Virginia Tech’s Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) and the VIAB have joined forces to launch the Virginia-Israel Technology Alliance – or VITAL – a new program designed to bolster the R&D initiatives underway in Israel today, while encouraging economic growth throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. VITAL is dedicated to commercializing Israeli technology in the US.
To celebrate the official launch of the program, you are cordially invited to participate in the "VITAL Business Development Summit" for Virginia and Israeli companies August 19-21.
The three-day summit will be divided into two tracks:
Track 1: August 19-21 – Israeli companies seeking new opportunities in the U.S.
This track caters to a group of 15 Israeli companies who have been pre-selected to present their business models to influential venture capitalists and hold intensive discussions with the executives from the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.
A welcoming reception for all participants will be held at the home of Charles Steger, president of Virginia Tech, upon arrival to Blacksburg, Virginia on the evening August 18.
The Hampton Inn in Blacksburg, Virginia will provide accommodations for all participants, and the VTCRC will oversee all transportation requests.
If you are an Israeli company wishing to apply to the VITAL Business Development Summit or would like more information, please click here.
Track 2: August 20 – Virginia companies seeking new opportunities with Israeli businesses
Virginia companies seeking to identify and benefit from business development opportunities that have originated in Israel, are encouraged to attend a workshop at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Virginia on Tuesday, August 20. The daylong workshop will lead companies spanning industries like biotechnology, high-tech, manufacturing and defense, through the process of identifying networking opportunities and following through the appropriate business channels.
The workshop will feature interactive presentations by leading international business visionaries with vast experience in working with Israeli companies. Topics of discussion will include:
- Emerging markets in Israel
- Research and Development (R&D) opportunities for Virginia and Israeli partnerships…How to receive funding for cooperative R& D projects: (i.e. BIRD Foundation, BARD Foundation, Israeli venture capitalists)
- Overview of Israel’s economic structure
- How to identify business opportunities in Internet technology, telecommunications, biotechnology and more
- Role of the Israeli government in business development
- How to succeed in negotiations: Cross-cultural communication
- How to conduct business with Israeli companies
- Opportunity to consult with 1-on-1 with Israeli business leaders
Featured speakers will include Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Michael Schewel, Yosi Ben Dak, executive vice president and chief scientist of Xybernaut, and other high-profile Israeli executives from both the public and private sectors.
Following the workshop, participants will be invited to attend an evening reception at the Hotel Roanoke. Senior government officials from the Commonwealth of Virginia have been invited to attend, including:
- Mark Warner, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Michael Schewel, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade
- George Newstrom, Virginia Secretary of Technology
