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OPEN

Have you identified an unanswered market need that no one else sees?
Do you have a brilliant product idea?
Would you like to start a Startup based on your academic research?

Join our unique program providing you with the knowledge, practical tools and expert guidance that will help you turn your research or idea into a Startup.

What will you gain from the program?

Puzzle

Practical training in the entrepreneurial process

Pitch

Creating a professional pitch

Fundings

Up to $10,000 Funding Opportunities*

Network

Networking and consulting

Legal

Legal and financial consulting

About the Program

The OPEN Venture Creation Program accompanies its participants in the initial stages of startup creation and development. The program combines theoretical knowledge and hands-on workshops, along with personal team guidance from industry consultants and experts. Participants in the program have the opportunity to apply for up to $10,000 in funding from the HIF fund*.

In the last 5 years, 69 teams participated in the program, with 30 of them successfully securing funding worth millions of dollars.

*Selection of recipients will be made by a dedicated committee. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee receiving this funding.

  • Preparation for the initial funding process for startups

  • Building a business model and refining the idea.

  • Development and construction of the technology’s Proof of concept (POC).

  • Connections and feedback from leading industry experts

Submission

Who is this for?

The program is designed to empower teams of entrepreneurs (2-5 team members**) in any vertical, and is suitable for those with the motivation and drive required to develop a startup from scratch.

We are looking for participants from different and diverse backgrounds, highly motivated and willing to develop a startup.

**At least one founding team member must be affiliated with the Hebrew University community (student, faculty or alumni).

Program Structure

Stage One

Developing a business model and product planning – at this stage the emphasis is on market and customer research while refining the value proposition, planning the product, and developing the enterprise’s business model. During this stage the teams will formulate a work plan and a budget to develop the project’s proof of feasibility and ultimately to present a request for funding to the HIF.

Stage Two

Developing proof of technological feasibility and building an infrastructure for establishing a company and raising additional funding – during this stage the emphasis shifts to developing the product’s proof of technological feasibility. The teams that receive grants from the HIF fund or other sources of funding will receive support and guidance throughout the technological development process. We will also place an emphasis on building an infrastructure to establish a company, including branding, marketing and sales, and the legal and financial aspects of establishing a company, as well as preparing the necessary documents for raising funds or identifying business partners.

When and Where?

The majority of the meetings will take place online, but on average, one in-person meeting per month will be held at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship offices located in the Safra-Givat Ram Campus.

 

A taste of the program

Our graduates

vitru
toni
rellips
plantell
pigmentum
phage solutions
nucelotech
nlt
newroactive
Micro Quant
mastbi
maderight
Labor Lead
kinoko
Gamila Therapeutics
Fungit Biosolutions
flowz
Deep Blue
Count In
bioshade
azteculture
Anyroutes

Question & Answers

Is the program meant for specific industries or verticals?
No. The programs are built to help innovators across agriculture, healthcare, communications, transportation, manufacturing, finance, legal, nanotechnology, tourism and many more.
No.The programs are multi-disciplinary and we seek multi-disciplinarian participants.
The program is absolutely free. ASPER- HUJI Innovate is the innovation and entrepreneurship center of the Hebrew University. We operate the OPEN program to benefit the Hebrew University community free of charge.
Program participants commit to attending all program sessions and personal office hours in a diligent, timely fashion, as prescribed by the syllabus sent by email in advance of the first session. In addition, participants commit to completing all Startup challenges and exercises. Graduate students who wish to participate in the program, whether within the framework of their degree or unrelated to their research, are required to provide participation approval from their supervisor (PI).

Get in touch with Lihi Nachum, Entrepreneurship Programs and HIF fund Manager on lihi@innovate.huji.ac.il

Our Partners

The program is organized in collaboration with leading companies who provide support, professional content at meetings, consultancy services and benefits for the participants.

GROSS Logo
HUJI Logo
Jumpspeed Logo
Labs-02 Logo
MathWorks Logo
Monday Logo
OurCrowd Logo
THE ASPER FOUNDATION Logo
Yissum Logo
הרשות לפיתוח ירושלים Logo
aws Logo
fresh.fund Logo
Deliotte Logo
Fresh Start Logo
GNY Logo
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