Were thrilled to be welcoming some of the worlds highest-impact startups to our Israel accelerator in July, said Israel Ganot, MassChallenge Israel Managing Director. Through a rigorous and objective process, our judges, who are innovation leaders and top industry experts from the Israeli ecosystem, have chosen the best of the best. I’m proud to see such a diverse and high impact class from across industries, religions, and geographies and to welcome them to Jerusalem this summer. The Israeli accelerator will support startups from across Israel and across the globe and will bring together top mentors, leaders and resources of the global MassChallenge ecosystem all to support the success of our startups.
In the past few years, Jerusalem has undergone a startup and hi-tech renaissance and was recently chosen as the world’s number one emerging tech hub by Time Magazine,” Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said in response. Today, there are hundreds of start-ups in the capital, with the number growing rapidly each year. The high demand of entrepreneurs to participate in the Jerusalem MassChallenge program highlights how entrepreneurs are drawn to Jerusalem’s thriving tech ecosystem, which contributes immensely to Israel’s national high tech scene added Barkat.
More than 160 expert judges evaluated startups based on their ability to demonstrate impact and potential, ranging from scientific breakthroughs to industry disruptions. This years panel of judges included some of the worlds top executives, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Of the 48 finalist startups selected:
- 45 percent are in high tech
- 20 percent are healthcare and life sciences
- 10 percent are social impact
- 25 percent in other industries
The finalists come from a diverse range of geographies across Israel and also from Turkey, South Korea, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the United States.
As part of the accelerator, the first-ever class will have unrivalled access to corporate partners, free co-working space, industry resources, and mentorship, throughout the four-month program. As MassChallenge finalists, they will also have access to the global network of accelerators and experts across industries and geographies during the program and beyond. The accelerator program will culminate on October 27 at the MassChallenge Israel Awards Ceremony, where entrepreneurs will pitch their startups with the chance to win a share of 1 million Shekels in non-dilutive awards. In addition to the program in Israel, MassChallenge has selected 7 Israeli companies to participate in the accelerator program in Boston this year.
Moving ahead with global expansion, MassChallenge also announced finalists for its programs in Boston and Switzerland, and opened applications for the UK and Mexico, which is also in its first year. Interested applicants can visit apply.masschallenge.org/uk or apply.masschallenge.org/mexico.
Theres a universal need and responsibility to help early-stage startups across all industries and backgrounds succeed as they set out to solve some of societys biggest problems, said John Harthorne, MassChallenge Founder and CEO. Communities that focus on creating an environment thats open, collaborative, and supportive will drive more value, opportunities and wealth as a result. Were proud to continue advocating for this movement and fueling innovation around the world as part of our global accelerator.
A recent study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology shows that participating in MassChallenge more than doubles a startup’s likelihood of raising significant funding and reaching 15 employees. To date, MassChallenges global network of 835 alumni startups have raised over $1.3 billion in funding, more than $575 million in revenue and created over 8,500 jobs.
About MassChallenge:
MassChallenge is the most startup-friendly accelerator on the planet. No equity and not-for-profit, we are obsessed with helping entrepreneurs across any industry. We also reward the highest-impact startups through a competition to win a portion of several million dollars in equity-free cash awards. Through our global network of accelerators in Boston, the UK, Israel, Switzerland, and Mexico, and unrivaled access to our corporate partners, we can have a massive impact – driving growth and creating value the world over. To date, 835 MassChallenge alumni have raised over $1.4 billion, generated over $575 million in revenue, and created over 8,500 jobs. For more information, please visit masschallenge.org.
Top partners include:
Ministry of Jerusalem? and Heritage?, The Jerusalem Development Authority, Ministry of Economy, The Kraft Group, PTC, Poalim Hi-Tech, ?Robert ?Bosch? Venture Capital?, CJP, EMC, IBM, Liberty Mutual, BCG The Boston Consulting Group, Strauss, Tnuva, ?Wissotzky?, ?HFN, Yigal Arnon & Co., FBC & Co, Reinhold Cohn? Group?.
Israel Media Contact
Tom Bar Av
+ 972 52 3811177
Global Media Contact
Hailey Woldt Eustace
+ 44 (0)7469 150 360