July 30, 2002
Virginia announces VITAL Summit Dates: October 16-17, 2002
Focus: Business opportunities VA & Israel companies
by Fred Diamond & Debbie Masters
Virginia Tech announced that the first “VITAL Business Development Summit,” a joint venture between the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) and the VIAB, will take place in Virginia on October 16-17, 2002. According to Ralph Robbins, Executive Director for the VIAB and co-director of VITAL, the new date will allow a delegation from Virginia to visit Israel In August to continue the selection process for the VITAL program.
What is the VITAL Program?
Virginia Tech’s Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) and the VIAB have joined forces to launch the Virginia-Israel Technology Alliance – or VITAL – a program dedicated to commercializing Israeli technology in the US. The program is hosting the "VITAL Business Development Summit" for Virginia and Israeli companies to be held in Southwest Virginia.
TRACK ONE – October 16-17: for Israeli companies seeking to expand their businesses to the U.S.
Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Blacksburg, VA
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.
TRACK TWO – October 17: for Virginia companies who wish to do business with Israelis
Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Roanoke, VA
The workshop will feature interactive presentations by leading Israeli business experts. Topics of discussion will include:
- Emerging markets in Israel
- R&D opportunities for Virginia and Israeli partnerships
- Overview of Israel’s economic structure
- Identifying 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
- 1-on-1 consultation with Israeli business experts
Featured speakers (planned) 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
Track Two: This session 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.
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