The current period has seen an increasing number of strategic agreements between Israeli and overseas entities.
Kinarot-Jordan Valley Technology Incubator recently signed a cooperation agreement with a California water technology incubator, Claude Laval Water and Energy Technology (WET) incubator.
WET is based on California State University's Fresno campus. It was established in 2007, and is a partnership between Fresno State’s International Center for Water Technology and the Central Valley Business Incubator .
Kinarot CEO Assaf Barnea pointed out that the California State University is located across 23 cities and campuses. Ten of them have water research institutions. "The cooperation between us is on three levels: joint research, joint development based on innovative technology, and marketing water technology. The significance for us is the joint marketing of the products. The American incubator is like an industrial park, and the firms in our portfolio that want to meet other firms will find partners willing to listen there. We'll join in meeting potential investors. The water technology market is very conservative, and you have to form close ties in order to make sales."
Vancouver-based Stern Partners acquired Kinarot in 2006.
In June, Kinarot signed an agreement with the city of Los Angeles on water technology. The agreement will allow Israeli start-ups to use Los Angeles Department of Water & Power facilities for pilot projects.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 22, 2008
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