Western Negev Tech Hub Thrives Post-October 7th
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israel's Western Negev tech incubator, SouthUp, now hosts 28 startups, exceeding its pre-October 7th numbers, signaling regional growth. The incubator has expanded its focus to include MedicalTech, DefenceTech, and AgroTech, and recently concluded its third DefenceTech accelerator program. CEO Gil Schwartzman emphasized the region's growing resilience and potential as a leading innovation hub, supported by new investment funds and state initiatives. New tech ventures are also emerging to address disaster prevention and support victims.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- SouthUp incubator in Western Negev now hosts 28 startups, exceeding pre-attack numbers.
- The incubator has expanded to include MedicalTech, DefenceTech, and AgroTech sectors.
- The ProTechT accelerator program focused on seven DefenceTech startups from over 120 applicants.
- SouthUp is establishing the Ofir-SouthUp Ventures fund to increase investment in the region.
- CEO Gil Schwartzman highlighted the region's growing social and economic resilience.
- New tech ventures aim to prevent future disasters and support trauma survivors.
The technological ecosystem in Israel's Western Negev is experiencing growth, with the SouthUp technology incubator in Sha'ar HaNegev, near Sderot, now hosting 28 startup companies. This number surpasses the pre-attack count, indicating a resilient expansion in the region. The incubator has welcomed companies across various sectors, including MedicalTech, DefenceTech, and AgroTech, and is actively working to foster innovation and attract entrepreneurs to the area.
Recently, the third cohort of the ProTechT accelerator program concluded, focusing on seven DefenceTech startups selected from over 120 applicants. These early-stage companies receive mentorship from industry experts and investors. This initiative is part of a broader regional effort to establish the Western Negev as a global defense innovation hub, led by SouthUp in collaboration with Hamitbah, the regional innovation center supported by the Israel Innovation Authority.
SouthUp is also focused on increasing investment in the region through the establishment of the Ofir-SouthUp Ventures fund. The fund recently completed its first closing and is actively investing in startups operating in or relocating to the Western Negev. Gil Schwartzman, CEO of SouthUp, stated that despite the ongoing pain and memory of the October 7th attack, the focus is on building and growing startups to strengthen the region's social and economic resilience.
Schwartzman highlighted that this growth is evident in the increasing number of companies choosing the area, the influx of new entrepreneurs, and the directed capital and state support enabling continued development. He expressed confidence that the Western Negev can become a leading Israeli innovation and technology center. Since the October 7th tragedy, new tech ventures have emerged, aiming to prevent future disasters, assist trauma survivors, and commemorate victims. An example is the Synch app by Mipi, an Elbit subsidiary, which replaces traditional radios for emergency response teams and is now used by over 450 communities nationwide, enhancing secure communication and real-time updates.