A new startup accelerator program aimed at military and national service veterans was launched last week, offering participants a pathway from initial idea to investor pitch.
The program, called OfekTech, is part of the flagship initiative Masa El HaOfek (Journey to the Horizon), run in partnership with the Defense Ministry. It is designed to provide young veterans with career and academic guidance, personal mentorship and tools for personal development.
OfekTech will offer participants intensive training in how to develop a technology-based startup, covering all aspects from ideation to business model development. Each venture will receive legal, technological, financial and marketing support, culminating in presentations to potential investors and business partners.
Participants will be mentored by senior figures in the Israeli tech sector, including experienced entrepreneurs, company founders and investors, who will also help connect the participants to relevant industry networks. The accelerator is supported by the business development firm Seedbiz, which will assist in guiding ventures toward market readiness and investor relations.
The launch event, held in Tel Aviv, was attended by program participants, entrepreneurs and former science, technology and space minister Izhar Shay.
Ram Rutberg (Vice Admiral), CEO of Masa El HaOfek and former commander of the Israeli Navy, said the initiative reflects confidence in Israel’s next generation.
“OfekTech represents our belief in the young people who will rebuild this country after October 7,” Rothberg said. “Veterans return to civilian life with passion, values and extraordinary capabilities; we are here to give them the tools to turn that into impactful ventures that can reshape our society and our future.”