Singapore deepens ties with the Israeli tech ecosystem
Singapore is increasing its collaboration with Israel’s tech industry, positioning itself as a key destination for innovation and investment. With shared values of resilience and a focus on advanced technologies, the partnership between the two nations has rapidly expanded, particularly in fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and fintech.
Over the last decade, Singapore has actively invested in Israeli startups, leveraging its pro-business environment and world-class infrastructure to attract foreign talent and businesses. The city-state’s efforts include partnerships through initiatives such as the Singapore-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (SIIRD), which has funded nearly 200 joint projects with over $105 million in grants since 1997.
Singapore’s strategic location, strong regulatory framework and emphasis on long-term economic planning have made it a preferred gateway for companies seeking to tap into the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market. The region’s digital economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, offering immense opportunities for startups and enterprises.
“Singapore’s ecosystem offers unparalleled growth opportunities, supported by a highly educated, tech-savvy workforce and extensive government backing,” said a local official familiar with the collaboration.
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) has strengthened ties by partnering with Israeli venture capital firms like OurCrowd under the Global Innovation Alliance program, facilitating joint research and development, commercialization and access to new markets. These initiatives have enabled numerous Israeli companies to establish operations in Singapore, including notable cybersecurity and enterprise software players.
With over 6,000 multinational corporations operating in Singapore, half of which use it as their regional headquarters, the city-state has become the global hub for startups and innovation. Entrepreneurs consistently cite the ease of doing business, government support for scaling operations and plentiful venture capital as critical factors behind their decision to relocate or expand to Singapore.
In addition to attracting talent and businesses, Singaporean investment in Israel’s tech sector has increased. The Singapore government has allocated $20 billion over five years to foster advancements in AI, quantum technologies, health sciences and sustainability. Private investors, including Singtel Group’s Innov8 VC, have also ramped up investments in Israeli startups, focusing on enterprise security and AI.
The deepening ties between the two nations stem from historical parallels and mutual economic interests. Both Singapore and Israel are small states with limited natural resources, surrounded by larger neighbors. This shared sense of vulnerability has driven them to prioritize economic resilience and technological superiority, forming the foundation of their partnership.
