Israel IT government encourages 5G cellular innovation

Earlier this month, the Israeli Ministry of Communications and the Israel Innovation Authority have launched their sixth clarion call for grants to start-up companies and innovative application developers that operate in a 5G network environment. The grants will cover 20% - 50% of research and development expenses. In addition, applications that have the potential to have an extraordinary impact on increasing the deployment and use of 5G infrastructures will be able to win up to 60% support.

Thus far, the Israeli government has made investments of 24 million shekels (~$6.6 million) on similar projects. These activities illustrate the depth of Israel’s commitment in becoming the leader of the 5G innovation. 

Such program allows Israeli startups to submit requests to conduct research and development at various sites, such as campuses, public spaces, hospitals, etc. through the application of 5G technologies. It also directly promotes the Israeli hi-tech communications industry, especially the Israeli companies that develop communications solutions for communications operators around the world.

The distinctiveness of this program is the regulatory support that the Ministry of Communications offers, which is critical to the implementation of any solution. Winning companies will quickly be issued a license for a wireless experiment, which is tremendous support for start-up companies. 

U.S. companies interested in learning more about Israel’s 5G innovative market or other opportunities within Israel’s telecommunications sector may contact Christina.azar@trade.gov.