The Hub was launched in October 2011 as an initiative of Ambassador Matthew Gould.  Its creation followed an agreement between Prime Ministers David Cameron and Benjamin Netanyahu to build a UK-Israel partnership in technology. The Hub is a pilot programme for UKTI and the FCO  aimed at developing new methods and metrics of commercial diplomacy. It is supported by both public and private funding, and works in collaboration with UKTI in Israel and with a wide range of partner organisations.

 

In March 2012 David Willets MP, Minister for Universities and Science, and Israel’s Chief Scientist Avi Hasson co-chaired the first meeting of the UK Israel Tech Council. 

 

Haim Shani was appointed as Hub non-executive Chairman and Naomi Krieger Carmy was appointed as Hub Director in March 2012.

 

In consultation with industry experts and many advisors who generously gave of their time and expertise, the Hub developed a sector-specific strategy building on synergies between the UK and Israel in technology and innovation. Since mid-2012, the team has focused on execution of projects to realise these synergies, working with a wide range of partner organisations.

 

Saul Klein was appointed as UK Tech Envoy to Israel in December 2012 by PM Cameron - the first envoy of this kind ever. Read the announcement by 10 Downing street.

 

In March 2014, Prime Minister David Cameron made his first official visit to Israel, demonstrating the strong economic ties between the two countries, and putting a particular emphasis on the tech partnership driven by the UK Israel Tech Hub. “Our tech partnership is strongest of any in the world and we should capitalize on this,” said PM Cameron ahead of the visit.

 

The Prime Minister announced that the UK will roll out the Tech Hub model, developed and piloted successfully between the UK and Israel, to additional markets worldwide.