WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, October 12, 2012 – With Centralia’s global business-to-business forum as the backdrop, Mina Goldiak, Deputy Chief Scientist with Israel’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor provided more than 60 entrepreneurs, innovators, government and business leaders with insights on innovation in the start-up nation at a special breakfast organized by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and MC’d by Manitoba’s special representative to Israel for economic and community relations Mel Lazareck. “Today’s event further strengthens Manitoba-Israel relations and opens-up new opportunities for R&D collaboration that brings to bear the strengths of both jurisdictions”, said Lazareck.
Ms. Goldiak discussed Israel’s success in global technology commercialization, Israel’s novel approach to global R&D and how bilateral technology partnerships could help Manitoba businesses unlock new markets and increase competitiveness. She provided an overview of her role, Israel’s technological and commercialization strengths and global technology partnership programs. She also talked about opportunities for bilateral collaboration with Manitoba. “This meeting provided Manitoba business leaders with essential guidance on how to establish productive technology partnerships with world leading innovators in Israel,” said Jim Carr, President and CEO of the Manitoba Business Council.
The presentation was followed by an interactive question and answer session initiated by Dr. Henri Rothschild, President of CIIRDF, enabling participants to discuss specific areas of interest. “CIIRDF is proud to help Manitoba-based innovators navigate Israel’s innovation system and establish technology partnerships that facilitate access to new global markets”, he said. CIIRDF has an 18-year track record in helping Canadian and Israeli firms to jointly develop and market new technologies, generate global sales revenues, and deliver downstream economic benefit to both countries. “We look forward to helping companies across Manitoba seize similar commercial opportunities through R&D collaboration with Israel.”
Grant Doak, Deputy Minister for Innovation, Energy and Mines concluded with comments on the potential to be derived by the launch of a Manitoba-Israel program specifically designed to build on this potential.
This eventbuilds on initiatives launched by Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger who aims to forge strong and productive economic ties between the Israel and the province. “The presence of Ms. Goldiak today reinforces the growing linkages between Israel and Manitoba and promotes the continued development of a strong and united regional and global Jewish community,” said Bob Freedman, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. “Given our role in the Premiers previous missions to Israel, we are delighted this initiative also supports key objectives in Manitoba’s Innovation Framework.
About the Office of the Chief Scientist, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, Israel
The Office of the Chief Scientist [OCS] in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor is charged with execution of government policy for support of industrial R&D. The goal of the OCS is to assist in the development of technology in Israel as a means of fostering economic growth, encouraging technological innovation and entrepreneurship, leveraging Israel’s scientific potential, enhancing the knowledge base of industry in Israel, stimulating high value-added R&D and encouraging R&D collaboration both nationally and internationally. A variety of ongoing support programs developed and offered by the OCS play a major role in enabling Israel to be a key center for high tech entrepreneurship. For additional information, please visit the OCS website. .
About the Canada-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (CIIRDF) (www.ciirdf.ca)
The Canada-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (CIIRDF) stimulates and invests in collaborative research and development between private sector companies in Canada and Israel, with a focus on the commercialization of new technologies. Established in 1994, and recognized as one of the most successful partnership models of its kind, CIIRDF has financed more than 90 technology partnerships that enabled the joint development and sale of more than 50 products. This has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic value for Canadian and Israeli companies over the past decade. This reinforces how Canada-Israel S&T partnerships can be leveraged to open new markets, generate revenues and bolster international trade for collaborating firms. The foundation promotes the benefits of Canada-Israel R&D collaboration; offers a match-making service to companies; and provides early-stage investment for Canada-Israel R&D alliances that leverage the complementary capabilities, expertise and resources of each partner. For additional information, please visit: www.ciirdf.ca
About the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg
Since 1938, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and its predecessors have been dedicated to sustaining a strong, vibrant Jewish community. Federation staff and volunteers focus on building community, communicating with the community at large, advocating for the needs of our most vulnerable, raising the annual operating funds needed to keep our beneficiary agencies strong, and going about our day to day activities with one eye on the future. With participation in the North American Federation system, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg is linked to national organizations that represent the Jewish community in Canada. Through these organizations we support and participate in activities that foster inter-community, intercultural relations across Canada, inform Canadian political leaders on issues of concern to the community, and more.
About the Business Council of Manitoba
Chief Executive Officers of leading Manitoba companies believe there is a need for business leaders to speak out on major policy issues facing our province. In 1998, they formed the Business Council of Manitoba. The Council has recruited leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to Manitoba’s economic growth and community development. The primary purpose of the Business Council of Manitoba is to research and advocate innovative positions on selected issues that bear directly on the future health of Manitoba society. The Council engages in discussion with political and business leaders, offering members access to new ideas and to decision makers who can convert those ideas into action. The Council does not seek government funding for its operations. The Council values independence and the freedom to advocate without regard to partisan politics. The Council’s goal is to make Manitoba a preferred place to live, work and invest. For additional information, please visit: www.businesscouncil.mb.ca.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Shelley Faintuch, Community Relations Director
Jewish Federation of Winnipeg
204.477.7423 (o) 204.229.3668 (c)
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