Leaders
Israel’s thriving startup ecosystem fuels innovation and resilience
Israel’s dynamic startup scene thrives on necessity and resilience, says Raphael Singer, amid rising innovations from conflict challenges
– Israel excels in innovation and startups, driven by necessity and resilience from historical challenges.
– Investment opportunities are growing, with a focus on technologies promoting peace and regional collaboration.
Israel calls itself an “innovation island,” and according to Raphael Singer — Director of Climate & Sustainability at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — that title is well earned.
In this in-depth conversation, he explains how a lack of natural resources forced Israel to innovate early, building agriculture, water tech, and climate solutions from the ground up.
He discusses how Israel’s culture of embracing failure is central to its entrepreneurial strength, and why government investment remains critical to sustaining a nation with the world’s highest startup rate per capita. The defence sector’s R&D continues to spill into civilian life, powering everything from food security to climate resilience.
Singer also explores what other nations can learn from Israel’s approach to building a future-ready economy — one rooted in resilience, creativity, and rapid adaptation.
Israel wants the world to know its tech ecosystem remains open, active, and hungry for global partnerships. Collaboration with regional neighbours on issues like water security, climate challenges, and sustainability is seen as a pathway to long-term peace, reinforced by initiatives like the Abraham Accords.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ahron Young traveled to Israel as a guest of the Foreign Ministry climate delegation.
