OPEN

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

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).

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.

In December 2024, upon completion of the two stages, there will be a Demo Day in which graduates of the program will present their projects in front of a wide audience of investors.

When and Where?

The program meetings will be held on Mondays from 17:00 to 20:00 starting on May 20th 2024.

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.