BGU’s Synergy7 Leading Robotics Innovation in the Negev
BGU’s Synergy7 Leading Robotics Innovation in the Negev
April 1, 2024
Negev Development & Community Programs, Robotics & High-Tech
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Robotics Lab
ISRAEL21c – Synergy7, the Negev-based innovation hub that in March 2023 won an Innovation, Science and Technology Ministry tender to establish the robotics lab, hosted the inauguration of the new, first-of-its-kind robotics lab in Beer-Sheva. Synergy7 is jointly owned by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), Soroka Medical Center, Mor Research Implementation, Elbit Systems and its technological incubator Incubit Ventures, and the Merage Israel Foundation. The lab was established in cooperation with Dell Technologies.
The Synergy7 project provides startups and entrepreneurs a tech space and expertise to work on their ideas while helping to develop Israel’s southern region.
BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz spoke with Israel21c at the launch, “Robotics is clearly going to be one of the things that defines the Negev…so much of what we’re doing will be connected to robotics.” Prof. Chamovitz noted that at the BGU Department of Occupational Therapy inauguration just before the robotics lab inauguration, “the thing they talked about was robotics because it is a great tool for rehabilitation in occupational therapy.”
Synergy7’s CEO, Harel Ram told ISRAEL21c, “The lab has the best infrastructure made up of people and equipment. Our goal is to attract startups that would enter with us into joint research and development projects. Anyone who has a startup is welcome here.” The lab is also intended to help the underrepresented populations in the Negev, including the Bedouin community.
Prof. Chamovitz also stated that in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks in the western Negev, the government must refocus all its effort into developing the Negev region. “If we don’t take a stand in the Negev, we won’t be making a stand in Tel Aviv,” echoing the words of David Ben Gurion, “and if we maybe didn’t understand that before October 7, now we do.”
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