Ideation (Tnufa) Incentive Program 🎁 Program

What you get

A conditional grant of up to NIS 200,000 (about $60,000) over 12 months, covering 80% of the approved budget, to help entrepreneurs and new Israeli startups reach proof of concept and business feasibility. The money can pay for building an initial prototype, IP protection and business development plans, including materials, components, subcontractors, consultants, patent attorneys and exhibition costs. It is not meant for salaries or overheads.

Who qualifies

Individual entrepreneurs and new Israeli startup companies with an early-stage technology concept. You do not have to leave your current job or set up a company as a condition of support, and you do not give up rights to the project. The programme is open all year.

Good to know

It is a conditional grant, not a gift: the Authority shares the risk but you repay the grant through royalties on product sales if you succeed, and owe nothing extra in profits or equity. After the support period, the project can apply to other Israel Innovation Authority programmes. Full requirements and the application process are on the Authority's Hebrew site, so Hebrew is needed for the application.

Verdict

A strong first step for Israeli founders with a technical idea and no company yet: risk-sharing money with no equity, repaid only from future sales. Plan the prototype and IP work carefully, because the budget cannot pay your own salary and you will need other income during the 12 months.

1. Read the Tnufa programme rules on the Israel Innovation Authority's Hebrew site.
2. Prepare a budget for prototype, IP and business development work (no salaries or overheads).
3. Submit your application through the Authority's online system; the programme is open all year.
4. If approved, carry out the 12-month plan and report on progress.