Israel Innovation Authority and the Ministry of Economy Launch Prestigious New Training Program for CEOs of Deep Tech Companies

Five leading organizations selected to equip executives with essential skills to propel Israeli Deep Tech companies toward global success

Israel continues to promote the Deep Tech industry: The Israel Innovation Authority and the Ministry of Economy announced today the selection of five entities that would lead training programs for CEOs of deep tech companies. As part of the 12-month program, a budget of up to NIS 1 million will be allocated to each entity, with up to 70% funding. This is a new initiative that aims at mitigating the current shortage in senior executive stratum in these sectors.

Hundreds of deep-tech companies operate in Israel, with new ones being established every year. In many cases, the projects stem from the academic expertise of an Israeli researcher, who sometimes lacks business experience therefore, a business-oriented CEO is needed to lead the company. The new training programs will nurture the future executive stratum that could navigate the companies toward international markets and help them raise significant capital.

Last March, the Israel Innovation Authority launched the Startup Fund, with an annual budget of over NIS 500 million for investment in early-stage deep-tech companies and in cooperation with venture capital funds and private investors. The newly selected training programs are a complementary step to the launch of the Startup Fund.

The new program targets two main populations: experienced deep-tech executives who wish to advance to the position of CEO as well as CEO from non-deep-tech companies who want to acquire the knowledge and tools necessary to lead a deep-tech company.

Hanan Brand, Vice President and Head of the Startup Division at the Israel Innovation Authority: “Israel is a global hub of technological innovation, but alongside triumphs, there is a shortage in executives that could lead deep-tech companies to commercial success. The Israeli high-tech industry has already proven its ability to establish global corporations, and now, via the new CEO training program, we will be able to leverage these talents for the deep tech segment as well.”

Michal Fink, Head of the Growth, Innovation, and Strategy Division at the Ministry of Economy: “The national growth program promoted by the ministry is designed to drive, increase, and primarily grow Israel’s economy by advancing technology companies through competitive clusters and innovation communities in areas where we have identified significant economic potential. Deep tech technologies are among the most relevant and important growth engines at this time, and promoting senior human capital in the field will advance the innovation sectors in Israel. We are confident that the initiative being undertaken here in collaboration with the Israel Innovation Authority will address barriers in the industry and enable companies to succeed and realize their potential, both professionally and financially.”

The selected entities that will lead the training are:

• The Deep-Tech Training Institute – A training program, in collaboration with the Earth and Beyond incubator and SPIRE company, as well as investors and international companies. It is intended for senior managers from other industries who wish to become CEOs in the deep-tech field or for deep-tech managers who want to advance to CEO positions. The program includes exposure to the deep-tech sector and practical theoretical knowledge in topics such as management, company operations, production, investor relations, commercial and legal aspects, intellectual property, practical training, and more.
• Lahav – Executive Development – The program of the Faculty of Management at Tel Aviv University is based on collaboration with venture capital funds and focuses on providing knowledge, practical tools, long-term guidance, and practical experience (Internship) in Deep Tech companies for potential CEOs. Among them are PhD holders in technology/science from universities who want to integrate into the industry, including placement processes in startups operating in the deep-tech sector.
• Momentum Group – An international program for the development of senior managerial potential, in collaboration with “Entrepreneur-Boston,” Momentum from the Pilat Group, the Mamram association, and the Northeastern University School of Business. The program combines professional, practical, and academic training, personal growth workshops, content experts, personal mentoring, roundtables with organizations and senior figures from the Israeli and Boston deep-tech community, mentorship, and placement options. Emphasis will be placed on bridging cultural gaps and addressing challenges related to leading and growing Israeli deep-tech companies during the transition from academia to development and commercialization.
• The 8400 Health Network – A theoretical and practical training program that connects health and high-tech to create a new generation of CEOs in the health-tech industry, with an emphasis on bio-convergence and the integration of engineering and biotech fields. The program offers connections to opportunities for leading companies through the 8400 network.
• Women in Mobility Ltd. – A new corporation based on communities that have been operating in the professional fields of mobility, energy, and advanced manufacturing for several years. The “Academy for Female CEOs” program is new and aims to train women who serve as senior managers in the smart transportation, energy, and advanced manufacturing industries for CEO roles.