Inaugural national summit unites American leaders to sign landmark multi-state MOU, creating a unified network for commercial partnerships, joint tech pilots, and U.S.-Israel economic growth.

DETROIT, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA), an economic development non-profit that facilitates connections between Israeli innovation and Michigan industries, today announced the formal launch of the U.S.-Israel Innovation Exchange (USIIE). The inaugural USIIE Summit gathered 80 economic development, corporate, and government leaders in Detroit to unite previously siloed U.S. state initiatives into a single, high-impact national platform designed to accelerate U.S.-Israel commercial partnerships, cross-border investment, and job growth.

During the two-day summit (October 13–14), participating organizations formalized this alliance by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The framework establishes a national gateway for market intelligence, investment missions, Israeli business delegations, and joint technology pilots. This creates an actionable model for multi-state collaboration that preserves regional competitiveness while uniting under a national strategy to attract Israeli innovation.

"U.S.-Israel economic collaboration is vital to the growth and competitiveness of both nations," said Mark Davidoff, CEO of the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator. "For years, states have built successful economic development strategies without the power of a collective approach. USIIE turns those individual wins into a powerful, nationwide hub. By combining our network, intelligence, and resources, we are significantly scaling the commercial impact for every state involved."

Under the MOU framework, USIIE members also agreed to support the creation of the USIIE Ambassador Network, a national network of corporate, civic, academic, and community leaders designated to champion cross-border economic growth across key sectors, including mobility, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and technology.

"Israel and the United States share a powerful foundation of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic partnership," said Elad Strohmayer, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. "The U.S.-Israel Innovation Exchange creates a new bridge between the shared strength of Israel and the regional economies that can benefit from this important endeavor."

The convening in Detroit carries significant weight, taking place at a critical moment in U.S.-Israel relations. It highlights the strength of business alliances as essential stabilizers and catalysts for new innovation, investment, and job creation.

"A strong U.S.-Israel economic relationship is not simply a matter of trade, it's also a strategic asset that strengthens innovation, competitiveness, and resilience," said Chaim Martin, Israel's Minister of Economic Affairs to the United States.

The summit featured roundtables and keynotes on capital deployment, technology transfer, and Israel's role as a catalyst for U.S. regional economies. Leaders in attendance also recognized Laurie Cunnington, Founder of the Pro Semitism Committee in Michigan, with the inaugural USIIE Gesher Award for outstanding leadership in building meaningful economic bridges between the U.S. and Israel.

The power of Israeli innovation as a U.S. economic driver is well documented. By way of example, in New York, nearly 650 Israeli-founded companies have generated over 28,500 jobs and $13.3 billion in economic value. In Michigan, MIBA has connected over 5,000 business leaders, hosted hundreds of trade delegation participants, and driven over $90 million in direct economic impact since 2021. USIIE provides the national infrastructure to mirror these results across additional U.S. markets.

"This is the beginning of a much larger economic movement," said Howard Handler, Chair, Michigan Israel Business Accelerator. "Our vision is to build the U.S.-Israel Innovation Exchange into one of the country's leading platforms for connecting Israeli innovation and American markets, industries, and communities."

To learn more about the U.S.-Israel Innovation Exchange, contact Krista Siefert at krista@michiganisrael.com 

About Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA)

Established in 2017, the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA) is an economic development NGO dedicated to driving Michigan's growth by connecting Israeli innovation with state industries. Through curated connections, strategic delegations, and direct referrals, MIBA has connected over 5,000 Israeli and Michigan entities, facilitating more than 90 high-value collaborations and generating over $90 million in direct economic activity. Visit https://www.michiganisrael.com/ and follow MIBA on LinkedIn. 

About U.S.-Israel Innovation Exchange (USIIE)

The U.S.-Israel Innovation Exchange (USIIE) is a national network of organizations working to strengthen economic, business, and innovation ties between the United States and Israel. Established with leadership from the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA), USIIE brings together regional economic development agencies, corporate leaders, and industry partners from across the country. Guided by a national steering committee representing key regions nationwide, USIIE enables member organizations to share strategic intelligence, and accelerate cross-border investment and commercial growth. 

FINN Partners for MIBA

Israel Inquiries:
Daniel Davis
Daniel.davis@finnpartners.com 

US Inquiries:
Adam Gasper
Adam.gasper@finnpartners.com

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SOURCE Michigan Israel Business Accelerator