Google launches Campus Tel Aviv
Prime Minister Netanyahu cuts virtual ribbon at multinational technology giant's new hub for entrepreneurs in heart of Israeli metropolis
Video courtesy of jn1.tv
The Campus stretches over an entire floor in central Tel Aviv's Electra Tower under the multinational technology giant's new Israel office, which takes up seven floors.
"The world is flying fast," he said, "and we're leading the way. The outburst of human knowledge and the ability to create products is the greatest joy a company can find in its resources. We have plenty of those resources."
(Photo: Yaron Brener)
Netanyahu cuts virtual ribbon (Photo: Yaron Brener)
"Alongside a race to progress, there is regression nearby," Netanyahu added, "but in the end knowledge will win the day, and we are committed to advancing it."
The prime minister added that during his time in the opposition he had spent his free time learning that investment must be directed in accordance with the goal one aspires to reach.
According to Netanyahu, only time will tell whether the reforms in education and entrepreneurship led by him were right.
Platform for entrepreneurs' meetings
The Campus stretches over 1,500 square meters (16,145 square feet) and includes an area for events that will serve as a meeting and workshop place for the startup community.
Google officials said they had met with most members of the Israeli high-tech industry, including entrepreneurs and startup companies, and realized that they were short of a physical space which could be used as a platform for meetings between the entrepreneurs.
Google's Tel Aviv Campus (Photo: Yaron Brener)
Along with the Campus, Google launched a website called campustelaviv.com, where entrepreneurs can find information on the Campus activities and reserve the place for events – free of charge.
The Campus will also provide direct access to Google teams and other industry experts and provide a device lab which includes tablets, smartphones and other devices for the purpose of checking and matching applications.
In addition, Google is introducing the Launchpad – a two-week boot camp for early stage startups. The program is held in collaboration with different partners, including incubators, technological hubs and educational institutions.
Launchpad will help with subjects including user interface, product strategy and technology, marketing, business development and Internet measurement tools. The first programs will operate in cooperation with Upwest Labs and The Junctions, and later on there will be programs for startups supported by the Tel Aviv Angel Group.
International efforts
Joining and participating in the Campus activities is free of charge. "What we are offering here is a space, and we can even talk about refreshments," said Eyal Miller, Google Israel's business development manager.
The inauguration of Campus Tel Aviv comes about nine months after the inauguration of Campus London, and is part of Google's efforts to make itself accessible to society and promote entrepreneurships around the world through Google for Entrepreneurs.
(Photo: Yaron Brener)
"We are aware of the huge talent that has turned Israel into the 'startup nation,' and we are interested in the success of the next generation of entrepreneurs," said Yossi Matias, the managing director of Google's Israel R&D Center.
"We are launching Campus Tel Aviv as part of Google's efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation and in a bid to provide expertise and knowledge in cooperation with technological incubators, acceleration programs and other partners."
"Google began its operations in Israel about seven years ago, and has been expanding its activity ever since," added Google Israel CEO Meir Brand, managing director of the South Africa and Greece regions.
"The ongoing investment in Israel is proof of the extraordinary talent we have here, and we are committed to continue strengthening the Internet's contribution to the Israeli economy and public."
