Tkuma Directorate, Israel Innovation Authority and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security allocate NIS 4.5 million to support pilot projects for breakthrough agricultural technologies in the Tkuma Region
The Israel Innovation Authority, in collaboration with the Tkuma Directorate and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, today launched a new call for proposals to establish pilot projects for advanced agricultural technologies (AgTech) across the Tkuma Region. The program will enable Israeli companies to validate breakthrough technologies under real-world agricultural conditions while accelerating their commercial readiness and adoption.
Approximately NIS 4.5 million has been allocated to the program. Selected companies will be eligible to receive grants covering up to 50% of the approved program budget to conduct pilot projects in agricultural fields, orchards, and farms throughout the region.
The program is designed to help companies demonstrate the technological and commercial viability of innovative agricultural solutions before entering the Israeli and international markets.
The call for proposals supports a broad range of advanced technologies, including autonomous robots for harvesting, planting, and pruning; artificial intelligence systems for crop management and disease detection; water-efficiency technologies; precision agriculture based on sensors and data analytics; vertical farming; drought- and pest-resistant crop varieties; and additional solutions that improve agricultural productivity while strengthening Israel’s food security.
Selected companies may receive support for pilot and demonstration Programs lasting up to 24 months. The objective is to advance technologies to a higher level of technological and commercial maturity, accelerate market adoption, and connect Israeli innovation with the operational needs of modern agriculture.
Aviad Friedman, Head of the Tkuma Directorate, said: “Agriculture is one of the cornerstones of the Tkuma Region, and the connection between agriculture, innovation, and technology is a major driver of regional growth and development. This Call for Proposals will transform the region’s agricultural fields into a platform for entrepreneurship, experimentation, and technological breakthroughs while addressing the real challenges faced by farmers. Our objective is not only to restore the agricultural sector that was affected, but also to build a more advanced, efficient, and resilient agricultural industry that will attract companies, entrepreneurs, and investment, strengthen the local economy, and establish the Tkuma Region as a leading center for agricultural innovation in Israel and around the world.”
Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, said: “The next generation of agriculture will be driven by deep technologies, including artificial intelligence, bio convergence, robotics, automation, and advanced sensing technologies. This Call for Proposals will enable companies to transform technological breakthroughs and product innovations into solutions that can be validated under real-world conditions, preparing them for expansion into global markets. Bringing together Israel’s technological capabilities with the agricultural sector in the Tkuma Region will create a unique demonstration environment that accelerates the adoption of advanced technologies and establishes the region as an international hub for agricultural innovation.”
Dr. Michal Levy, Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said: “Anyone who wants to understand what agriculture will look like ten years from now should look at what is happening today in the Tkuma Region. We are investing in innovation that will enable the production of more food while using less water, requiring fewer workers, and leveraging more advanced technology. This initiative strengthens farmers, enhances Israel’s food security, and reinforces Israel’s position as a global leader in agricultural technology.”