Lower Saxony is further expanding its economic and technological cooperation with Israel. The Lower Saxony–Israel Innovation Forum, a one-year pilot project, was launched at the end of October with the aim of bringing together companies, start-ups, research institutions, clusters and networks from Lower Saxony with Israeli partners.
The Innovation Forum is the result of a delegation visit to Israel in February 2026 by the Head of the Lower Saxony State Chancellery, State Secretary Frank Doods, as well as the Israeli-Lower Saxony Security Dialogue held in Hanover in June 2026. The aim is to consolidate the contacts established through these initiatives, to facilitate access to the Israeli innovation ecosystem and to generate new impetus for innovation and technology transfer.
“Israel is one of the world’s leading centres of innovation. Particularly in the fields of digitalisation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, medical technology and security-related technologies, there are numerous points of contact for Lower Saxony-based companies and research institutions. With the Lower Saxony–Israel Innovation Forum, we are building a bridge between the innovation ecosystems of both regions. We are facilitating the establishment of contacts, paving the way for collaborations and, in doing so, strengthening Lower Saxony’s capacity for innovation and competitiveness,” said Doods.
The Innovation Forum explicitly focuses on economic cooperation. It is intended to provide support, in particular, with technology transfer, matchmaking between Lower Saxony and Israeli companies, the preparation and support of delegation visits, and location marketing for Lower Saxony. The pilot project is being implemented by the Hanover Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Hannover) and the German-Israeli Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Israel). The IHK Hannover plays a central role as Lower Saxony’s partner for engaging the business community. It contributes its expertise in foreign trade, its contacts with companies, start-ups, clusters and networks, and its strong presence within Lower Saxony’s chamber network.
The Innovation Forum is based at AHK Israel and makes targeted use of its local expertise. AHK Israel has many years’ experience in advising and connecting German and Israeli companies and is closely networked with the relevant stakeholders from business, technology, the start-up scene, research and institutions.
Acting as the operational interface on the ground, it identifies suitable partners, establishes contacts and supports Lower Saxony-based companies in gaining access to the Israeli market and innovation ecosystem.
Maike Bielfeldt, Chief Executive of the Hanover Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK): “We see great potential in deeper cooperation between companies from Lower Saxony and Israel. Particularly in many promising high-tech sectors, collaboration offers the opportunity to accelerate innovation and bring it to market maturity. Over the next 12 months, we will be creating cooperation formats for both start-ups and established companies on both sides. I am convinced that this will enable us to establish numerous new business partnerships.”
Michel Weinberg, Managing Director of the German-Israeli Chamber of Commerce (AHK Israel): “Israel offers a unique environment for technological innovation and international cooperation. The Lower Saxony–Israel Innovation Forum combines the strengths of both regions and creates ideal conditions for new technology partnerships and economic cooperation. We look forward to specifically connecting Lower Saxony and Israeli companies, research institutions and start-ups with one another and initiating concrete collaborations.”
Source: Lower Saxony State Chancellery (in German)