Want a Grant from the Israel Innovation Authority?

1.    Who the Grants Are For

The Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) provides grants designed to support a wide range of entities, from early-stage startups to well-established companies, and academic institutions. Key recipients include:

• Early-Stage Startups: Grants aimed at entrepreneurs in the initial stages of development, providing essential funding to turn innovative ideas into viable products or services.
• Growth-Stage Startups: For startups that have moved beyond the initial development phase, the IIA offers grants to help scale operations, enter new markets, and enhance product offerings.
• Established Companies: Even well-established companies can benefit from IIA grants, particularly when exploring new technological frontiers or embarking on significant research and development projects.
• Academic Institutions: Grants that foster collaboration between academia and industry, encouraging the transition of innovative research into commercial applications.

2.    Access to Capital

One of the most significant challenges faced by startups is securing the necessary funding to bring their ideas to life. The Israel Innovation Authority mitigates this challenge by offering non-dilutive grants, allowing entrepreneurs to retain ownership and control over their ventures while accessing the capital they need.

3.    Risk Mitigation

Innovation inherently involves risks, and the IIA helps mitigate these risks by sharing the financial burden. By providing grants, the IIA reduces the financial strain on startups, allowing them to take calculated risks and explore innovative solutions without jeopardizing their financial stability.

4.    Criteria

To qualify for IIA grants, startups and companies typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Innovation: The project must demonstrate a high level of innovation and the potential to make a significant impact.
• Technical Feasibility: The proposed solution should be technically feasible and well-researched.
• Market Potential: The project should have a clear market potential and a defined strategy for commercialization.
• Team: A capable and committed team with the necessary skills and experience to execute the project successfully.
• Financial Viability: A sound financial plan that outlines how the grant will be utilized and how the project will be sustained post-grant.

5.    Most Used Programs and Their Grants

The Israel Innovation Authority offers a variety of programs tailored to different stages of development and specific industry needs. Here are some of the most utilized programs and a brief background on the grants they offer:

Early-Stage Programs

• Tnufa Program

1. • Objective: To support early-stage entrepreneurs in developing innovative ideas into viable products.
   • Benefits: Grants of up to 85% of the approved budget, with a maximum grant of 200,000 NIS.
   • Criteria: Applicants must be in the early stages of their project, with a clear innovative concept and potential market impact.

• Incubators Program

1. • Objective: To provide startups with a nurturing environment, including funding, mentorship, and resources, to help them succeed.
   • Benefits: Grants of up to 85% of the approved budget, along with support from incubators.
   • Criteria: Startups must demonstrate high innovation potential and benefit from the incubator’s resources.

Growth-Stage Programs

• R&D Fund

1. • Objective: To support companies in developing new and innovative technologies.
   • Benefits: Grants covering up to 50% of the approved R&D budget.
   • Criteria: Companies must present a viable R&D project with significant innovation and market potential.

• Pilot Program

1. • Objective: To help companies test their innovative solutions in real-world environments.
   • Benefits: Grants covering up to 50% of the pilot project’s budget.
   • Criteria: Projects must be in the pilot phase, with a clear plan for commercialization.

Established Companies Programs

• Magnet Program

1. • Objective: To promote collaboration between companies and academic institutions for technological innovation.
   • Benefits: Grants covering up to 66% of the project budget for companies and up to 80% for academic institutions.
   • Criteria: Projects must involve collaboration between multiple entities and demonstrate significant technological innovation.

• Grand Challenges Israel

1. • Objective: To encourage the development of solutions to global health and environmental challenges.
   • Benefits: Grants of up to 90% of the approved budget, with a maximum grant of 2 million NIS.
   • Criteria: Projects must address global challenges and have the potential for significant impact.

Sector-Specific Programs

• Bi-National R&D (BIRD) Foundation

1. • Objective: To promote collaboration between Israeli and American companies on joint R&D projects.
   • Benefits: Grants covering up to 50% of the project’s budget.
   • Criteria: Projects must involve collaboration between Israeli and American companies and demonstrate innovation and commercial potential.

• Kamin Program

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  • Objective: To bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application.
  • Benefits: Grants covering up to 90% of the project budget.
  • Criteria: Projects must involve collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners and demonstrate commercial potential.

The Israel Innovation Authority stands as a beacon of support for startups and companies seeking to drive innovation and achieve commercial success. With its substantial annual grant budget, comprehensive support programs, and commitment to fostering technological advancement, the IIA provides an unparalleled platform for entrepreneurs to thrive. By offering financial assistance and risk mitigation, the IIA empowers startups to transform their innovative ideas into market-ready solutions, contributing to the global innovation landscape. Whether you are an early-stage entrepreneur or an established company, the Israel Innovation Authority’s grants and programs are designed to help you achieve your goals and make a lasting impact.