In its ever-increasing competition with internet giants Facebook and Microsoft, Google believes it has found an edge in Israeli high-tech companies. The international technology giant on Monday launched its "Campus Tel Aviv," a 1,500 square-foot (140 square-meter) space that will hold regular events for local entrepreneurs and offer access to Google staff and other industry experts. The facility will also host "Launchpad," a selective, free two-week boot camp for early-stage startups. It plans to help 100 promising Israeli startups there each year. To find the startups, Google has teamed up with the Tel Aviv Angel Group. Google calls the facility an "innovation hub" for Israel's many startups. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended Monday's launch and praised Israel as the "startup nation," the world's second largest center of tech startups after Silicon Valley. "The world is flying fast," he said, "and we're leading the way." Meir Brand, managing director of Google Israel, Africa and Greece said, "The expansion of activity, the establishment of the Campus, and the move to new offices in Tel Aviv indicate the company's intention to develop and grow in Israel." Google Israel R&D Center managing director Prof. Yossi Matias said, "The Campus Tel Aviv joins Campus London. It is Google's step to provide support for Israeli technological innovation, both because of the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship and the centrality of Israel in fostering these values. Israel's leadership in initiating innovation is part of its DNA." The first LaunchPad program which is due to commence in several weeks will be executed in partnership with the Tel Aviv Angel Group, is a boot camp-style program for early stage startups. Experts from the Angel Group and Google will help startups with everything they need to 'launch' themselves; from product development to technology, user experience and user interface, marketing strategy and business development. This program will also offer fledgling startups access to more experienced technology entrepreneurs and Google teams. Entrepreneurs can apply directly here. "This entire project has huge potential and will heavily influence the startup scene in Israel, and also demonstrates Google's commitment to the Israeli tech startup world" said Tel Aviv Angel Group founder Yaron Carni. "We at the Tel Aviv Angel Group are really excited to work closely with Google to help young promising startups 'launch' themselves." The Tel Aviv Angel Group is composed of several pioneers and industry leaders from around the world who are committed to the success of innovative Israeli tech startups. The group has a long-standing relationship with Google, as their company LabPixies was the first Israeli startup purchased by Google.
Video: PM Netanyahu at the new Google office in Tel Aviv
(Credit: PMO)
Google started its first Launchpad last year in London.
