Tsofen Accelerator News
6 articles
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USAID’s exit triggered a funding crisis for Tsofen, exposing how fragile the path to diversity in Israeli high-tech really is.
Tsofen, an organization focused on integrating Arab society into Israeli high-tech, faces a funding crisis after USAID cut $2.8 million in support, which was half of its budget. This has led to layoffs and freezing of courses. Despite the setback, Tsofen continues its mission with support from private donors and foundations. The organization has partnered with companies like Intel, Amdocs, and Nvidia to integrate Arab engineers. However, recent tensions and government delays in funding have exacerbated challenges. The Ministry of Labors Forsatech program, meant to support Arab integration, faced delays and budget cuts. Tsofen remains committed to its goal of increasing Arab representation in high-tech, despite these obstacles.
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ההצבעה נפתחה: אלו המועמדות והמועמדים הסופיים שבחרתם ב-GeekAwards | גיקטיים
GeekAwards has announced the finalists for its annual awards ceremony in the Israeli tech industry. The voting process is now open to the public, and winners will be announced at the GeekAwards ceremony on February 13th. The finalists include startups, large tech companies, venture capital firms, accelerators, and international technology giants. The voting will be combined with the votes of a panel of over 40 judges with experience in the startup, technology, and venture capital sectors. The winners will also be revealed on the GeekAwards website and mobile app. The article encourages people to vote and support the best candidates.
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מסע אל מחוץ לבועה: הכירו את מרכזי ההייטק בפריפריה | כלכליסט
The article discusses the growth of technology centers in peripheral areas of Israel, as tech companies in central regions are in dire need of more employees. Independent technology centers are flourishing in these areas, focusing on local needs and relying on local engineers to create innovative solutions. The article highlights three prominent centers. The Israeli government has set a national goal to increase the employment rate in the tech sector by 50% by 2026, meaning an addition of at least 150,000 workers. The article suggests that to find these new workers, Israel will need to look beyond the confines of its tech bubble and identify places where a culture of technological entrepreneurship is beginning to form.
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https://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Tech/Transforming-Kafr-Kasim-into-a-hi-tech-center-483916
NGO Tsofen and city mayor team up to promote entrepreneurship in the Arab sector and establish a hi-tech hub in Kafr Kasim. Tsofen aims to train budding entrepreneurs and attract Israeli and international companies to open branches in the citys industrial zone. The organization is partnering with the MIT Enterprise Forum of Israel and the US Embassy in Israels Middle East Partnership Initiative to operate an entrepreneurship school and accelerator program. The mayor plans to create a second hi-tech industrial zone nearby, offering tax benefits and government support. The goal is to transform Kafr Kasim into a center of hi-tech innovation and collaboration between Arabs and Jews.
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https://www.geektime.com/2016/06/23/trio-tech-arab-israeli-entrepreneurs-take-the-stage-pitching-to-the-startup-nation/
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First Arab-Israeli startup school launches
A new innovation school called TRI/O Tech is launching in Kafr Qasim, Israel. The school aims to address the underrepresentation of the Arab sector in high-tech industries by providing exposure to current trends and creating connections with the high-tech world. The project is primarily funded by MEPI and is backed by Tsofen and the MIT Enterprise Forum. The school will offer a pre-accelerator program to entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to turn their projects into startups. The school plans to attract companies, create jobs, and establish high-tech industries in the Arab sector. The admissions requirements include a passion for entrepreneurship and excellence. The first class is expected to have 15-20 students.
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