Merck’s 3rd biotech incubator
The Merck Group and Shanghai’s WuXi AppTec have launched the biotech startup incubator ExploreBio. It is Merck’s 3rd Israeli biotech incubator, based at Merck’s existing complex in Yavne and will focus on early stage biotechnology startups. The program has a five-year budget of $25 million.
Visa launches another innovation lab
I reported previously that Visa Europe had opened a start-up center in Tel Aviv. It is now launching an innovation studio in Tel Aviv for Israeli FinTech startups to develop the next generation of payment solutions.
Ben Gurion opens new extension to Terminal 3
Ben Gurion airport’s new wing E includes telescopic glass pathways, eight plane exit gates, four bus exit gates, along with shops, restaurants and a VIP lounge. It can handle up to 1,800 more passengers per hour, allowing for dozens of extra daily flights.
Healthcare’s expansion at Philips
Philips Healthcare is increasing the number of employees in its cancer informatics division in Israel. The total number of Philips Healthcare’s employees in Israel will rise to 1000.
Helping startups globally
Start-Jerusalem gives promising young startups from around the world the tools and guidance to improve their companies.
400 Israeli startups in the UK
About 400 Israeli startups or tech companies now operate in the UK, primarily in Greater London. More than a dozen Israeli firms are listed on the London Stock Exchange. Israelis choose London for its proximity plus specializing sectors of forex, creative content services, ecommerce and fintech.
The OurCrowd Global Investors Summit
On 1st Feb, OurCrowd, a leading global equity crowdfunding platform, held its largest annual investor conference in Jerusalem. 10,000 attendees from over 90 countries; 1,000 startups, 500 multinationals and 500 venture capitalists. See Jon Medved’s video preview.
Half of Merck healthcare revenue is due to Israel
Kai Beckmann, CEO of Performance Materials at German giant Merck, stated that Israeli innovation is behind almost half of Merck’s healthcare revenues. Merck has just opened a new technology innovation laboratory at its subsidiary, Qlight Nanotech in Jerusalem.
Honda likes Israeli startups
A Honda Xcelerator representative identifies the innovative Israeli technology that Honda is seeking and cultivating.
Better by design – together
Israeli-founded home remodeling and design company Houzz has just acquired Tel Aviv-based IvyMark, a startup developing online business management tools for interior designers.