Fast-Track Funding Program – R&D Fund

In response to the shortening runway of Israeli technology companies caused by the appreciation of the Israeli Shekel against the U.S. Dollar and other foreign currencies, the Israel Innovation Authority is launching a Fast-Track Grant Program designed to support companies with strong technological and business potential that are experiencing financing challenges due to exchange-rate fluctuations. The program is intended to help companies preserve the valuable assets they have accumulated, including technological know-how, intellectual property, products, infrastructure, professional teams, customers, commercial agreements, revenues, investments, and investor relationships.

The program aims to extend a company’s operational runway by an additional six months, helping it bridge the financing gap until its next funding round while preserving the technological, business, and human capital assets it has built. Operating under the R&D Fund framework, the Fast-Track Grant Program is intended for Israeli technology companies with a runway of up to 12 months and provides an accelerated evaluation process with decisions delivered within approximately 20–30 business days. Applications are submitted through one of two tracks, depending on the company’s stage of development and funding profile.

The program aims to extend a company’s operational runway by an additional six months, helping it bridge the financing gap until its next funding round while preserving the technological, business, and human capital assets it has built. Operating under the R&D Fund framework, the Fast-Track Grant Program is intended for Israeli technology companies with a runway of up to 12 months and provides an accelerated evaluation process with decisions delivered within approximately 20–30 business days. Applications are submitted through one of two tracks, depending on the company’s stage of development and funding profile.

The program is intended for Israeli technology companies with a runway of up to 12 months that have accumulated meaningful technological, business, and financial assets and demonstrate long-term growth potential and a strong likelihood of continued operation. Eligible companies may apply through one of two channel categories:

1. Early-Stage Companies – Companies founded within the last three years and whose expected expenses during the runway extension period does not exceed NIS 4 million.
   Eligible companies may receive a grant of up to NIS 2 million, representing 33% or 50% of the approved budget, subject to the Research Committee’s decision.
2. Early Growth Companies – Companies founded more than three years ago or whose expected expenses during the runway extension period exceed NIS 4 million.
   Eligible companies may receive a grant of up to NIS 15 million, representing 33% or 50% of the approved budget, subject to the Research Committee’s decision

Selected companies will receive:

• A fast-track evaluation and decision-making process.
• A six-month runway extension through support for an approved R&D program.
• Funding of 33% or 50% of the approved R&D budget, subject to the Research Committee’s decision.
• An advance payment mechanism of up to 35% of the approved grant, subject to presenting the required matching funding.
• Grants of up to NIS 2 million for Early-Stage Companies and up to NIS 15 million for Early Growth Companies.

• Receive a funding decision through an accelerated process designed specifically for companies requiring immediate runway support.
• Submit a request covering the company’s entire R&D activity, including multiple products, within a single application.
• Companies that have submitted another application to the R&D Fund during the same calendar year may also apply, provided there is no overlap with another active application.

Funding from the Israel Innovation Authority will be awarded only following a professional evaluation and due diligence process. It therefore serves as a validation signaling potential investors and business partners of the company’s potential, therefore, may facilitate in future funding efforts.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• An Israeli-registered company incorporated no more than 15 years prior to the application date.
• A runway of no more than 12 months, based on the company’s latest trial balance.
• An R&D program designed to extend the company’s runway by six additional months.
• Total company expenses exceeding revenues.
• Worldwide company expenses during the preceding 12 months of at least NIS 1.5 million and no more than NIS 100 million.
• At least 40% of the company’s expenses during the last fiscal year were R&D expenses.
• At least 50% of the company’s expenses during the last fiscal year were incurred in Israel.
• Companies that have not raised capital during the previous three years must demonstrate that at least 50% of their sales are denominated in foreign currency.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on a combination of technological, business, and financial considerations, including:

• The level and quality of assets accumulated by the company.
• The company’s current runway and the expected contribution of the grant to extending it.
• The company’s financial strength and ability to continue operating after completion of the approved program.
• The difficulty of securing financing in the near term.
• The technological and functional innovation of the product.
• Competitive advantage and strength of intellectual property.
• Business growth potential.
• Management, business, and technological capabilities.
• Expected contribution to the Israeli economy.

• Applications may be submitted starting July 29, 2026 through November 19, 2026.
• Investment Committees will take place on a weekly basis.

Israeli companies seeking further information on the requirements and application process to this program, should refer to the Israel Innovation Authority’s Hebrew site