A Twix candy bar manufactured by food company Mars. Photo: public domain.

CTech – Candy bar company Mars has partnered with Israeli venture capital firm Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP) to invest in foodtech and agritech research and development in Israel, Mars and JVP announced Wednesday. As part of the collaboration, Mars will work together with Israeli academic institutions including The Hebrew University, The Weizmann Institute of Science, and Technion Israel Institute of Technology, and support existing Israeli startups as well as the formation of new companies.

Tacoma, Washington-headquartered Mars is the manufacturer of popular candy bars Snickers, Milky Way, Bounty, and Mars. It is also the company behind chewing gum brands Orbit and 5, as well as pet food and care brands Royal Canin, IAMS, and Whiskas.