Cornerstone for Palestine-India Techno Park Laid in Birzeit University

The long-awaited vision of a full-fledged innovative hub in Palestine will soon become a reality. On November 8, 2016, Palestine’s president Mahmoud Abbas and Birzeit University Board of Trustees chair Hanna Nasir laid the foundation stone for the Palestine-India Techno Park, which is being funded by the Republic of India.  

The Palestine-India Techno Park, which will help in creating work, business and other innovative opportunities for young Palestinians, is the result of fruitful discussions held between Abbas and his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.

The Techno-Park will be built on 20 dunums of Birzeit University land and provide a stimulating environment facilitating innovation and contributing to the creation of new jobs and enhanced economic viability. The park aims to nurture innovation-led programs across knowledge-based industries and develop synergies in the creative and technology clusters.

President Abbas emphasized the long-standing relationship between Palestine and India. He said that this will be the start of long-term cooperation in the economic development of Palestine.

Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar underscored the importance of the innovative facility, describing it as “historic.” He said that the Palestine-India Techno Park will lay the foundations of the 21st century.

“India is very pleased to be a partner in such a major project. Knowledge, technology, and science are the only worthwhile road map for nations to follow to prosper and grow,” he said.

According to Nasir, this park will complement Birzeit’s mission to reach out to the Palestinian community through academic programs, cultural programs embodied in the Palestine museum, which was also established on 40 dunums of university land, and now through this techno-park that will bring knowledge to those in the fields of science, technology and economy.

The technology park will be embrace environmental responsibility and modern industrial companies, offering an opportunity for IT businesses, communication companies or startups to launch their businesses in the park, which will have the environment and components needed for companies to grow and prosper.  

With the generous support of India, the project will enhance the infrastructure of the 20 dunums offered by Birzeit University and soon commence the building of its first facility.