New initiative will accelerate the transformation of academic research into high-tech companies and industrial innovation across Israel
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL, January 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Israel Innovation Authority today announced the selection of three franchisees to establish Knowledge Commercialization Accelerators, following a competitive call for proposals. Backed by a total investment of NIS 15 million, the initiative is designed to bridge academic research and industry, accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable technologies and high-tech companies.
The selected franchisees, Flex Partners, PEAK.IP Group, and Knowport Group, established by the DesertTech and Climate Innovation Center, will establish dedicated accelerators focused on advancing technologies originating in academia and research institutions. The accelerators will connect researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and high-tech companies, with the objective of driving commercialization agreements and supporting the formation of new startups.
The accelerators will focus on fields at the forefront of science and technology, including climate tech, energy, health, biotechnology, agriculture, and advanced industries. Their activities will be carried out in close collaboration with academic institutions, industry partners, investment funds, and international organizations.
Each selected accelerator brings specialized expertise, proven commercialization experience, and deep networks across academia and industry. Together, they will lead processes of identifying promising research, maturing technologies, developing business models, and promoting the establishment of new companies with strategic importance to the Israeli economy. The initiative is designed to increase the share of academic knowledge reaching the market, strengthen the connection between research and commercial activity, and expand the economic and social impact of Israeli innovation.
Dr. Alon Stopel, Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority, said: “The establishment of knowledge commercialization accelerators is a strategic move designed to strengthen the connection between academia and industry. This initiative will increase the number of applied research projects that are translated into innovative solutions with economic and social value. The selected franchisees bring proven experience, a systemic perspective, and partnerships that will strengthen the growth engines of the Israeli economy.”
Selected Franchisees
Flex Partners Ltd.
An accelerator will focus on the commercialization of knowledge in the fields of manufacturing industries, agri-technology, and medical technologies. The leading team brings extensive experience in manufacturing and agricultural innovation.
Dr. Tamar Shafir, Managing Director of the accelerator, founded the ICL incubator in Europe, and Nitza Kardish, former Head of AgriTech at the Trendlines incubator, brings broad managerial and commercial experience. The accelerator is expected to serve as a bridge between academic knowledge and industrial applications.
PEAK.IP Group
An accelerator that will focus on deep technologies combining life sciences and artificial intelligence. The accelerator will operate across a wide range of fields, including biotechnology, nano-biotechnology, climate tech, water, agriculture, energy, food, waste treatment, digital health, health tech, and dual-use technologies.
The team brings extensive experience in knowledge commercialization and startup creation. The accelerator will collaborate with international entities and investment funds and will focus on deep technologies integrating life sciences and AI.
The team includes Prof. Shoseyov, who has established 22 companies in the life sciences sector; Dr. Bloch, who brings experience in digital health, artificial intelligence, innovation management at Sheba Medical Center, and clinical regulatory consulting for startups; Adv. Shiri Milo-Locker, Head of Business Development at Climatech MEA; and Adv. Shagi Einav, Co-Founder and CEO of Climatech MEA.
Knowport Group, established by the DesertTech and Climate Innovation Center Ltd.
The accelerator will focus on climate tech and renewable energy, alongside digital health, biotech, and deep tech. The program is based on collaborations with leading professional entities, investment commitments in the corporation to be established, and a unique partnership with Science Abroad, enabling access to knowledge and technologies from thousands of Israeli scientists operating worldwide.
The three franchisees are expected to begin operations in the coming months. This initiative constitutes a central pillar of the Israel Innovation Authority’s policy to expand the economic impact of academic knowledge and to strengthen Israel’s position as a global innovation leader in deep technologies (Deep Tech).
Raoul Wootliff
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