merck

Merck operates in Israel primarily as the local R&D and investment arm of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (distinct from the US-based Merck & Co., which operates in Israel as MSD). The global parent company is publicly traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker MRK. In Israel, Merck's presence spans its three global business sectors: Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics.

Merck's Israeli tech activity focuses heavily on advanced materials, biopharma R&D, and corporate venture investments. A notable technical focus has been display and semiconductor materials. In 2015, Merck acquired Jerusalem-based Qlight Nanotech, a spin-off from the Hebrew University that developed quantum dot technology for flat-panel displays. The company also operates technology incubators in Israel, such as PMatX, which focuses on advanced materials and novel electronics in collaboration with the Israel Innovation Authority.

Merck maintains facilities in several locations across Israel, including Rehovot, Yavne, and Jerusalem. The Yavne site (Inter-Lab) historically served as a major R&D center for the company's healthcare division, originating from the local development of the multiple sclerosis drug Rebif. Additionally, the company's corporate venture capital fund, M Ventures, maintains a dedicated presence in Israel, actively investing in local biotech, digital health, and deep-tech startups.