The climate crisis, a critical issue impacting all areas of life globally, was the central focus of a full week of sustainability tech innovations in Israel in June. The MIBA Israel team participated in three major sustainability innovation events, during a full week devoted to climate technologies:
MassChallenge Final Judging Round – Climate Tech Panel
MassChallenge, the global network for innovators working to solve massive challenges invited the MIBA’s Esther Loewy to once again serve as a judge for the final round of climate tech technologies. Seven innovative Israeli companies pitched during an afternoon online session with mentors and judges from Deloitte Catalyst, Nestle, Peakbridge VC , Pepsico, EcoWatt Energy and the MIBA.
PLANETech World 2024
The annual innovation community event for climate change technologies brought together 1,500 attendees, 70 innovative startups, and 80 distinguished speakers across 10 dynamic panels and 16 Deep Dives. The MIBA participated in the Climate Deep Dive: Diplomats Event – Climate Tech as a Path for International Collaboration, featuring senior trade and economic affairs executives from the UK, Finnish, and Canadian Embassies, along with the MIBA. Esther Loewy, Senior Director of Market Expansion for Michigan/US, highlighted the State of Michigan’s new program to drive large-scale clean energy investments and leverage federal resources. She emphasized Governor Whitmer’s climate tech commitment and outlined plans under Title 17 of the Clean Energy Financing Programs, which focus on four key project categories: Innovative Energy, Innovative Supply Chain, State Energy Financing Institution, and Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment.
Ignite the Spark - Energy All Stars 2024
Esther Loewy and Liza Yedwab represented the MIBA at an event organized by the leading community for Israeli Energy Innovation, which boasts over 3,500 members and includes sub-communities like Women in Energy.
The day featured keynote and panel discussions with an array of energy ecosystem leaders, including Joshua Volz, Deputy Asst Secretary for Africa, Middle East, Europe, Eurasia for US Department of Energy, Yael Barash Harman, Chief Scientist Office – Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure, and Gili Haizler, MD and Head of Innovation for the Israel Electric Company. Numerous companies attended representing:
- Renewable and Conventional Energy Sources
- Methods for Storing Energy
- Energy Efficiency & Smart Loads
- Hydrogen, T&D Advanced Technologies, CCUS and more
Following an intensive climate tech week, the MIBA’s business development team has been actively engaging with innovative Israeli tech companies to support Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieve carbon neutrality, mitigate climate crisis impacts, create good-paying jobs, and foster a healthier, more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for all Michiganders.
