The government will invest 16 million shekels as part of the “Launch to High-Tech” program, which begins today (Sunday) with the aim of opening new high-tech hubs in peripheral regions. The program will be managed by the Innovation Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience. In its initial phase, it will include 15 projects operating in the South, North, and East Jerusalem.
An Investment of 29 Million Shekels
In addition to government funding, the business sector will contribute 13 million shekels, bringing the total investment in the program to 29 million shekels. The 15 approved programs are expected to establish new high-tech hubs within six months, with an execution period of one to two years. The intent is for these tech companies to continue operating the hubs on a fully commercial basis after this period, providing a stable employment anchor for the region while diversifying the human capital in the industry.
The initiative is aimed at reducing social and economic disparities, expanding Israel’s high-tech industry, and strengthening peripheral areas both economically and demographically. The selected programs will mentor inexperienced workers (“juniors”) using an on-the-job training model.
Among the Approved Programs:
– E2Works Empowering People will establish hubs in East Jerusalem.
– Place.IL will develop hubs in the Tekuma region.
– Light to the Negev and Galilee will establish high-tech hubs in the western Negev Tekuma region.
– The NorthMed Innovation Center, in collaboration with GESOC, will create hubs in the North.
– TSG IT will establish a hub in Ariel in collaboration with the Innovatec Innovation Center.
– The Synovation Innovation Center will open a hub in collaboration with Qualitest in Eilat.
– The Desert Tech and Climate Innovation Center will create two hubs in the Negev.
– The Techlinic Innovation Center will establish development hubs in East Jerusalem.
– The Nurture Climate Synergy Innovation Center will open six hubs in the North.
– GESOC, in collaboration with the Golan Economic Company, will develop a hub in the Golan Heights.
– Nistec will open a research and technological development hub in the Golan Heights.
A Unique Opportunity to Expand the Activities of High-Tech Companies
Minister of the Negev and Galilee, Yitzhak Wasserlauf, stated: “Quality employment in the periphery serves as a growth engine for strengthening society, attracting young and vibrant populations, maintaining constant demographic growth, and reinforcing the region as a whole—whether through the expansion of existing companies or the attraction of new ones.”
Dror Bin, CEO of the Innovation Authority, added: “The initiative reduces the risk for companies looking to expand their activities, allowing them to benefit from the human capital in the periphery and diversify their talent pool.” According to him, “The initiative helps local entities in the periphery offer tech companies an attractive package for launching new operations. This is a real and unique opportunity to expand the activities of high-tech companies and accelerate the development of high-tech across the country.”
It is worth noting that, according to the 2024 Innovation Authority report, most growth in high-tech employment in Israel is concentrated in central regions. The Launch to High-Tech program, expected to employ hundreds, could become not only a stable employment anchor in peripheral areas but also a significant driver for integrating new populations into Israel’s robust tech industry.
