Missouri & Israel Strengthen Economic Partnership
- November 17, 2016
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and Avi Hasson, Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy and Industry in Israel, signed a co-investment agreement with the target of expanding and advancing the technological economies of both Missouri and Israel. The first of its kind agreement will allow the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) to work directly with the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) to advance opportunities for new technology projects, and establishes a framework to focus on joint research projects by Missouri and Israeli companies in the areas of aerospace and defense, cyber security and agtech.
“Missouri has now established itself as a leading high-tech, innovation and startup center on a global scale,” said Governor Nixon. “Israel is an established international leader in technology entrepreneurship. By teaming up our intellectual capital, entrepreneurial drive and co-investing, we have the opportunity to expand our cutting edge technology sectors and create top-level skilled jobs in both Missouri and Israel.”
Once implemented, the deal would pair technology companies from Missouri and Israel within the designated sectors to be jointly funded by the MTC and IIA. Since 2014, multiple Israeli agtech companies have chosen Missouri as the best place to launch their businesses in the U.S. market.
“Establishing the Israel-Missouri partnership is a significant step for building a platform for innovation advancement through R&D collaborations,” said Mr. Hasson, who is also the Chairman of the National Technological Innovation Authority. “The strong ties will benefit the economies of both Israel and Missouri and will strengthen the innovation links between the two industries. I am certain that such partnership with Missouri will yield great success stories among Israeli and U.S. companies.”
With its strategic location, globally connected infrastructure, competitive business and labor costs, highly-skilled and hard working talent, quality of life and a statewide commitment to attracting companies and investment, Missouri is a place where companies come to grow and thrive.