |
Israel’s Wartime Teen Leadership |
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Despite occasional portrayals of Gen Z as individually focused, Israeli teens showcased remarkable leadership during the war, swiftly addressing logistical gaps in the face of attacks since October 7th. Led by teens Ofek Dabach, Shay Cohen, Ariel Bunin, and Lidor Shimon, they mobilized their peers to collect, package, and deliver essential supplies to soldiers on the frontlines. This impressive display of leadership, marked by agility and compassion, extends beyond mere logistical support, demonstrating a maturity that defies their years. In the midst of a surreal situation, these young leaders embody hope for Israel’s impactful future. Contributed by Esther Loewy |
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Michigan and Israel Connect at CES |
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Despite a scaled-down presence from previous years, Israel’s comeback at CES ’24 showcased their resilience and commitment to global business. Bernard Bourgeois of Team MIBA actively engaged in reconnecting and solidifying relationships with Israeli companies, including industry leaders Innoviz and Cognata that focus on AI-driven advancements in mobility safety. A notable highlight was seeing collaboration between Michigan-based Gentex Corporation and Israeli-based ADASKY. This partnership integrates ADASKY’s thermal imaging technology into Gentex’s in-cabin displays to enhance mobility safety. The climactic conclusion of the Israel Pavilion featured leaders from the state of Michigan expressing their commitment to support Israeli businesses that choose to do business in Michigan. This resonates harmoniously with the MIBA’s unwavering dedication to support Israeli Tech, No Matter What! |
MIBA Expands Michigan Team |
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This month, the MIBA proudly welcomed Lisa L. Rosenbaum to its Michigan team, where she assumes the role of Business Development Operations Specialist. Lisa will bring a unique set of experiences to the MIBA, having worked for Ford and GM as well as Henry Ford Health in the past. As a lifelong Michigander, graduate of both Michigan State (BS) and Michigan (MBA), and a former board member of the Michigan Israel Business Bridge, Lisa’s passion for Michigan and Israel will help elevate the MIBA to new heights. |
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Every moth, we showcase unique Israeli innovations we’ve encountered. This month, we are highlighting two companies dedicated to detecting impaired drivers. To connect with these companies, email Bernard. DYM Sense – Non-invasive Detection of Blood-Alcohol Levels After Dor Heller Zarbel lost her cousin to a drunk driver, she made her main purpose to develop a system that eliminates human judgment in the self-competence assessment of driving conditions, in order to reduce fatalities in car accidents. The DYM Sense technology uses human touch – for instance when you push the button to start your car’s engine – to accurately measure the blood-alcohol level of the driver and can prohibit the driver from using the vehicle. CorrActions – Cognitive State Monitoring CorrActions takes driver monitoring to the next level by determining cognitive states such as fatigue, inattention and anxiety, as well as alcohol or drug influence, by monitoring data from the motion sensors already in the car – starting with the steering wheel. Our bodies generate micromotions we’re not even aware of coming from electrical brain activity that affects the motor cortex. These same electrical signals can “leak” out, resulting in unconscious micromotions that sensors, like those in a steering wheel, can detect. |
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Innovation Events in Michigan
Opportunities in Michigan
Other Opportunities
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Get the latest on Israeli tech coming to Michigan, innovation ecosystem events, and Michigan-Israel trade delegations by joining the conversation with us! |
