Israel is a hotbed for innovation, particularly in the high-tech space. This is evidenced by the fact that the sector makes up 18.1% of the country’s GDP (making it the largest contributor to the economy). Part of the reason for the enormous success they have achieved is the remarkable collaboration between academia, industry, and technology transfer offices.

Today’s guest is the CEO of Ramot, the Tech Transfer Company of Tel Aviv University, and co-chair of the Israel Tech Transfer Network (ITTN), Keren Primor Cohen. Keren and her team have played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and industry in the innovation ecosystem.

During this episode, Keren delves into some of the incredible innovation success stories that she has been involved in bringing to life, the various types of support that Israel’s technology transfer sector offers to startups, and her advice for navigating the technology transfer landscape. 

In This Episode:

[01:00] Introducing Keren Primor Cohen, the CEO of Ramot and co-chair of the ITTN.

[02:23] Reasons for the recent rise in startups originating from universities and medical centers in Israel.

[03:46] An example that highlights the powerful connection between academia, industry, and technology transfer in Israel. 

[05:07] Some of the most memorable success stories that Keren has been involved with during her time as CEO of Ramot. 

[08:17] The value that collaborative platforms like ITTN bring to the innovation sector. 

[09:53] How partnerships between academic institutions and government agencies in industries have impacted innovation in Israel.  

[11:36] Support that Israel’s technology transfer sector offers to startups. 

[15:22] The size of the Israeli high-tech sector. 

[16:02] Three sectors that are at the forefront of the Israeli tech sector.  

[17:29] Similarities and differences between Israeli and American approaches to technology transfer. 

[20:42] Advice for navigating the technology transfer landscape. 

Resources:

Keren Primor Cohen on LinkedIn 

Ramot

Israel Tech Transfer Network