Apr 2016

Led by NSW Premier Mike Baird, this mission was one of the most successful to date bringing together a diverse group of people including NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, NSW Chief Scientist Mary O’Kane and medical cannabis advocate Lucy Haslam; as well as senior state government and university leaders, key business executives and top entrepreneurs.

The group of more than 22 leaders, including 13 delegates from the NSW Government, came together to experience an unforgettable journey through Israel. Participants gained direct insights into the state of play in Israel, forging a deeper understanding of the ‘Startup Nation’ and how Australia can harness innovation as a nation.

The mission captured the hearts and minds of the Premier and delegates, including Teva Pharma Australia’s Managing Director, John Michailidis, who said, “The program was well thought out and allowed the delegates from all sectors to gain value from meeting with research institutions, universities, innovation incubators, commercial companies and government. Importantly, for me, it also allowed significant contacts to be made with other delegates that would otherwise not have been made.”

NSW Premier Mike Baird thanked and congratulated the AICC and its NSW Chair and trade mission delegate, Jillian Segal, on the successful mission, “Your support, and the support of the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce, in facilitating the program and bringing together elements of the innovation ecosystem ensured the mission was both enjoyable and a great success. It was inspiring to learn about Israel’s innovation ecosystem and to initiate a number of collaborative projects between Israel and NSW.”