Aquaculture Pilots

Deadline for Submission:

19/08/2026

Time zone:

12:00 pm

Summary:

The sector-level pilots program under the pilots fund is designed to support industrial corporations in carrying out research and development activities, including pilot programs and/or product demonstrations at beta sites across a variety of innovation systems, in order to address public challenges identified by government entities, in this case the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, that can be solved through technological innovation.

Applications are subject to provisions stipulated in the Establishment of Infrastructure for the Tech Industry Program of the Innovation Authority’s Pilots Fund.

Program Description

This call for proposals is for pilot program, ie: an experimental model for testing the feasibility / proof of value of an existing technology in a working environment that simulates the target market.

These pilot programs in the field of Aquaculture, that will take place over a period not exceeding 24 months and aim to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 – demonstration of the technology in a real-world environment. They are designed to validate the technological capabilities of a product and support its readiness for commercialization in the target markets.

The pilot programs would examine the programs’ potential impact and benefit for the Israeli economy and the aquaculture sector, including:

Precision Aquaculture solutions for optimal cultivation management (control, sensing, data, AI).
Technological solutions in the field of closed systems (RAS) and controlled cultivation environments to improve efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and use resources efficiently.
Technologies in the field of genetics and bioecology, including improving fish health, disease resistance, and adapting strains to changing cultivation conditions.
Technologies in the field of algae cultivation for food, nutritional supplements, functional materials, and additional applications.
Solutions in the field of alternative feed, including sustainable substitutes for traditional feed components.
Technological solutions to improve sustainability, reduce emissions and environmental impacts, and efficiently manage water, energy, and inputs.
Solutions for preparedness for climate change and its impact on marine and land-based cultivation systems.

Finance

At least two-thirds (2/3) of the requested budget should be allocated to demonstrating the technology in a real-world environment (Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6).
To avoid any doubt, up to one-third (1/3) of the requested budget may be allocated to lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), for the purpose of bringing the product to TRL 6.

Criteria

Technological aspect: the level of technological and functional innovation of the product, including its degree of complexity and depth, the technological challenges of the program, and its technological feasibility. In addition: the extent to which the product is mature for trial and/or demonstration at a pilot facility – it is clarified that the more mature the product, the higher the score under this criterion – and the extent to which the trial and/or pilot site resembles a real-world environment.
Business aspect: the applicant’s business and economic growth potential resulting from the program’s success, including the business potential, the size and/or growth rate of the market, the competitive advantage (including the strength of the intellectual property), the market validation performed, and the extent to which the success metrics defined in the application are sufficient for the purposes of commercializing the product. In addition: the quality of the trial and/or pilot site.
Economy-wide aspect: the excess return to the Israeli economy, including high market-entry barriers and the potential for the development of a company in Israel.
Applicant capabilities: the applicant’s ability to complete the program successfully, including managerial capability, technological/engineering capability, business/marketing capability and achievements to date, and the applicant’s ability to carry out the program without the Authority’s grant. In addition: the applicant’s ability to penetrate the target markets.

Application Process

Applications should be submitted online through the Personal Area on the Innovation Authority’s Hebrew website by August 19, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
Please follow this call for proposals page, where any updates regarding the process, if any, will be published.

The Innovation Authority accepts only complete and valid applications, submitted together with all the forms required under the terms of the Incentive Program and its procedures. An application received with material deficiencies will not be accepted and will not be brought before the Research Committee for discussion. Therefore, we recommend sending your submissions as early as possible.

For additional information, please contact:

Name: Growth Division

Organization: Israel Innovation Authority

Email: [email protected]

Name: Customer Service Center