FoodTech returns to the Galilee after years of war

Northern Israel's technology sector is showing signs of recovery, with nearly 40% of companies that relocated during the conflict resuming operations in the Galilee. This resurgence was highlighted at Tel-Hai University's 12th Food Innovation Conference, where new figures revealed a significant rebound in the region's hi-tech industry.

Before the recent conflict, 204 hi-tech companies were active in the Eastern Galilee, including 80 in AgriFood Tech. However, many companies left the front lines, with only seven remaining. Coordinated efforts by Tel-Hai University, MIGAL, regional municipalities, and philanthropic partners have successfully encouraged 80 companies to return, among them 27 AgriFood Tech firms.

"We are working intensively to bring hi-tech companies back to the Galilee, and to attract new ones," said Ofer Rivlin, CEO of the AgriFood Tech Northern Partnership. "This is critical because it is the main growth engine for the Eastern Galilee. It will allow entrepreneurs and industry leaders to turn the Galilee into a global leader in food and agriculture innovation."

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We are working intensively to bring hi-tech companies – including FoodTech and AgriFood Tech start-ups – back to the Galilee, and to attract new ones. This is critical because it is the main growth engine for the Eastern Galilee. It will allow entrepreneurs and industry leaders to turn the Galilee into a global leader in food and agriculture innovation.

The conference also marked the opening of the NIS 30 million FoodTech Boulevard in Kiryat Shmona. This new facility aims to integrate scientific research, technological development, entrepreneurship, and industry. It is part of a larger NIS 55 million National Food Institute project designed to establish the Galilee as a key center for advancing food-security solutions. Prof. Eyal Shimoni, deputy vice president for research and development at Tel-Hai University, described the center as an effort to "create supportive infrastructure, a hub, for companies that are returning to the North."

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Shimoni acknowledged that not all companies will return, citing lingering uncertainty about the conflict's end. "We live in Israel and many are not convinced that it’s the end of the war," he stated. "We created this supportive environment to bring companies back, there’s no other way. We should keep doing what we do, no matter what."

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We created this supportive environment to bring companies back, there’s no other way. We should keep doing what we do, no matter what.