EcoMotion is a global smart mobility community, including over 600 start-ups. Luxembourg will participate in the 2022 edition of the EcoMotion Week, represented by the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office in Tel Aviv and national innovation agency Luxinnovation.
Why are you participating in EcoMotion?
Joost Ortjens: “Smart mobility innovation is a priority in Luxembourg. EcoMotion is the #1 international mobility event in Israel, and a great marketplace where Israeli mobility innovators are interacting with the rest of the world. For us, the event is an interesting opportunity to meet innovative entrepreneurs working on the mobility solutions of tomorrow who are looking to extend their reach in Europe.”
With what type of companies do you hope to get in contact?
“We are in particular interested in meeting scale-ups, i.e. companies with more mature solutions that are working on both their products and their markets. They generally have a need to develop business networks outside Israel in order to promote their products and prepare their market entry in Europe. This is where we can make a good match, as Luxembourg is an interesting launch pad for companies targeting the EU market.”
What key advantages does Luxembourg offer Israeli smart mobility companies?
“Luxembourg is located in close proximity to the attractive German, French and Benelux sales markets. Our population is highly multilingual and multicultural, which means that we speak the right languages and have the cultural skills needed to support Israeli companies in doing business in the most attractive parts of Europe.
We speak the right languages and have the cultural skills needed to support Israeli companies in doing business in the most attractive parts of Europe.
In addition, we offer R&D partnerships and infrastructure that companies can benefit from to further develop their products, or adjust them to European legislation and customer habits.”
In your opinion, what is the most important first step to take for a company that wants to launch its offering on the EU market?
“Many Israeli mobility innovators try to win their first business in Europe remotely, rather than benefitting from business opportunities as a platform for further developing their presence on the European market. This can be tricky, as the Israeli business culture does not always align well with the business culture in different European countries.
Having a physical presence with a few employees able to bridge both sides of the Mediterranean Sea is a real advantage for doing business in Europe.
Israeli companies invest millions in technology, but often hesitate to make even modest investments in a European branch office and in resources on the ground. However, this is generally the key to success. Having a physical presence with a few employees able to bridge both sides of the Mediterranean Sea is a real advantage for doing business in Europe.”
Photo: © Luxinnovation/Marion Dessard