US: Israeli hydroponics farm expands in Connecticut
In Stamford, two Israeli cybersecurity businesses are building their U.S. presence. In West Hartford, an Israeli digital tech company plans to set up shop on Main Street, where it will market its mapping services to cities and towns across the country.
Each enterprise was founded in Israel and courted by Connecticut officials through a state program aimed at enhancing commercial and scientific ties with the country known as Startup Nation. Launched in 2013, the international business-building effort gained momentum this year with the approval of several new grants and loans.
The money adds up. In 2013, Israeli parent companies with locations abroad spent $560 million on scientific research and development, and another $745 million on computer programming and other information technology services, the country reported.
That year, Connecticut’s economic development commissioner led a delegation to Israel and left with a signed memorandum of understanding with the country’s tech transfer entity.
Since then, DECD has approved a total of $475,000 in grants and $765,000 in loans to five companies, including West Hartford’s SolView and Guilford’s H20 Farm, which is planning a million dollar-plus expansion to keep up with demand from customers like Big Y, PriceRite and ShopRite, according to director Ido Helse.
Read more at the Hartford Courant (Rebecca Lurye)