Hebrew U’s Yissum Launches Cooperation Centers in US, China, South America

Yissum, the technology transfer company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, announced Thursday that it was launching three new centers of international cooperation in Chicago, Asunción, Paraguay, and Shenzhen, China to facilitate regional commercialization of cutting-edge technologies from the university.

These centers will enable the local adaptation of technologies to their respective markets, and foster multiple collaboration models between Hebrew University researchers and local industries, Yissum said in a statement.

In Chicago, Yissum will participate in the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), a joint education, research and innovation institute led by the University of Illinois System, its three universities and other partners including Tel Aviv University.

At DPI, Yissum says it will “enhance applied innovation through academic and industry collaboration, with the initial focus on entrepreneurship, biosciences, computer science including AI, big data and cybersecurity, as well as food and agritech.

In Paraguay, Yissum has partnered with HC Innovations to foster innovation and commercialization activities throughout South America. HC Innovations is a new venture within Grupo Cartes, a business conglomerate controlled by Horacio Cartes. In China, Yissum has partnered with the China Israel Innovation Center LTD., affiliated with Tsinghua University in Shenzhen.

“With these new international centers of innovation and commercialization, Yissum is taking proactive steps to adapt early-stage technologies and companies to local markets abroad,” said Dr. Yaron Daniely, CEO and President of Yissum. “Yissum is focused on bringing the best of Hebrew University innovation to the global markets where they are most needed and valued. We are working with local partners and investors to recognize specific regional and national needs, so that we ensure successful commercialization.”