International Health Brand Reckitt Benckiser (RB) to Sign Cooperation Agreement with Israel Innovation Authority
The Authority will help RB in identifying the Israeli companies with relevant technologies, initially focusing on AI and blockchain technologies.
Nov. 28th, 2018. Jerusalem – Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Economy and Industry and Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority, Dr. Ami Appelbaum, and Dirk Hondmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Reckitt Benckiser (RB), will tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 29th) sign an agreement to drive greater collaboration between Israeli technology companies and RB.
As part of the cooperation, the Israel Innovation Authority will support RB to identify technological developments relevant to its consumer health portfolio. While the initial focus will be AI and blockchain, the agreement covers any Israeli company with innovative technologies that complement the group’s product portfolio.
When such technologies are identified, the Israel Innovation Authority will provide funding for the Israeli startups, while RB will match those funds with in-kind support. RB’s global expertise in marketing, finance and regulatory which will help Israeli companies’ global export ambitions.
The agreement is part of the Israel Innovation Authority’s Collaborative Framework with Multinational Corporations (MNC) program, which began in 2005. The program offers a unique framework for technological cooperation between MNCs and innovative Israeli companies.
Minister of Economy and Industry, Mr. Eli Cohen: “The health market and especially pharma are among the fastest growing industries in the world. There is no doubt that the agreement signed between RB and the Israel Innovation Authority constitutes a vote of confidence in Israeli startup industry and innovations, further highlighting Israel’s key position in shaping the future health landscape.”
“This agreement is a testament to Israel’s role at the forefront of innovation, which is drawing international attention in many leading fields. Israeli government has indicated its commitment to expand Israel’s leadership in the global digital health industry. To this end, the Israel Innovation Authority joins leading international pharma and health companies to leverage local, outstanding scientific resources, global ICT leadership and technological prowess in big data analytics, AI and machine learning to enable the creation of technological innovations that will transform the entire healthcare industry worldwide”, said Dr. Ami Appelbaum, Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Economy and Industry and Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority.
According to the agreement, the Innovation Authority helps multinationals pinpoint Israeli technologies that address the corporation’s specific needs, providing financial support for research and development. Among the corporations that have already signed such collaborative agreements with the Authority: Intel, Audi, Abbot, Unilever, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Panasonic, Philips, Nielsen, Fujitsu, Renault and many others.
Dirk Hondmann, Chief Scientific Officer at RB, says: “We are a consumer-driven company, so partnering with like-minded entrepreneurs who can translate science into consumer health solutions is our key focus. As the global health landscape shifts towards illness prevention and wellness, having a strong innovation pipeline of early warning and preventative solutions is the goal for RB and is crucial to delivering real-world solutions. With Israel’s world class ecosystem in digital health technology, and RB’s expertise in going to market with scale and speed, we are confident that this partnership will find solutions that will support millions in having healthier lives and happier homes.”
About RB
RB is the global leading consumer health, hygiene and home company. Driven by a purpose to build healthier lives and happier homes, RB has operations in over 60 countries. From the foundations of wellness and infant nutrition, to the fundamentals of a hygienic home, our global brands help people live healthier, happier lives. RB has world leading Powerbrands which include household names such as Enfamil, Nutramigen, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, Woolite and Air Wick. RB’s unique culture is at the heart of its success. Its drive to achieve, passion to outperform and commitment to quality and scientific excellence are manifested in the work of over 40,000 RB employees worldwide