Ecuador Opens Innovation Center in Jerusalem

In a major boost to bilateral ties and technological collaboration, Ecuador inaugurated its new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Jerusalem on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the deepening relationship between the South American nation and the State of Israel.

The center, located within the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Givat Ram campus, will serve as a hub for joint ventures in innovation, business, and academia. It is the latest addition to ASPER-HUJI Innovate, the university’s flagship entrepreneurship and innovation initiative.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Ecuadorian Ambassador to Israel María Cristina Cevallos Calero, Hebrew University President Prof. Tamir Sheafer, and Prof. Amnon Dekel, executive director of ASPER-HUJI Innovate.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa had laid the groundwork for the center during his state visit to Israel in May. Now, with its launch, the two countries are poised to accelerate joint research, student exchanges, and development programs aimed at producing real-world solutions across industries.

“Innovation is a catalyst,” said Ambassador Cevallos Calero. “It 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.”

Prof. Sheafer emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the initiative: “The establishment of this center sends a clear message innovation is a shared language between our societies.”

Prof. Dekel noted that the partnership is envisioned as fully reciprocal, fostering collaboration between researchers, students, and entrepreneurs from both countries.

Foreign Minister Sa’ar added a layer of diplomatic significance to the event. Speaking at the opening, he expressed hope that Ecuador’s growing presence in Jerusalem could pave the way for restoring its embassy in Israel’s capital. He pointed to Guatemala, Honduras, and Paraguay, which have already relocated their embassies, and cited Argentina’s recent announcement to do the same.

“The opening of Ecuador’s innovation center is another milestone in the right direction,” said Sa’ar.

Ecuador previously had an embassy in Jerusalem in the 1950s before relocating it to Tel Aviv in 1980. The current move signals a renewed openness to Jerusalem, not just as Israel’s historic capital, but as a global center for innovation and partnership.

As countries around the world turn to Israel for collaboration in science, technology, and entrepreneurship, initiatives like this showcase how shared values and visionary leadership can drive both progress and diplomacy.

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