BGU to Invest in Cleantech Ventures
BGU to Invest in Cleantech Ventures
June 16, 2008
Alternative Energy, Business & Management, Press Releases
NEW YORK, NY – January 28, 2008 – Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is investing in Israel Cleantech Ventures, Israel’s first clean technology-focused venture capital fund.
Advancement in research on environmental issues such as water and alternative energy technology is one of the main objectives of BGU’s research programs,” explains BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi. “The collaboration will solidify BGU’s leadership in environment, water and energy technologies, as well foster partnerships with other leading institutions.”
The Fund will work with BGU and its commercial technology transfer company B.G. N. Technologies to commercialize new technologies and inventions in the environmental field.
“BGU has been advancing green technology and science for nearly 40 years, long before it became fashionable,” explains Doron Krakow, executive vice president of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. “This new venture is the natural next step in the University’s efforts to enhance and share their expertise for a greener world.”
“We are very impressed with the University’s researchers who are developing innovative technologies at the cutting edge of the fields of water and energy,” said Jack Levy, one of the partners at Israel Cleantech Ventures. “We believe that cooperation with Ben-Gurion University will contribute to a wide range of activities of Israel Cleantech Ventures and its portfolio companies.”
Israel Cleantech Ventures, managed by Glen Schwaber, Jack Levy and Meir Ukeles, was established in 2006 to provide value added growth capital to exceptional entrepreneurs and their companies. The Fund has raised $50 million and invested in seven companies.
About Israel Cleantech Ventures: Israel Cleantech Ventures was established in 2006 to provide value added growth capital to exceptional entrepreneurs, building Israel’s energy, water and environmental technology leaders. ICV’s investment professionals combine industry expertise gained through decades in senior management positions at Israel’s outstanding cleantech companies, with proven abilities in identifying, investing in and supporting VC-backed companies. www.israelcleantech.com
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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