SME4SMARTCITIES organises study visits in Israel to explore the entrepreneurial urban ecosystem

On 1 st March 2023, SME4SMARTICTIES organised 4 study visits to explore the existing urban ecosystem of Tel Aviv in terms of collaboration between SMEs, local authorities and citizens. Here are some details about these visits.

1st visit: Start-up Nation Central - Shira Eting presented key aspects of the local innovation ecosystem - SME investment opportunities for Urban environment and Climatech.

2nd visit: Abraham's Hostel Green and Blue Roof - As founder and CEO at Urban Daisy, Adi Sholev guided the visitors to the green and blue roof at Abraham’s hostel, a co-creation initiative. The area is also an appropriate candidate for the Innovation Mile.

3rd visit: Start-up Nation Central - Idit Posler gave a presentation on the importance of urban collaboration to develop an SME innovation ecosystem, an opportunity to study the case of Tel Aviv, ranked as the world's number 7 Global Startup Ecosystem and number 2 Cleantech innovation ecosystem leader (Startup Genome).

4th visit: The Raziff Accelerator is a municipal innovation center in a restored old bus station building in an underdeveloped area. The Raziff aims to connect residents, social and technological entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations with the aim of generating solutions, testing, and implementing them in the urban space with the cooperation of all stakeholders. It provides workspaces, training and workshops, and a meeting place for local entrepreneurs and those who want to contribute to improving the quality of life in the area or who encourage local entrepreneurship. In terms of the SME4SMARTCITIES activities, the Raziff accelerator is an opportunity to study the actual engagement of SMEs and Municipal collaboration in the Tel Aviv innovation ecosystem leader. The area is also being analysed as an appropriate candidate for the project Innovation Mile