OREANDA-NEWS. The figures from Israel are impressive: one startup for every 341 residents; 1,000 new startups launched every year; Israeli anti-virus software installed on five of six computers worldwide. Deutsche Telekom has been active in Israel for over ten years. Our commitment there has recently been recognized twice. 50 years of German-Israeli relations – as part of this anniversary, the years of collaboration with Israel through T-Labs and the Night of the Startups was recognized with a medal of honor.

Pioneer in Israel: T-Labs founded its research institute at Ben Gurion University in Beersheba/Israel back in 2006. It currently employs around 50 colleagues. Between 2006 and 2014, Deutsche Telekom invested nearly 35 million euros in the joint venture with Ben Gurion University. This early commitment by T-Labs in Israel was the reason for the award. Other companies have followed Deutsche Telekom, creating a high-tech park for telecoms over the last ten years.

In total, the Israeli ambassador in Berlin awarded 50 medals, one for each year of diplomatic relations. Prominent figures such as Frank-Walter Steinmeier (for the Foreign Office) and Kai Dieckmann (for the Bild newspaper) were also recognized.