India can emulate Israel's startup success by boosting R&D to 5.4% of GDP, fostering military-to-tech talent pipelines, and prioritizing deep tech like AI, cybersecurity, and agritech. With 1 startup per 1,400 people globally, Israel's model—via Yozma VC program and innovation culture—offers scalable innovation blueprints amid Piyush Goyal's recent Israel visit
Israel's Innovation Edge
Israel, dubbed "Startup Nation," leads with 5.4% GDP on R&D—7x India's 0.7%—funding 50% of deep tech via Israel Innovation Authority. The 1993 Yozma program injected $100M into VCs, spawning 220+ funds, 22 incubators, and $71B M&A in 2025 Q1-Q3. Military engineers drive cybersecurity dominance (top globally) and exports (80% tech output).
Lessons for India
Union Minister Piyush Goyal's Israel trip highlighted collaborations in cybersecurity, medtech, AI, agritech, and watertech. India must triple R&D, create ₹50,000 Cr deep-tech funds, offer patent incentives, and link DRDO/ISRO with startups for global IP focus over service-led growth.
Key Highlights
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R&D Boost: Israel 5.4% GDP vs India's 0.7%; aim for 2% by 2030.
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Talent Pipeline: Military tech founders excel in defence-to-civilian innovation.
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Govt Role: Yozma-like VC seeds; 50% deep-tech subsidies.
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Sectors: Cyber (#1 global), AI, agritech (200+ firms), semiconductors.
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Ecosystem: 1 startup/1,400 people; $11.9B private capital Q1-Q3 2025.
Sources: New Indian Express, Times of India, The Print.