Pilot Programs to Attract Foreign AI Talent with a Budget of 7 Million NIS

The Authority’s new programs aim to address the shortage of AI experts in Israeli high-tech by importing at least 200 foreign AI experts over the next three years

The Israel Innovation Authority announced today the launch of three unique initiatives aimed at integrating hundreds of foreign AI experts into Israel’s high-tech industry, focusing on startups, as part of the National AI Program. Through the Human Capital Fund, the Authority has approved an investment of 7 million NIS in three programs designed to attract foreign experts, returning Israeli citizens, and eligible individuals under the Law of Return. These programs are expected to bring hundreds of highly qualified professionals with advanced degrees and practical experience to Israel in the coming years.

The three programs selected include:

• Nisha Hitech – Recruitment & Assignment LTD. in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
• Gvahim organization, supported by The Jewish Agency.
• ScienceAbroad, in collaboration with Nefesh B’Nefesh, Vanday Recruitment Agency, and Ocean Relocation.

These organizations will identify AI experts with advanced degrees and relevant work experience from around the globe, match them to unfilled positions in Israeli high-tech companies, particularly startups, and assist with their relocation and integration into Israeli society. Eligible candidates, including foreign experts and individuals qualifying under the Law of Return, will also receive a “foreign expert” visa for a defined period upon their arrival in Israel.

Training an AI expert takes about ten years, including at least a master’s degree and several years of hands-on industry experience. Meanwhile, the growing integration of AI across various industries has resulted in a global shortage of experts.

Israel is at the forefront of “vertical AI,” developing AI-based products for diverse industrial sectors. With approximately 2,200 companies relying on AI as their core technology, Israel is known for its high concentration of expertise. However, sustaining growth and leadership in the high-tech sector requires the continued attraction and integration of top-tier talent into startups.

Currently, an estimated 300–400 advanced-degree graduates join Israel’s high-tech industry annually in AI research roles, far short of the sector’s increasing demand. To address the immediate need for more AI specialists, alongside efforts to expand the local talent pipeline, the Israel Innovation Authority and the National AI Program issued a unique call for proposals. Its objective is to attract AI experts with advanced degrees and experience in high-tech industries to Israel. Applicants were required to demonstrate talent acquisition capabilities in source countries, familiarity with Israel’s high-tech ecosystem, particularly startups, and robust support systems for the experts’ integration into Israeli society.

Hanan Brand, Vice President and Head of the Startup Division at the Israel Innovation Authority: “The program aims to increase the supply of quality human capital for Israeli high-tech amidst growing global competition, by attracting AI experts from around the world to work in local companies, especially startups. Expanding Israel’s AI talent pool is critical for maintaining its leadership in the field. The number of local academic graduates is insufficient, and the shortage grows annually. The selected organizations presented innovative solutions to this challenge, and their pilot programs could pave the way for similar initiatives in AI and other tech domains.”

Ziv Katzir, Director of the National AI Program: “The role of AI technologies in the local high-tech sector is growing, driving substantial ‘technological disruption’ across industries. Unlike other R&D fields, AI demands advanced academic backgrounds and several years of hands-on experience. The high demand for workers and the stringent knowledge requirements result in a significant talent shortage. We believe this program will bring hundreds of experts to Israel in the coming years, supporting the success of numerous startups and strengthening the local industry’s capabilities and global standing.”

The Israel Innovation Authority’s new programs aim to address the shortage of AI experts in Israeli high-tech. By bringing top-tier professionals to the country, these initiatives seek to enhance Israel’s leadership in the field, boost the local industry, and meet growing global challenges.