In a tech expansion of sorts, Israel has launched a 225-million-shekel ($70.8 million) programme to boost high-tech developments in the Arab sector in the country.
According to a five-year plan, by the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) and the Ministry for Social Equality, the country will encourage entrepreneurship and hi-tech employment in the Arab communities.
The programme includes the setup of entrepreneurship centres, technological accelerators to advance new ideas, angel clubs to recruit investors, and a technological incubator to promote Arab entrepreneurship.
“Incorporating high-tech employees from the Arab sector is a highly important social, financial, and strategic need,” said Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Israel's minister for innovation, science and technology.
In 2019, only one per cent of high-tech employees in Israel were from the Arab society, said a report published by the Bank of Israel.
