Who We Are?

DeserTech is an Innovation Community that promotes the development, adaptation and commercialization of technologies that enable sustainable living in arid climates, while simultaneously, turning Be'er Sheva and the Negev region into a global entrepreneurial hub for these technologies.

The DeserTech Community operates at an international level and is located in Be'er Sheva, Israel, part of the world’s desert belt, and a living laboratory of science and technology. DeserTech builds on existing technological and policy research, such as Ben Gurion University and its Institutes for Desert Research, regional R&D centers, and leading startups and corporates in the areas of sustainable agriculture, energy, water, and infrastructure.

The DeserTech community is a joint initiative of the Merage Foundation Israel, the Israel Innovation Institute, The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Ben Gurion University. 

Why?

Desertification is becoming a major global challenge. Desert areas cover over 40% of the world and are already home to over 20% of the world's population. By 2025, 1.8 billion people will experience" absolute water scarcity" and its devastating consequences can be seen in the damage to biodiversity, socio-economic stability, and sustainable development. 

What We Do?

The DeserTech Community has an extensive innovation toolkit to support private and public organizations in the implementation of innovation and connection between the ecosystem members, including:

Community building events
(international conferences, workshops, meetups, investors summits)

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The Merage DeserTech Competition

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DeserTech CEO Forum

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Tailor made open innovation and technology transfer processes
(challenges, adaptathons, needs assessment workshops)

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International seminars for the development and adaptation of desert related technologies

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