Calls for proposals

Tailored Regulatory Support for Breakthrough Bioconvergence Technologies

As part of the National Bioconvergence Program, the Ministry of Health is pleased to announce the expansion of its dedicated regulatory support for companies developing advanced medical technologies that combine biology with engineering and/or computational approaches (Bioconvergence). The program offers tailored, focused regulatory guidance provided by the Clinical Trials Department at the Ministry of Health. The purpose of this support is to bridge regulatory gaps at early stages of development and enable the efficient and safe transition of bioconvergence technologies from preclinical development to first-in-human (FIH) clinical trials in Israel. Target Audience and Regulatory Support Target audience: Bioconvergence companies at the preclinical development stage of an innovative technological product which, due to its unique characteristics, does not fit within existing regulatory pathways for clinical trial approval. Support provided under the program: Development of a dedicated, product-specific regulatory framework that enables the creation of a structured and tailored pathway toward approval, without compromising professional or safety standards. Eligibility Criteria and Program Fit The program is intended for projects with significant potential impact that meet the following criteria: Israeli R&D: The majority of the company’s research and development activities are conducted in Israel. Development stage: Preclinical stage, prior to the submission or approval of a clinical trial application for the product in Israel or abroad. Clinical readiness: The company is expected to be able to submit a complete clinical trial application within two years from the start of the regulatory support. Regulatory innovation: Breakthrough products for which no established regulatory pathway currently exists in Israel or internationally. Connection to Israel: A commitment to conduct the clinical trial in Israel. Preference will be given to companies that also declare their intention to continue development activities in Israel. Fields of activity: Bioconvergence as defined under the National Bioconvergence Program, excluding xenograft components. Program Admission Process Applications to join the program will be reviewed discreetly and professionally: Initial inquiry: Submission by email of a product description, together with an explanation of how the company meets the eligibility criteria and fits the program. Eligibility assessment: Professional evaluation of the company’s compliance with the eligibility criteria and overall suitability for the program. Kick-off meeting: For companies found suitable, an initial working meeting will be held to jointly define the regulatory support framework. Added Value for Participating Companies Participation in the program provides a unique opportunity to work directly with the regulator to define the precise approval pathway required for the product, reduce clinical and regulatory risks at an early stage, and advance the product toward the market in the safest and most efficient manner possible. Contact Details and Applications Representatives of the Ministry of Health and the National Bioconvergence Program are available for inquiries and an initial assessment of program suitability. Email inquiries: Ministry of Health, Clinical Trials Department – [email protected] National Bioconvergence Program – [email protected]

International R&D and Pilot Collaborations – 2025

The incentive program provides support to Israeli companies working with foreign companies on commercialization-directed programs to develop new technological products or to significantly upgrade an existing technology. The program provides financial incentive funded by the Innovation Authority parallel to funding provided by foreign entities such as states, countries, provinces, and cities worldwide. The incentive program offers a financial grant that enables to share the risk in funding the project and assistance with finding foreign technology partners.

Establishment of A Moonshot AI Applied Research Consortium

The Israel Innovation Authority invites proposals for the establishment of an applied research consortium dedicated to the development of groundbreaking technologies in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies should be at the forefront of global R&D and have the potential to provide Israeli industry with a competitive edge in the international market. Proposals must be submitted under the incentive program Applied Research Consortia. This incentive program supports the collaborative development of generic, pre-commercial technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2–5, encouraging shared resources and joint innovation.

R&D collaborations on food and nutrition for Israeli and US researchers – BARD Foundation

The Israel Innovation Authority, the BARD Foundation, and the Budgets Department at the Ministry of Finance are promoting a five-year R&D program in the fields of food and nutrition and inviting Israeli researchers and companies to join existing activities in American academia. The researcher from an Israeli academic institution is required to add a developmental and applicable values agreed by the American researcher, whose work plan has been approved for funding by the American NIFA Foundation. (the American National Institute of Food and Agriculture) or to researchers who previously worked under the funding of the BARD Foundation and have reached a maturity stage of knowledge that may be of commercial interest to an Israeli company.

Italy-Israel Joint Research, Development & Innovation Projects 2025

This program targets joint collaborations between Israeli corporations conducting applied technological R&D and commercialization and an Israeli research institute, jointly working with an Italian industrial corporation and research institute (s). Applicants are expected to develop ready-to-market solutions for products, technology-based services, or methods, which have strong market potential for both Italy and Israel.

AgriTech Pilots in the Tekuma Region

The Israel Innovation Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Tekuma Administration, invites Israeli tech companies to submit proposals for conducting AgriTech pilot programs in the Tekuma region, under the R&D Fund track. This call targets companies whose projects are in advanced development stages and involve real-world testing sites. Eligible applicants must carry out at least 50% of their proposed project's recognized expenses (e.g., personnel and subcontractors) within communities located up to 7 km from the Gaza border, including Sderot and the Eshkol, Hof Ashkelon, Sdot Negev, and Sha’ar HaNegev regional councils - as defined by Government Resolution 980 (Oct 2023). Pilot projects may include - but are not limited to - precision agriculture, vertical farming, AI & automation, smart irrigation, crop variety testing, and other technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Entrepreneurial Training Programs Aimed at Launching Bioconvergence Startups

The Israel Innovation Authority is inviting proposals for innovative training programs aimed at developing entrepreneurial human capital in the field of bioconvergence. Selected programs will provide hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial process - from ideation and industry exposure to project development, team collaboration, and investor presentations. Programs should bring together participants from life sciences (biology, biochemistry, biotechnology) and from engineering, computer science, and related fields, to form multidisciplinary teams capable of launching new, independent ventures with strong market potential.

Yes/Boston Innovation Challenge

The Israeli Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) at the Israel Innovation Authority invites early-stage Israeli startups operating in Health, Resilience, and Sustainable Food Systems to participate in the Yes/Boston Innovation Challenge. This city-focused innovation challenge aims to accelerate measurable-impact solutions addressing Boston’s urban challenges in health access, resilience, and sustainable food systems. What participants gain: Access to the World Economic Forum’s UpLink Innovation Ecosystem, a community of 898 members including investors, Forum partners, and innovative technology companies. Connection to a coalition of partners across Boston’s business sectors. Support for implementing or launching a pilot with local impact. International exposure and strategic networking opportunities. Eligibility: The challenge is mainly for startups or social ventures with an active business model (revenue / funded pilots), typically at Seed / Series A stage, with a proven pilot and the ability to implement a solution in Boston within approximately 12 months. Deadline: March 23, 2026 Apply here: https://bit.ly/4cD2QHm Watch the informational recording: https://bit.ly/4szBDtQ

Establishment of a Bioconvergence Venture Incubator

The Israel Innovation Authority is seeking proposals to establish and operate new Deep-Tech Venture Incubators, with a focus on high-risk, high-complexity fieldsת including bioconvergence. Selected incubators will lead structured venture creation processes, invest in early-stage startups, and provide high-value support to accelerate the transformation of scientific innovation into investable bioconvergence companies.

Scholarship Program for Outstanding PhD Students in Agriculture, Food and Nutrition, Biodiversity, and Bioconvergence

Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Agriculture, Food and Nutrition, Biodiversity, and Bioconvergence