Special forces training
SOCOM, Israeli start-ups, Tampa Jewish community team up
The Tampa Bay Jewish Community Center, in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Jewish Community Relations Council and the United States Special Operations Command has opened up a start-up accelerator to help the US Special Forces maintain their qualitative edge with Israeli made technology.
A new program will connect Israeli start-ups to the US Special Forces Command (SOCOM).
The program, called the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA) helps start-ups get off the ground.
"The program is based in Tampa Bay, Florida, and is borne out of an initiative by the Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Center in Tampa," a spokesperson for the accelerator said.
FIBA has already begun to accept proposals, of which between six to 10 will be accepted. They will then participate in a four month program in Tampa.
Special forces training (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
The head of the program, Dr. Vicki Rabenou, has extensive experience in the Israeli bio-tech and hi-tech fields. She was formerly the director of Israeli government investment in hi-tech incubators under the Office of the Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Economy.
FIBA signed a deal with United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), who's general staff is based in Tampa. SOCOM commands the Marines, Navy SEALS, and Delta Force, amongst other units.
The companies which are chosen to be a part of the program will be allowed to present their start-ups to SOCOM for purchase by the US government in the fields of bio-tech, cyber security, sensors, and whatever else the US military needs.
"The ability to develop (a start-up) with SOCOM assistance is a tremendous opportunity for Israeli entrepreneurs, and is also an opportunity to help develop the capabilities of the Special Forces warrior on the battlefield," Rabenou said.
