The Startup Ecosystem of Eilat

Eilat is best known as a resort town with access to incredible beaches, snorkeling and diving in the Red Sea. Israel’s southernmost city is primarily focused on agro-tourism and has managed to create an interesting hub in the desert, far away from the other Israeli cities.

Although a much smaller city than most on the StartupBlink Startup Ecosystem Ranking Report, Eilat shows promising verticals and development towards transforming itself into a successful and supportive startup ecosystem. With a strong tourism market and lots of international tourism attracting a variety of people to the area Eilat is seizing this opportunity to develop international partnerships and programmes designed to attract a young and entrepreneurial population.

Tourism is by far the most important strength of the city within this seaside city. With a focus on attracting tourists to the pristine beaches and desert setting, Eilat has many innovations in startups focused on improving social life and leisure. With startups like Farm Guests and Uppsale innovating in the tourism and hospitality space, entrepreneurs and startups that are developing tourist innovations will surely find themselves at home in this city.

As a busy tourist center this small southern city has a big focus on providing a variety of initiatives and programmes to support entrepreneurs looking to establish startups. Strong connections to France, startup accelerators and public initiatives like CEEINCA, MAOFTech, give this city a large competitive advantage. There is also a focus on attracting younger generations to establish businesses in the Eilat area.

Eilat’s unique ecosystem shows promising initiatives and programs dedicated to growing the startup environment and supporting small and medium-size businesses. The tourism industry especially shows promising ventures and a variety of international initiatives are encouraging a more global view for entrepreneurship and startups.