Trade Missions
Experience the Start-Up Nation On the Ground
These immersive, transformative visits provide in-depth exposure to Israel’s vibrant innovation eco-system and to the unique characteristics and culture that continue to make Israel a frontrunner in global innovation and entrepreneurial success.
Delegates have unrivalled access to Israeli business and academic leaders in an insightful and stimulating schedule of meetings and site visits.
Our trade missions facilitate closer business relationships, foster trade and investment, raise awareness of potential joint venture partnerships and technology transfer arrangements, and increase awareness of the extensive opportunities that exist between the two countries.
The increase in the frequency, seniority, and size of delegations in recent years is testament to the growing recognition of the value of our trade missions, and the role they play in advancing trade, investment, and other collaborations between Australia and Israel.
TRANSFORMATIVE AICC TRADE MISSIONS TO ISRAEL
I had the pleasure of leading the AICC 2018 Women Leaders Trade Mission. Our focus was on start-ups in the fields of education and retail. We worked with the AICC to put together a group of 30 senior executive women with an interest in these areas. The trip was an excellent combination of history, politics, innovation policy and meetings with relevant start-ups. We each returned with an admiration for Israel’s economic achievements and the political challenges of the region. In addition to this broader perspective, we had individual technologies to follow up with in the edtech and retail tech areas. The delegation enabled us to gain a better understanding of Israel, relevant start-ups and establish beneficial connections between Australia and Israel.
Jillian Broadbent AO
Chair | Swiss Re Life & Health Australia, Non-Executive Director – Woolworths Limited
I joined the AICC’s Women’s Mission on Higher Education and EdTech and I can’t recommend the AICC’s Mission highly enough. The program was carefully curated and efficiently executed providing an extraordinary opportunity to engage at senior levels with the key players in the Israeli innovation ecosystem – relevant government authorities, higher education providers, venture capitalists, incubators and start up entrepreneurs as well as established companies. The AICC also ensured that our requests for additional meetings were fulfilled and I personally was able to add three highly relevant meetings with Hebrew and Tel Aviv Universities to the itinerary thanks to the access that the AICC was able to provide. We were treated to wonderful cultural and historical tours as well as thought provoking geo-political presentations. It was a fast paced week of extraordinary learning and interactions that were highly relevant to my roles and, quite frankly, to how we can all contribute as leaders to developing the Australian ecosystem for innovation and success. On top of that, I returned to Australia with a whole new group of friends highly engaged in making a difference in their diverse industries and pursuits. Thank you.
Liz Dibbs
Deputy Chancellor, Western Sydney University, Western City District Commissioner - Greater Sydney Commission
I really didn’t know what to expect from my first AICC tour. I had an idea that we would see brilliant new technology, hear from great innovators and speak to well informed subject matter leaders. What really surprised me was the pragmatic approach to solving major world problems and the need for patience and resilience. This indeed was a great learning. All of this took place in an extremely well organised and well led expedition by the AICC. I look forward to my next visit.
David Spence
Chairman - IOTAA
It was a pleasure to lead the 2017 trade mission and see the innovation Israel is driving in renewable energy, water efficiency and technology. The AICC team tailored an itinerary that enabled us to experience Israel’s thriving business landscape and unique culture, making it an enthralling visit for everyone involved. As a result of the trade mission, Macquarie Group is now exploring opportunities in Israel, which shows how effective the AICC is in developing trade relationships between our two countries.
Nicholas Moore
Former CEO - Macquarie Group, Chairman of Screen Australia, The Centre for Independent Studies, The Smith Family and Willow Technology Corporation
A lifelong dream came true when I had the opportunity to visit Israel in Sept 2017, as part of a trade delegation led by Macquarie Bank and organised by the AICC’s wonderful team.
The depth and breadth of companies we visited and met with, were very interesting and provided an extremely valuable insight into the innovation ecosystem in Israel. In addition to conscription and the ability to deal with failure, passion underlines everything an Israeli entrepreneur does to succeed.
The tour was organised with military precision. The support the delegates received throughout the tour and even before we arrived, was gratefully acknowledged by all. I know I speak for most of my colleagues on tour, when I say that the most valuable part of the tour was the cultural element which provided a remarkable opportunity to visit the most memorable and historically significant cultural centres in the world.
Thank you for inviting me, I will be eternally grateful and will cherish every moment.
Christine Holman
Non-Executive Director – CSR, Collins Foods Limited and Blackmores Limited
It was incredible to visit Israel on a mission with Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce. This epicentre of culture and innovation delivered a lot of learning moments and sparked many new ideas as we experienced how Israel start-ups, government and education institutions create a wonderful ecosystem of growth and development. The opportunity to network with 40 fellow female participants, representing a broad range of backgrounds in Australian business, was also a highlight. What a unique experience to be a part of! I can’t thank Michelle and Jillian enough for their leadership and insight, both on the mission and throughout the year.
Rachel Bondi
Chief Partner Officer - Microsoft Australia
The trade mission was extremely well organised and provided great insights, perspectives and introductions. Israel is a great case study on how need is the mother of innovation and how with the right focus and alignment across government, industry and academia incredible things can be achieved for an entire nation.
Alex Scandurra
CEO, Stone & Chalk
Under every rock I've picked up on this mission in Israel I have found first a thought provoking question followed quickly by a valuable lesson. Of course it helps to have a sophisticated guide like the AICC to point you towards the right rock to pick up. There's a spirit here that somehow allows enormous flexibility to co-exist with supportive structures - we've seen it most in the way universities partner flexibly with industry to ensure researchers' ideas are commercialised. And they do it in a way that allows everyone at the table to be rewarded. Totally win, win.
Diane Smith-Gander
Chairman of ZipCo Limited, Non-Executive Director - Wesfarmers
It was a full agenda, comprehensively covering all aspects of the start-up ecosystem. I found it of immense value and in particular have gained an insight into the Israeli psyche and the Israeli economy which are driving this start up environment. The Chamber have been thorough in their preparation. We have met leaders in academia, government, venture capitalists, accelerators, R&D groups and startups. Additionally, we have experienced ancient and modern Israel and have been guided by experts. It was also great fun.
Fiona Balfour
Non-Executive Director - Air Services Australia, AirTrunk, Western Sydney Airport Co.