Hightech-Land Israel: Reiche sees Potential for Cooperation - Germany and Israel deepen tech and trade bonds with landmark 2025 conference
Germany and Israel are strengthening their tech and trade ties, with a major conference and high-level visits planned for late 2025. The Mind the Tech event in Berlin will bring together Israeli startups and German firms, focusing on cybersecurity, AI, and defence. Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche is leading a delegation to Jerusalem to explore new partnerships in automation, energy security, and high-tech innovation.
From December 2 to 3, 2025, Berlin will host the Mind the Tech conference, organised by Calcalist and Bank Leumi. The event aims to connect Israeli startups with German companies, particularly in transport, security, and advanced technology. Industry leaders like Siemens and Bosch will participate, alongside smaller German businesses supported by the Bundesverband mittelständische Wirtschaft (BVMW).
Before the conference, Minister Reiche will visit Jerusalem with a business delegation. The group includes defence contractors and startups specialising in drone defence systems. Her trip will focus on Israel’s expertise in protecting energy infrastructure from cyber threats—a growing concern for German businesses facing more frequent and intense attacks.
Germany remains Israel’s largest EU trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding €8 billion in 2024. Israeli Economics Minister Nir Barkat has called Germany Israel’s strongest European partner, with plans to boost exports in the coming years. Israel’s high-tech sector, which contributes over 17% of its GDP and employs 11.5% of the workforce, ranks fifth globally in tech funding—outpacing Berlin.
Reiche has highlighted the potential for collaboration in cybersecurity, AI, medical technology, and defence. German firms are seen as ideal partners for Israeli businesses looking to scale and automate their operations.
The upcoming conference and ministerial visits aim to strengthen economic and technological ties between the two nations. With cyber threats rising and trade already robust, both countries are looking to expand cooperation in key industries. The focus will remain on innovation, energy security, and scaling high-tech solutions.
