Roy Goldenberg Alumni of the IDF's elite 8200 intelligence unit were the first to ever launch a start-up accelerator in Israel, which is called EISP 8200. The alumni are currently launching a second such accelerator with a stress on the social sector and linking it to technology. At the annual conference of the 8200 Unit Alumni Association, chairman Nir Lempert, who is Zap Group CEO, presented the new accelerator program, which aims to harness the rich human resources of the unit's graduates and invest them in society.
The concept is to use technological means to solve social problems by providing practical tools and assistance in implementing social entrepreneurship.
The first course is set to open in October with 5-9 entrepreneurs. Next year's second course will have room for 20 social entrepreneurs.
The program's sponsors include Castro Model Ltd. (TASE: CAST) and Israel Chemicals Ltd. (TASE: ICL) who will contribute money to the ventures and have representatives on the boards of directors.
The 8200 Unit Alumni Association sees the new accelerator as a sister organization to the business accelerator, which is now in its fourth year. So far 70% of the program's graduates are start-up founders and graduates have raised a total of $40 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 16, 2014
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