Israeli mental health startups join UK delegation as cooperation expands in health-tech innovation

Eight Israeli startups specializing in mental healthcare participated in the second Dangoor Health-Tech Academy delegation to the United Kingdom amid growing collaboration between Israeli tech innovators and the British healthcare system. The companies presented advanced, scalable healthcare solutions during their visit, including AI-driven care models designed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and personalized patient support.

Ronit Applebaum, healthcare innovation sector lead at the UK-Israel Tech Hub at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv, led the delegation initiative, which was supported by Dangoor Education.

British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters welcomed the growing healthcare technology cooperation between the United Kingdom and Israel.

“This remarkable initiative highlights the growing cooperation between the United Kingdom and Israel in the vital field of mental health,” Walters stated. “Both countries are global leaders in innovation and research, harnessing advanced technologies to improve wellbeing.”

During the visit, the Israeli delegation met with UK healthcare organizations, investors, and National Health Service trusts. A UK–Israel reception was also held at the House of Lords in London.

Keren Shurkin, director of the UK-Israel Tech Hub, said the delegation proceeded despite logistical challenges related to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

“We are truly delighted that the delegation was able to proceed despite the challenging circumstances brought by the war,” she said. “By connecting innovators between our two countries, we are helping to deliver impactful solutions that support mental health and transform care for individuals and communities.”

Mental healthcare has been earmarked as a public priority in the UK. Around 20% of adults in the UK are reportedly struggling with some mental health condition. The British government recently decided to invest 50 million pounds (around 68 million dollars) in mental health research with the goal of improving health services through innovation.

Commercial and scientific cooperation between the UK and Israel has expanded in recent years. Earlier this year, British and Israeli scientists launched a genomics innovation partnership following a visit by a delegation of Israeli experts to the UK.

Last December, the British embassy in Israel launched a program designed to attract Israeli tech startups to the British market.

Ceri Morgan, London’s Trade Commissioner for Europe and Israel, emphasized the advantages that the large British market offers Israeli tech companies.

“We’re connecting Israeli scaleups to a $1.2 trillion tech economy, Europe’s largest and third in the world, with world-class infrastructure, rule of law and a clear industrial strategy designed to boost investment and make the UK the best place to do business,” Morgan said.

In 2024, the two countries launched a joint $2.4 million fund to joint tech research projects.