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B I R M I N G H A M
28 | AUGUST 8 • 2024
J
N
T
he current conflict in
Israel isn’t stopping
Michigan’s efforts,
through the Michigan Israel
Business Accelerator (MIBA),
to build partnerships with
Israel.
In June, the MIBA, in
collaboration with the state
of Michigan, supported the
EcoMotion Assembly 2024:
Mobility Innovation in Times
of Disruption (EMA24) in
Israel.
Through a combination
of in-person and virtual
meetings through the online
“Portal to Michigan,” the
MIBA brought together
a high-powered lineup of
partners to the conference.
Michigan’s presence
included industry,
government, investors, and
other partners who were
able to connect with local
technology legacy companies
and startups that flocked to
learn about the Michigan
mobility startup support
ecosystem over video
conferences and meetings
fueled by fresh Frappuccino,
AKA slushy, freezing-cold,
blended coffee beverages.
EMA24’s focus flipped the
typical script by bringing
together its mobility tech
ecosystem with more than
750 startups and 16,000
community members to
connect with one another
and with
interested
partners overseas
through one-
on-one video
conference
and multi-site
webinars. On site
were more than
1,300 attendees, 61 speakers,
35 partners and 50 exhibitors,
including MIBA, led by CEO
Scott Hiipakka and, based
in Israel, Naomi Miller, Liza
Yedwab and Esther Lowey.
EcoMotion advances
the smart mobility sector
through technology and
innovation by supporting
startups to grow and
addressing the challenges
of the global mobility
ecosystem. It comprises
a dynamic and growing
community in the Smart
Mobility field.
“I’m here on my 12th trip
to Israel to build partnerships
between Michigan and Israel
that will create job and
economic growth in both
places,” said Hiipakka, who
came to MIBA’s top job five
years ago.
Hiipakka, a Michigan
State University alumnus,
U.S. Army veteran, and
with more than 25 years in
the Army, most recently as
the Commanding General
of the 46th Military Police
Command, embraces
innovation in technology,
human relations and
strengthening his state of
Michigan, along with Israel.
“My job is to reach out and
build those partnerships that
strengthen both Michigan
and Israel. And my coming
to Israel demonstrates
Michigan’s and MIBA’s
commitment to Israeli
innovation,” said Hiipakka,
also a Michigan National
Guard Brigadier General.
“We’re about teamwork,
transparency and trust,
the building blocks of
partnerships,” he said,
describing the purpose of
his visit, which is “to educate
the Israeli community on
opportunities in Michigan
and how they can be
successful in Michigan.”
Keeping the
Foot on the Gas
MIBA accelerates Israeli startups
coming to Michigan.
NATHANIEL WARSHAY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
MIBA
CEO Scott
Hiipakka
PHOTOS: DEBBIE HILL
Israeli startup
entrepreneurs speak
with Michigan funders
and potential partners
at the portal.