Program Description

The Israel Innovation Authority, in collaboration with the Tkuma Directorate and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is publishing this call for proposals for advanced pilots in agriculture (AgTech) programs that will run through a period of up to 24 months.

By the end of the approved program, participating companies are expected to achieve technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 – technology demonstration in a relevant operational environment. The objective is to validate the technological capabilities of the product and advance its readiness for commercialization in target markets.

Applications submitted under this call for proposals may, but are not required to, include collaborations in the following areas:

• Collaboration with pilot sites, including regional R&D centers, farms, or other pilot sites. 
• Companies working together to demonstrate a complete value chain within the agricultural sector.

Eligible Technology Sectors:

Plant and animal-based technologies used for food production or industrial raw materials, as well as products, methods, and inputs designed to improve and optimize the cultivation of plants and animals, including:

• Precision agriculture: The use of positioning systems and data analytics to monitor and manage crop health and improve yields under changing climate conditions. These technologies enable farmers to make data-driven decisions, including more efficient use of resources, improved crop yield and quality, and sustainable agriculture. 
• Vertical farming: The cultivation of crops in vertically stacked layers, often using hydroponic or aeroponic systems. This approach reduces land requirements, improves water-use efficiency, and enables year-round production.
• Robotics and AI automation: The deployment of robots and innovative machinery for tasks such as planting, weeding, pruning, harvesting/picking, and sorting. Automation reduces reliance on manual labor while improving efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Water efficiency and irrigation technologies: Technologies designed to reduce water consumption and improve irrigation efficiency.
• Variety evaluation and crop improvement: Commercial field trials demonstrating technologies developed to improve plant varieties and crop characteristics, such as drought resistance, pest tolerance, and improved nutritional values. Such technologies may contribute to higher yields, reduced dependence on chemical inputs, and improved food security.
• Agriculture-enabling technologies: The use of agricultural machinery technologies, advanced agricultural films, natural pesticides and fertilizers, technologies for treating agricultural waste, and other technologies supporting improved field yields, streamlining and shortening work processes, and the use of natural materials. 

It is important to note that applications are not required to involve the collaborations or topics described above; this list is provided for illustration purposes only. 

Finance

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

Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Technological Merit
  The degree of technological and functional innovation demonstrated by the proposed product, including its level of sophistication, technological complexity, and the challenges addressed by the program, as well as the feasibility of the proposed technological approach. Additional consideration will be given to:
  • The maturity of the product for testing and/or demonstration at a Beta Site. Products that are closer to deployment readiness will receive a higher evaluation under this criterion.
  • The extent to which the proposed testing and/or demonstration environment reflects real-world operating conditions.
• Business Potential
  The applicant’s potential for business and economic growth resulting from the successful completion of the program, including:
  • Commercial potential;
  • Market size and growth prospects;
  • Competitive advantage, including the strength of the underlying intellectual property;
  • The level of market validation achieved to date; and
  • Whether the success metrics defined in the application are sufficient to support commercialization of the product.
  • Additional consideration will be given to the quality and suitability of the proposed Beta Site.
• Economic Impact
  The expected contribution of the proposed program to the Israeli economy, including the ability to overcome significant market-entry barriers and the potential to establish and grow meaningful business activity in Israel.
• Applicant Capabilities
  The Applicant’s ability to successfully execute the proposed program, including:
  • Management capabilities;
  • Technological and engineering expertise;
  • Business and marketing capabilities;
  • Achievements to date; and
  • The Applicant’s ability to carry out the Program without support from the Israel Innovation Authority.

Additional consideration will be given to the applicant’s ability to penetrate and compete in its target markets.

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted online through the personal area no later than August 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Israel time). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
• Before submitting an application, applicants are encouraged to:
  • Carefully review the provisions of the Benefits Program and the Sub-Program, as well as the applicable procedures, and ensure compliance with all eligibility requirements and threshold conditions.
  • Review the guidelines and instructions set forth in the Benefits Program and the relevant procedures.

Submission to the Innovation Authority

• Applications to the Innovation Authority must be submitted via the applicant’s personal area on the Innovation Authority website.
• All forms and supporting documents must be uploaded through the “Attachments” section located at the bottom of the online application form.
• Applicants are encouraged to monitor the call for proposals webpage for updates, clarifications, and announcements relating to this process.

Important Notes

• Publication of this call for proposals does not constitute a commitment by the Israel Innovation Authority to approve any application submitted under this call.
• Applicants must comply with all requirements and instructions set forth in the incentive program, the Sub-Program, the applicable procedures, and this call for proposals.
• The Israel Innovation Authority will review only complete and properly submitted applications that include all required forms and supporting documentation.
• Companies wishing to receive confirmation that their application has been successfully received are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
• Applications containing material omissions, deficiencies, or missing documentation will not be accepted and will not be brought before the Research Committee for evaluation.