Please note that the Summer Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program is suspended for 2018 and will resume in 2019. Students interested in taking entrepreneurship and innovation courses are welcome to apply to the OSP for the spring semester.

Israel leads in high-tech and start-ups per capita, with groundbreaking innovation in fields such as medical equipment, telecom, agriculture, energy, and many more. That’s why we’re known as the Start-Up Nation. Come join us at highly ranked Ben-Gurion University in Beer-Sheva—the Silicon Valley of the Middle East, as noted by Forbes.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Taught in English, this four-week program offers a unique academic and entrepreneurial experience to international students from all backgrounds, and enables them to gain practical tools, knowledge, and the opportunity to broaden their professional network. The program focuses on the hi-tech ecosystem, providing an understanding of startups, the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and more.

As a participant, you will enhance your career with the following skills and experiences:

  • Hands-on experience conceptualizing a technological venture
  • Conducting market surveys and formulating strategies
  • Presenting a Start-up Pitch and getting feedback from investors and professionals
  • Expanding your professional network through face-to-face meetings with business leaders in Israel, including leading figures from multinational companies, venture capitalists, investors and successful entrepreneurs.

You will also enjoy:

  • Events such as Hackathons and Entrepreneurship on the Bar
  • Field trips exploring many aspects of the Israeli business ecosystem
  • The University’s vibrant student life, weekend trips throughout Israel, and snorkeling in Eilat!
  • Innovation Lecture Series – Gather ideas and tips from accomplished experts in the field of innovation through a set of enriching lectures.

Courses

You’ll take two intensive courses specially designed to help you translate business ideas into successful business ventures.

  • “From Idea to Start-Up”— Develop the skills and tools necessary for initiating and sustaining a new business venture, based on ideas generated by the program participants.
  • “Leadership in Organization”— Learn how to be an effective and inspired leader within the context of an innovation ecosystem.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Yossi Shavit is the founder and CEO of Inno-Negev, BGU’s Technology Accelerator, and the Bengis Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s Project Manager and business consultant. He teaches an assortment of academic courses at BGU dealing with entrepreneurship and management. In addition, Mr. Shavit is the owner of a business consultancy firm called “Afikey Yozma” (Initiative Channels) and co-founder of “Synairgy,” a start-up company.

ACADEMIC DIRECTOR

Professor Dafna Schwartz is the director of Ben-Gurion University’s Bengis Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. She also heads the MBA program in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at BGU’s Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management. She serves on the Board of Directors of Bank Hapoalim Ltd. and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and is a member of the Israel National Council for Research and Development.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Program Dates
The program will take place from July 12 to August 9, 2017
Apply online by March 20, 2017 (please note that the deadline has been extended!)

Eligibility
This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students in good standing who are interested in entrepreneurial innovation and leadership. Participants come from all fields of study.

Credits & Certificate
This program includes two courses. Each course is equal to three academic credits. Upon successful completion of the program, all participants will receive an official transcript for two courses (six credits, transferable with approval from the home university) and a certificate of completion.

Costs & Scholarships
The total program cost is $5,700. Total cost includes:

  • Tuition
  • Accommodation
  • Comprehensive health insurance for overseas students
  • Student card
  • Field trips
  • Two weekend trips in Israel
  • Snorkeling in Eilat

Contact
We’re happy to answer any questions about the program, scholarship, or application process. Contact Jonathan Hakim at to get your questions answered.