Shenkar College and Phoenix Holdings, one of the country’s largest and most influential financial groups, announced on Sunday a new strategic partnership aimed at linking academia, industry and applied innovation.
Under the agreement, Phoenix will provide significant support for Shenkar’s activities, while the two organizations develop joint initiatives combining engineering, design, art and technology. The partnership is intended to create new learning environments that connect theoretical knowledge with practical work.
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Standing (L-R): Phoenix CMO Amir Pushinsky, Shenkar Executive Committee Chairman Yoav Horowitz; sitting (L-R): Shenkar President Prof. Sheizaf Rafaeli, Shenkar CEO Yonatan Even Tov, Phoenix CEO Eyal Ben Simon, Shenkar Board of Trustees Chairwoman Orit Efrati
(Photo: Rafi Deloya)
The signing ceremony was attended by Phoenix CEO Eyal Ben Simon; Phoenix CMO Amir Pushinsky; Shenkar Board of Trustees Chairwoman Orit Efrati; Executive Committee Chairman Yoav Horowitz; Shenkar President Prof. Sheizaf Rafaeli; Shenkar CEO Yonatan Even Tov; and Oded Chai, vice president of development and strategy.
As part of the initiative, a multidisciplinary laboratory will be established at Phoenix’s new Elef Complex. The lab will serve as a space for development, research and creative work. Shenkar will also operate innovative academic programs designed to create advanced platforms for teaching and knowledge acquisition.
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The planned multidisciplinary laboratory at Phoenix’s new Elef Complex
(Illustration: Phoenix Holdings)
The partnership is expected to begin with concrete steps immediately, while laying a broader foundation for the future of engineering, design and technology. The agreement reflects a shared goal of creating new educational tracks that provide practical knowledge and broaden professional opportunities.
Shenkar said the partnership highlights the connection between academia and industry, as well as the link between design and engineering — a concept the college describes in its strategy as “the third culture.”
The approach promotes entrepreneurship education, knowledge acquisition and high-quality training to help broader audiences gain relevant tools and skills.
Shenkar said it believes the initiative can improve employment prospects, which it views as an important element of Israel’s social resilience.