JUNE 29 • 2023 | 11
OUR COMMUNITY
M
ichigan Israel Business
Accelerator (MIBA), an
economic development
organization, recently unveiled
“The Elevator” as the first land-
ing zone exclusively for Israeli
startups in the U.S. This Israeli
coworking community, located in
Detroit’s Bricktown neighborhood
in the Globe Building, is focused
on forging connections between
Israeli startups and companies and
Michigan enterprises.
The launch of The Elevator
signifies a significant step toward
introducing a greater number of
Israel’s cutting-edge and cost-saving
technologies to Michigan. By doing
so, it seeks to accelerate Michigan’s
economic growth and cultivate its
thriving innovation ecosystem.
Michigan stands out as an advan-
tageous choice for Israeli companies
due to its ranking among the top 10
regions that offer competitive busi-
ness opportunities, according to Site
Selection magazine. Furthermore,
Detroit has garnered international
recognition as the leading emerg-
ing startup ecosystem worldwide,
according to Startup Genome’s
research. These prestigious acco-
lades position Michigan as an
appealing destination for Israeli
companies seeking favorable busi-
ness prospects and dynamic startup
ecosystems.
“I take great pride in being part
of Michigan’s vibrant business
landscape that serves as a global
magnet for innovation,
” said Matt
Elliott, MIBA board chair. “With
this announcement, MIBA is taking
a huge leap toward our vision to
position Michigan as the premier
partner for Israeli innovation in the
U.S.
”
Scott Hiipakka, CEO of MIBA
and a brigadier general in the
Michigan Army National Guard,
is currently deployed serving as
Commander of Joint Task Force
Guantanamo, Cuba. “The strategic
partnership between Michigan
and Israel has created a dynamic
environment that fosters innova-
tion, entrepreneurship and mutual
prosperity,
” he wrote from the field.
“The launch of The Elevator truly
takes this relationship to the next
level, and we look forward to the
transformative opportunities it will
generate for Israeli startups and
Michigan businesses alike.
”
Hiipakka will be returning to
MIBA later this summer. In his
absence, Mark Davidoff, founding
board chair of the Michigan Israel
Business Accelerator, has been
leading the organization.
Michigan Israel Business
Accelerator launches
THE ELEVATOR — first landing
zone for Israeli startups in the U.S.
JACKIE HEADAPOHL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
ISRAELI-
MICHIGAN
ISRAELI-
MICHIGAN
PARTNERSHIPS
continued on page 12
Itai Biran and Matt Elliott
ELAYNE GROSS PHOTOGRAPHY
ON THE COVER