Mouli Cohen on Clean Technology

‘Startup Nation’ Cleantech Industry Heating Up

Israel has long been a world leader in water desalination, and is also being increasingly recognized for its cutting-edge solar technology. But the "Startup Nation" is just getting started when it comes to the cleantech industry.

I believe Israel is blessed with a high concentration of individuals who are talented, capable, and daring enough to start something new. In the areas of water, energy, and environmental technologies, there are very significant foundations and roots to Israeli technology capabilities and innovation.

According to the United Nations, Israel recycles a significantly greater percentage of its wastewater (70%) than any other country. IDE Technologies, an Israeli developer of desalination plants and equipment, is a global leader. According to Deloitte, ICV-backed AqWise, an Israeli provider of wastewater treatment solutions, has been one of the 30 fastest growing companies in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa over the past five years.

If Israel's track record of producing thriving information and communications companies is any indication, many of Israel's cleantech startups will succeed. Israel lists more companies on the tech-heavy Nasdaq than all of Europe, Japan, Korea, India, and China combined. I feel the Israeli military has helped develop the technical, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that enable successful entrepreneurship, and these days, Israeli military veterans (including myself) are extremely excited about the cleantech industry.

You can tell what the new technological developments are going to be if you look at where people who came out of defense are in the technological space. I've seen these people move into the Ethernet world, then electronics, then IT, and now into renewable and energy efficiency. This pattern is just another great reason to be bullish on Israel's cleantech industry for years to come.

About Mouli Cohen

Mouli Cohen Mr. Cohen is a successful entrepreneur who has founded and developed successful ventures in the biotechnology, high technology, digital media and entertainment sectors. He has balanced his success in business with extensive philanthropic activities. Over the years he has supported children's charities, food programs, medical research, and the arts as well as education projects both in the US and abroad. He is married to author Stacy Cohen.