Mind the Tech NY 2024Google Israel Managing Director: “It’s crucial we seize the AI momentum”
Mind the Tech NY 2024
Google Israel Managing Director: “It’s crucial we seize the AI momentum”
“The excitement and drive I see in founders’ reactions is inspiring, and it drives my optimistic view of Israeli tech,” added Barak Regev at Calcalist and Bank Leumi’s Mind the Tech conference in New York
Google Israel CEO Barak Regev
(Elad Gershgoren, Tomerico)
“The excitement and drive I see in founders’ reactions is inspiring, and it drives my optimistic view of Israeli tech,” said Google Israel CEO Barak Regev at Calcalist and Bank Leumi’s Mind the Tech conference in New York. Regev added, “I am not going to focus on the challenges the Israeli tech ecosystem is facing today ,I want to talk about how we are building it for the future."
According to Regev, “There are 430 multi-national companies that choose to be active in Israel, and play a big role in the resilience and growth of the tech ecosystem, employing around 86,000 of the local tech workforce. Collectively, we bring products, innovation, infrastructure, and a growth mindset to the startup nation. I think I can speak for all of them and say how proud we are of how Israeli tech keeps on delivering.
“At Google, we recognize the unique role we have in the Israel tech ecosystem, and we’re committed to continue to help build its resilience and reignite its growth. For over a decade, Google Israel has been working with 1,500 startups a year to help them dream, build and scale. Now, to sustain Israel’s global leadership position as the startup nation, it is crucial we seize the AI momentum.”
Regev continued, “According to the Global AI Index by Tortoise, Israel is currently ranked number 7 among 61 participating countries, and there are some exciting Israeli companies in every relevant sector.
“Some of the most advanced AI innovations are being developed by Googlers in Israel, and Google has invested heavily in the cloud infrastructure, including in Israel.
“To support the AI innovation of early-stage startups, we just announced the Google AI Startup Fund. As you just saw, about 20 AI startups will get a non-equity grant to match funding from the Israel Innovation Authority’s emergency fast track. In addition to the funds, we will also provide these startups with an exclusive program that will be built on the foundation of our flagship program Startup Growth Lab, that was developed in Israel, and then launched in 17 countries globally. The new program will focus on AI, strategy, and growth.
“Since 2022, we are investing $25 million over 5 years in developing a pipeline of diverse, talented tech professionals in Israel,” Regev said. “Together with others in the industry, NGOs, and government ministries, we have established programs to inspire, build, and grow AI talent in Israel.”
Watch his full remarks in the video above.
