Israel, Ontario ink $87m worth of science and tech deals

“Ontario is the ideal location to take innovative ideas from concept to marketplace — we have a competitive corporate tax rate, a strong financial sector and a talented workforce.”

By NIV ELIS
Updated: MAY 16, 2016 21:04
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. (photo credit: SONIA CACOILO)
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.
(photo credit: SONIA CACOILO)
Companies from Israel and Ontario signed 18 deals valued at $87 million in Tel Aviv on Monday, during a visit from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.
“I am pleased that so many Israeli and Ontario companies have created partnerships to develop innovative solutions to real-world scientific and technological challenges,” said Wynne. “Ontario is the ideal location to take innovative ideas from concept to marketplace – we have a competitive corporate tax rate, a strong financial sector and a talented workforce,” she added.
The deals focused on science and technology, and included one between Ben-Gurion University of the Negev with Zenyatta Ventures to develop earthquake-resistant concrete and another between Insightec and Ontario’s University Health Network for removing brain tissue non-surgically.
During her visit, Wynne also has met with Michael Hayden, Teva Pharmaceutical’s president of global R&D, “to discuses future business opportunities.”
She is also set to meet with former president Shimon Peres and accept the President’s Award from Tel Aviv University for her promotion of tolerance, inclusion and civil discourse.