1.The government acts as a coordinator – guiding and advising the interplay between itself, the military, businesses and universities. It is also a business catalyst.

2. The military is a start-up incubator and accelerator. Its famed Unit 8200 attracts some of the best young innovators, who contribute first to the army’s protection and later become cyber workers.

3. Israel invests greatly in human capital. Cyber is a study choice both at high school and university. There are six university research centers dedicated to cyber security.

4. There is great encouragement to cross from one discipline to another and seek diversity. People condition themselves to see things from different angles and to reach beyond boundaries.

5. The current cyber security strategy is focused on potential threats, not potential attackers. It relies on the layers of Robustness, Resilience and Defense, all working together.

A national priority
In some areas such as civil aviation, hospitals and digital healthcare, the private sector is not reacting quickly enough. So the Israeli government, working through INCD, is taking the lead. INCD initiates widespread R&D efforts to find rapid and effective countermeasures.

Another challenge being picked up by INCD is that of malicious ‘influence campaigns’. How can nations prevent other nations and global organizations from interfering in their elections?

The INCD ‘cyber breakthrough’ program supports ultra-high-risk private R&D projects geared towards these problems, but which could never get private VC backing. This is how ‘game-changing’ progress gets made.

These are just a few of the insights into Israel’s fascinating cyber industry. KEYZUNA is close to this industry. Let us help you, our Japanese visitors, to identify the most suitable Israeli innovators for your specific needs.