December 8, 2025 – The Government of Ecuador inaugurated its official Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Israel, located within the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, ASPER-HUJI Innovate. 

The ceremony was attended by Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gideon Sa’ar; the Ambassador of Ecuador to Israel, H.E. María Cristina Cevallos Calero; HU President Prof. Tamir Sheafer; and Prof. Amnon Dekel, Executive Director of ASPER-HUJI Innovate. 

As the first Ecuadorian diplomatic mission in Israel dedicated to innovation, the new Center will spearhead collaborations in entrepreneurship and innovation across government, industry, and academia. Activities will include professional and student training workshops, facilitation of industry partnerships across diverse fields, and additional initiatives designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation. 

The agreement to establish the Center was originally signed during the visit of Ecuador’s President, Mr. Daniel Noboa, to the Hebrew University earlier this year. 

H.E. María Cristina Cevallos Calero, Ambassador of Ecuador to Israel, said: “Innovation is a catalyst. It opens doors that did not exist before, transforms challenges into opportunities, and empowers societies to reimagine the boundaries of what is possible. When supported by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, innovation becomes a powerful engine of economic growth, social development, and long-term resilience. I would like to thank the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for its enthusiastic partnership and continued support, which enable us to build meaningful connections with key players in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship.” 

HU President Prof. Tamir Sheafer said: “The establishment of the Ecuadorian Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Hebrew University sends a clear message: innovation is a shared language between our societies. By bringing together Israeli researchers and students with Ecuadorian entrepreneurs, businesses, and universities, we are building a shared space where ideas are developed jointly and move between campus and industry in both countries. This center strengthens our role as a global university and demonstrates how close cooperation between academia, industry, and government in Ecuador and Israel can translate into real impact on the ground.” 

Dr. Amnon Dekel, Executive Director of ASPER-HUJI Innovate, added: “The Ecuadorian Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Hebrew University embodies a growing tapestry of global partnerships supporting co-learning, research, teaching, training, development, and international cooperation. Importantly, this is not envisioned as a one-way relationship. We look forward to deep collaboration between researchers, students, and innovators from both Ecuador and Israel.”