Your PARTNER in INNOVATION

We are a nonprofit organization committed to advancing Michigan’s innovative ecosystem through Israeli connections.

Our focus


MIBA targets six strategic focus areas that align with the strengths shared by the Michigan and Israeli ecosystems.

Mobility (1)

Mobility

Silhouette of a tank with a soldier

Defense

Advanced Manufacturing I 4.0 (1)

Advanced Manufacturing /
I 4.0

Health-Life-Sciences (1)

Health Tech

Food_AGR (1)

Food + AgTech

Sustainability Technology (1)

Sustainability Tech

Mobility

Michigan...

ranks No. 1 in the nation in connected and automated vehicle projects (49)

has the highest concentration of mechanical and industrial engineers, over four times higher than the national average

has the most extensive network of autonomous vehicle and mobility testing infrastructure and the nation's friendliest laws for testing self - driving cars

has 61 of North America’s top 100 auto suppliers are headquartered in the state

houses 16 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) headquarters and tech centers

is home to 375 automotive research and development centers

has the highest concentration of all-weather testing sites and mobility infrastructure

Defense
Advanced Manufacturing / I 4.0
Health Tech
Food + AgTech
Sustainability Tech

Why we do it


We are proud Michiganders with an intense desire to help fuel Michigan’s economic growth.
With the largest number of tech startups per capita in the world, Israel’s innovation ecosystem is second to none. With such an abundant resource of innovation, Michigan is a natural fit for partnership with Israel.

Why Michigan


Michigan’s economic strength and leadership across multiple industry sectors makes the state an ideal partner for Israeli innovation. Our location, infrastructure, innovative culture, world-renowned educational institutions, and nationally recognized access to talent all contribute to Michigan’s current success and future opportunities for Israeli partnerships.

Michigan rankings


#1

Talent

With 133,000 engineers, Michigan has the highest concentration in the U.S.

#4

Cost of Living

With a cost of living 10% below the national average, Michigan ranks as the 4th most affordable state.

#12

Cost to do Business

Michigan ranks 12th in the Tax Foundation’s 2020 Business Tax Climate Index.

Michigan’s cost of living is considerably lower compared to the
country’s other leading cities

MIBA_SanFran

California

Living in San Francisco will cost you 62% more when compared to living in Detroit. Not to mention Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, boasting more freshwater coastline than California, or any other state for that matter.

MIIBA_Brooklyn

New York

Living in Brooklyn is 53% more expensive compared to living in Detroit. Michigan is also home to more than 100 wineries and is known as the top 10 craft beer state in the U.S. This has spurred the growth of vibrant and diverse downtown areas throughout the state.

Who we are


We are a nonprofit organization committed to advancing Michigan’s innovative ecosystem, through Israeli connections.

Scott Hiipakka

Chief Executive Officer

Bernard Bourgeois

Director of Ecosystem Development

Naomi Miller

Director of Israel Partnerships

Krista Siefert

Director of Operations

Dan Ryan

Defense & Aerospace Partnerships

Esther Loewy

Senior Director, Market Expansion - MI US

Liza Yedwab

Manager of Israel Operations

Rachel Fine

Community Engagement Manager