Israel conducting Business Seminar on Water Solutions
New Delhi, 9th September, 2014: The 1st Edition of Innovation Day, hosted by the Economic Department of the Embassy of Israel and the Indo-Israel Forum, was held at the Claridges Hotel, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by the Deputy Chief of the Mission, Mr. Yahel Vilan.
The event provided an opportunity to Israeli water companies to propose collaboration on the transfer of technologies and a highly accessible business environment for getting direct interface with decision making authorities.
Israel is known for its capabilities and expertise in waste water treatment, purification and water reuse in agriculture and industry. The event brought together the full ecosystem of advance water technology providers and end users across all industrial sectors.
Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Yahel Vilan said that Israel and India share many challenges, one of them is the scarcity of water and the need to use water resources in the most smart and efficient way to the benefit of both people. “Water is Life, so by cooperating in water we touch the most fundamental issue of the life and livelihood of citizens of both Israel and India. The potential for cooperation is huge and this seminar is the proof that companies in both countries are eager to take it forward.”
On the Israeli innovative environment Mr. Yoni Ben Zaken, Commercial Attache at the Embassy of Israel said: “Israel’s innovation ecosystem is combined of main 4 pillars: the first is strong connections between the government, industry and academia. Secondly, the dynamic and energetic Israeli culture that constantly encourages finding solutions to existing problems and challenges rather than accepting them. Thirdly, the informal yet efficient approach of interacting between the various stakeholders. Lastly, the fact that Israel is small is an advantage is such ecosystem: Providing easy and quick access to all the relevant participants in the process of creating a successful ecosystem of innovation.
Regarding water technologies, Mr. Ben Zaken stressed that “..especially in cleantech and water sector, Israeli industry has absorbed hi-tech know-how, where more than 400 companies are showcasing cutting edge technologies. These companies are constantly creating technological breakthroughs in order to overcome Israeli water challenges, which in many cases are similar to the ones India is facing. We are discussing now issues related to river cleaning with several stakeholders and we focusing on cleaning industrial pollutants. Water efficiency, water treatment and purification, urban water solutions are just a few examples of what Israeli companies excel in. The solutions they provide is a result of a very long learning process derived from the harsh conditions in Israel and can suit India’s needs.
Most of the participating Israeli companies specialize in water security, water treatment and effective waste water treatment. More than 20 Indian companies also participated in this seminar.