The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) opened its campus to an Israel Centre on Sunday which is aimed at becoming a “bridge of academic collaboration” between India and Israel. The centre will be largely based on research by faculty and will also include faculty and student exchange programmes.

The Consul General of Israel to Bengaluru, Dana Kursh, during the inauguration of the centre, said the initiative was spearheaded by the heads of IIMB and Coller School of Management. “Both our countries have a similar ecosystem in terms of business, academia supported by the government, and research. Previously, the Karnataka Israel Research and Development agreement facilitated research with state-funding from both Israel and Karnataka. For any economy, startups are very important,” she said.

Speaking about the Israeli startup ecosystem, which is based on three factors — government, industry and academia — Ambassador of Israel to India Daniel Carmon said the collaboration will strengthen the ecosystem of both the countries. “Bengaluru is an ideal centre for startups, and this collaboration is an excellent idea. This is further highlighted by the fact that currently, a Bengaluru startup is representing India in Start Jerusalem programme back in our country. This centre will bring together like-minded individuals in academic knowledge and research.”

G. Raghuram, Director, IIMB, said the centre will act as a hub for research, technological innovations, business strategy, government policies, and culture. “Through this centre, we will also support exchange programmes, host seminars, discussions, and nurture entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / Bengaluru – November 06th, 2017